Breville Dual Boiler vs. Barista Pro: A Detailed Comparison

In the debate between the Breville Dual Boiler and the Breville Barista Pro, the former emerges as the superior choice for those seeking an advanced, high-performance espresso machine. The Breville Dual Boiler stands out with its commercial-grade features, offering precise control over temperature and pressure. This dual-boiler system ensures consistent and stable extraction, crucial for crafting the perfect espresso shot. Its separate boilers for steam and espresso allow for simultaneous brewing and steaming, making it ideal for serious home baristas who demand both efficiency and quality. On the other hand, the Breville Barista Pro caters to users who prioritize convenience and speed. Its integrated grinder and compact design streamline the espresso-making process, allowing for quick and easy preparation without sacrificing too much counter space. While the Barista Pro is user-friendly and offers a solid performance with its all-in-one approach, it lacks the temperature and pressure control found in the Dual Boiler. Therefore, for those who value meticulous control and are willing to invest in a more sophisticated machine, the Breville Dual Boiler is the preferred option. Conversely, for those seeking a more convenient and space-efficient solution, the Barista Pro is a commendable choice.

Breville Dual Boiler Vs Barista Pro: Specs & Features Comparison

In the comparison of the Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Machine BES920XL and the Breville Barista Pro Espresso Machine BES878BSS, the Breville Dual Boiler emerges as the top choice. The Dual Boiler’s standout features include a dual boiler system for precise temperature control and stability, a large 2.5-liter water reservoir that is easy to refill, and a powerful manual steam wand. Its intuitive LCD control panel and professional-grade portafilter add to its appeal, making it a superior option for enthusiasts seeking high-quality espresso and customization. On the other hand, the Breville Barista Pro, while a runner-up, offers notable advantages as well. It features a single ThermoJet boiler for quick heating, a built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder with 30 grind settings, and a 2-liter water reservoir paired with a compact design. This model’s affordability and ease of use make it an attractive option for those who appreciate convenience without sacrificing quality. Both machines include one-touch drink options and manual steam wands, catering to various preferences in espresso brewing.

Breville Dual Boiler Vs Barista Pro: Differences

In the contest between the Breville Dual Boiler and the Breville Barista Pro, the Dual Boiler emerges as the superior choice with a final score of 3-2.

Coffee Flavor & Brewing System The Breville Dual Boiler takes the lead here with its dual boiler system, allowing simultaneous brewing and steaming at precise temperatures. This setup provides superior control and consistency in flavor extraction compared to the Barista Pro’s ThermoJet single boiler, which heats up quickly but can’t perform both tasks concurrently.

Built-in Grinder The Barista Pro excels with its built-in stainless steel conical burr grinder offering 30 grind settings, which saves space and reduces costs. Conversely, the Dual Boiler requires a separate grinder, a choice preferred by professionals for its precision and control.

Dosing & Tamping The Dual Boiler features a larger 58-millimeter portafilter, which is the industry standard for commercial-grade espresso machines, allowing for better flavor extraction compared to the Barista Pro’s 54-millimeter portafilter. Both machines include stainless steel tampers, enhancing durability and consistency in tamping.

Heating System The Dual Boiler’s dual boilers allow for simultaneous brewing and steaming, which is a significant advantage for those making multiple drinks at once. The Barista Pro’s ThermoJet system, while fast, does not offer the same multitasking capability but heats up remarkably quickly.

Milk Frothing System The Barista Pro’s 4-hole steam wand provides more even steam distribution, which can enhance microfoam quality, making it a winner in this category. Both machines feature professional-grade steam wands, but the Barista Pro’s system delivers slightly better results for latte art.

Design & Convenience Both machines have a sleek stainless steel design, but the Dual Boiler is bulkier and heavier. The Barista Pro is more compact and lighter, making it easier to fit in smaller spaces. Both feature user-friendly LCD displays, but the Dual Boiler offers additional features like a pressure gauge.

Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper The Dual Boiler’s 2.5-liter water reservoir is slightly larger than the Barista Pro’s 2-liter tank and is top-loading, which makes refilling easier. The Barista Pro includes a built-in grinder with a 0.25-kilogram bean hopper, adding convenience.

Other Features The Dual Boiler includes a programmable auto-on feature and a larger cup warmer, which enhances user convenience. Both machines have a water filter to improve coffee taste and protect the machine from limescale.

In summary, the Breville Dual Boiler is favored for its advanced features and performance, while the Barista Pro offers convenience and affordability, making it a solid runner-up.

Quick Rundown Of Breville Dual Boiler

  • Brand: Breville
  • Color: Stainless Steel
  • Product Dimensions: 14.7″D x 14.8″W x 14.7″H
  • Special Feature: Programmable
  • Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
  • Capacity: 5.3 Pounds
  • Material: Brushed Stainless Steel Exterior, Stainless Steel Dual Boilers
  • Item Weight: 28.35 Pounds
  • Wattage: 1700 watts

About This Item:
The Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Machine combines professional-grade performance with sleek design. Its dual stainless steel boilers enable precise temperature control, allowing for simultaneous brewing and steaming. With a programmable feature, you can set the machine to preheat at your convenience, ensuring that your coffee is ready when you are. The 1700-watt power output ensures consistent heat, while the brushed stainless steel exterior adds durability and a modern touch to your kitchen. The machine’s 5.3-pound capacity and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for both espresso enthusiasts and daily coffee drinkers. For optimal use, refer to the user guide provided in the PDF.

Pros:

  • Dual boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming.
  • Large, easy-to-refill water tank.
  • Powerful steam wand for excellent frothing.
  • Professional-grade portafilter included.
  • Intuitive control panel for user-friendly operation.

Cons:

  • No built-in grinder; requires a separate purchase.
  • Bulky design, which may be challenging for smaller spaces.

Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Pro

  • Brand: Breville
  • Color: Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Product Dimensions: 13″D x 14″W x 16″H
  • Special Features: Programmable, Water Filter, Jug
  • Coffee Maker Type: Espresso Machine
  • Capacity: 2 Liters
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Item Weight: 19.5 Pounds
  • Wattage: 1680 watts

The Breville espresso machine, featuring a sleek brushed stainless steel finish, measures 13 inches deep by 14 inches wide and stands 16 inches tall. It is designed with several special features including programmability, a water filter, and a jug, enhancing convenience and functionality. The machine has a capacity of 2 liters and is crafted from durable stainless steel, weighing 19.5 pounds. With a wattage of 1680 watts, it offers robust performance for espresso enthusiasts. The product package dimensions are 17.39 inches in length, 16.59 inches in width, and 16.09 inches in height, with a total package weight of 27.20 pounds. This espresso machine combines stylish design with practical features to deliver a high-quality coffee experience.

Pros:

  • Built-in Burr Grinder: Features a grinder with 30 settings for precise grind size adjustments.
  • Adjustable Pre-Infusion: Allows for customization of the pre-infusion process to enhance flavor extraction.
  • ThermoJet Fast Heating System: Heats up in just three seconds for quick brewing.
  • Affordable Price: Offers a great value for the features provided.
  • Ease of Use: Designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced users.

Cons:

  • On the Heavy Side: Heavier compared to some other models, which might be cumbersome for some users.
  • One Boiler: Limited to brewing or steaming at one time due to the single boiler system.

Conclusion:

When comparing the Breville Dual Boiler and the Barista Pro, it’s clear that each machine caters to different needs and preferences. The Breville Dual Boiler stands out with its dual boiler system, offering precise temperature control for both brewing and steaming simultaneously. This feature, along with its commercial-grade 58mm portafilter and large water reservoir, makes it a top choice for serious home baristas who value detailed customization and high-quality espresso. However, its bulkier size and lack of a built-in grinder may not appeal to everyone.

On the other hand, the Barista Pro excels in convenience and speed. Its built-in grinder with 30 settings and ThermoJet heating system allow for quick, efficient espresso-making, and its more compact design is ideal for those with limited counter space. While it lacks the dual boiler setup, the Barista Pro’s fast heating and ease of use make it a great choice for those who want high-quality coffee without the wait.

In summary, if you prioritize advanced features and are willing to invest in additional equipment, the Breville Dual Boiler is a superior option. For those seeking an all-in-one, user-friendly machine that delivers fast results, the Barista Pro is the better choice.