Breville espresso machines have many features that make them user-friendly and effortless to use. And they’re also ideal for beginners. They boast a shiny exterior with fast, consistent, and long-lasting performance. The Breville Dual Boiler and the Breville Barista Express are worthy of consideration. They have more features in common than they don’t!
When comparing the Breville Dual Boiler vs Breville Barista Express, the Barista Express comes out on top simply because of its compact design and lower price.
The Breville Dual Boiler, on the other hand, is also a good option if you want an elegant all-stainless steel design with commercial features, intricate temperature control, and user-friendly programmability. But it is the better choice if you’re looking for a superior, barista-grade espresso maker to make seriously delicious coffee without the complicated features.
Breville Dual Boiler vs Barista Express: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Dual Boiler vs Barista Express: Differences
To summarize, it’s kind of a tie between the Breville Dual Boiler vs Barista Express. But the Barista Express wins with 1 point more (3 – 2) on account of its affordable pricing. Both espresso machines are great so here’s the breakdown of their best and not-so-great features below…
1. Espresso Flavor
The Winner: It’s A Tie!
Coffee Grinder
One look at the Breville Dual Boiler and you’ll notice that it doesn’t have a built-in burr grinder. And the Barista Express does.
The only type of coffee you can put into the Dual Boiler is ground coffee. Not coffee beans that a Barista Express grinds automatically using its integrated burr grinder.
This means you either buy fresh packets of ground coffee to add to the Dual Boiler. Or you purchase a separate coffee grinder to go with the Dual Boiler. Either way, your costs increase slightly.
Heating System
The real reason why the Dual Boiler is more expensive than the Barista Express even though the latter comes with a built-in grinder is the dual boiler heating system. But I’m sure you must have guessed this from its name, right?
Stainless steel dual boilers in espresso machines have completely transformed the way you can make coffee at home. So the Dual Boiler has two heating elements made of stainless steel. One is for extracting espresso while the other is for steaming.
What you should know, right at the outset, is that you need to heat up water at different temperatures for espresso and milk. It’s not the same. So having two dedicated boilers for each is a good thing! All commercial machines use dual boilers. This keeps the espresso shots rich and the steam hotter than ever, no matter how many cups you brew.
But the disadvantage of a home espresso machine is that it can cost a lot of money. Nor is it energy efficient because the boilers have to work harder to maintain optimal temperature.
The Barista Express, on the other hand, introduces a more mindful and effective temperature system. The 1600W Thermocoil is fast, lightweight, and durable. A great feature, if you ask me, for home coffee makers.
BUT the Dual Boiler wins here because it features adjustable (+/-2-degrees F) temperature control that is absent in the Barista Express.
2. Dose Control
The Winner: Breville Dual Boiler
Portafilter
The Dual Boiler comes with a 58mm portafilter and 19 to 22g dose control. The Barista Express has 54mm with control over shot volume and single and double shot filter baskets.
With the precise dose control grinding, you can adjust the amount of coffee you want per espresso in the Barista Express.
The Dual Boiler allows you to choose from a single shot, a double shot, or accurate manual control. Granted the LCD display makes this adjustment a lot easier than the Barista Express which only has the selector dial for adjustments.
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you will prefer to have control over how you grind your coffee beans. But if you trust your local coffee shop’s grinding expertise, there are plenty of roasts you can try that is freshly ground and rich.
The Breville Barista Express offers a full kit for making espresso at home. It is a true and premium bean-to-cup coffee maker for home use. You can adjust the grind amount and filter size to produce a full-bodied flavour of espresso. And choose between a single and double shot of espresso so that the grinder adjusts its dose automatically.
Programmability
Speaking of programmability, the Dual Boiler offers temperature control, personalized shot control, and automatic performance. So you have plenty of options to try out, that is if you’re curious.
In fact, the Dual Boiler’s LCD display also features an espresso shot timer to read out the precise extraction time so that you can practice better to pull espresso shots. No more guesswork.
The Barista Express does not feature such intricate customizations. Its control panel consists of the grind size dial, filter size for single and double shot, the pressure gauge for pre-infusion, and the program, single, double buttons along with the light indicators for cleaning and hot water.
3. Ergonomics
The Winner: Breville Barista Express
Breville Barista Express measures 12.5 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches. And the Breville Dual Boiler measures 14.7 x 14.8 x 14.7 inches.
In terms of weight, the Barista Express is 23 pounds and the Dual Boiler is 30 pounds.
The reduced weight is an important feature that makes it easier for users to transport their coffee machines from one location to another. In comparison to the other, the Barista Express is unquestionably more portable, despite the fact it comes with a built-in grinder.
Moreover, I think the Barista Express is a good alternative if you have a tiny space and want an espresso machine that fits everywhere without taking up more space.
The Dual Boiler also features a larger water tank capacity, bigger than the Breville Barista Express. So this, too, contributes to its bulky design. The Dual Boiler features an 82-ounce water tank while the Barista Express has a 67 ounce. On top of that, despite its small size, the Barista Express also holds on to a 220g bean hopper on top. Even so, it’s a lightweight and portable machine.
4. Price
The Winner: Breville Barista Express
I believe it is safe to state that the Breville Dual Boiler is a high-end coffee machine. Many factors contribute to its status as a high-end and luxury product, including the fact that it is customizable. However, you must keep in mind that it is more third times as pricey as the Barista Express.
The Barista Express is less expensive than the Dual Boiler and has all of the necessary characteristics to produce rich espresso and strong steam.
Breville Dual Boiler vs Barista Express: Similarities
1. Coffee Drinks
Both the machines contain 2 programmable buttons each. They help provide different types of coffee and drinks, like Doppio, Ristretto, espresso, etc. These buttons ensure that once you get the perfect combinations for any type of drink, you can save and use that every time you wish to have the same.
2. Pre-Infusion Function
The additional pre-infusion function ensures that you can maintain a lower water pressure before it starts ramping up to as high as 9 bars of pressure. This ensures that the grind gently expands, and as a result, a smoother extraction is produced.
3. 3-Way Valve
Another common feature in both machines is a 3-way valve. After the extraction, a 3-way solenoid valve releases the portafilter of pressure and moisture. This results in a dry puck that can be readily removed afterwards. It also means you won’t have to wait for the pressure to equalize before making several cups of coffee.
4. Easy Cleaning
The Breville Dual Boiler and Barista Express, both espresso makers contain a special feature to alert you whenever they require cleaning.
Furthermore, the water tanks are also removable in both the machines, making the cleaning and refill process easier. A built-in water filter is also present in them, ensuring that the water used to make the drinks is always clean, and it also aids in the prevention of lime-scale build-up.
5. PID Temperature Control
The temperature of the boiler in both the espresso machines is electronically managed using a PID controller. It has significantly more accuracy and consistency than a traditional mechanical thermostat for temperature control.
This is crucial since pulling the perfect espresso requires a temperature of roughly 92°C to 96°C, and it can be easily managed using this controller.
6. Cup Warmer
With a cup warmer, you can warm the cups before pulling your espresso, preventing it from becoming too cold and compromising the taste and quality. It also eliminates the need to manually heat the cups with hot water, and this function is making both the machines highly recommended.
7. Pressure Gauge
The amount of pressure used is one of the most critical factors in pulling a fantastic espresso. The pressure, and hence the overall quality of the extraction, can be affected by factors such as how tightly the portafilter is tamped.
A pressure gauge is present in both of these espresso machines to assist you in fine-tuning your process to a perfect 9 bar of pressure.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Barista Express BES870
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
- Dose Control Grinding: Integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand to deliver the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean
- Optimal Water Pressure: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup. Grind Settings: 16 precision grind settings
- Precise Espresso Extraction: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Dual Boiler BES920
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- The Breville Dual Boiler with commercial features delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula; It has a professional Dual Boiler construction that delivers unparalleled temperature control and simultaneous extraction and steaming
- DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: Achieve a consistent and balanced espresso using the right amount of ground coffee; The 58mm porta-filter with 19-22 grams is the key for full flavor and third wave specialty coffee
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: The Over Pressure Valve limits the maximum pump pressure throughout extraction, helping prevent bitter flavors; Low pressure pre infusion gradually increases water pressure to gently expand grinds for an even extraction
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Dual stainless steel boilers and heated group head controlled by digital temperature control (PID) brings water to precisely the right temperature (+/- 2⁰F) to extract maximum flavor potential every time
Last update on 2023-03-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Final Verdict
When you first see an espresso machine, there are two ways to look at it. And this comparison focuses on the Breville Dual Boiler and the Barista Express’s performance-driven and value-driven features.
Both characteristics are well-served by Breville espresso machines. However, if you’re on a budget and want to start with something that requires less expertise yet produces cafe-style espressos, the Breville Barista Express is a great option.
Furthermore, if you have less counter space, to begin with, and want an espresso machine that fits everywhere without taking up additional room, this is an excellent option.
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References
- Breville Barista Express BES870 from Breville https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes870.html
- Breville Dual Boiler BES920 from Breville https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes920.html
I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
I write about everything coffee-related under the sun. Where to buy the freshest coffee beans from? How to test coffee beans based on texture, aroma, and acidity?
I know all this from scratch – all thanks to my years and years of experience as a barista. So I’ve gotten real up-close-and-personal with coffee beans and different brewing techniques.