When it comes to comparing the Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Barista Express, it’s almost unfair to pit them against each other. Barista Express is definitely the winner.
The Barista Express not only encompasses all the best features of the Duo Temp Pro but also offers a built-in grinder, a pressure gauge, and more customization controls. However, these added perks do come at a slightly higher cost, making it a worthy investment for serious espresso enthusiasts.
On the other hand, the Breville Duo Temp Pro serves as a more budget-friendly and compact alternative. It’s an excellent starting point for beginners looking to embark on their espresso journey without overwhelming customization options. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of the Barista Express, it’s still more than capable of producing satisfying espresso shots.
Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Barista Express: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Barista Express: Differences
In this head-to-head matchup between the Breville Barista Express and the Duo Temp Pro, the Barista Express emerges as the clear winner with a 2-0 victory and 2 ties.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
The Winner: Tie
Grinder
What sets Barista Express apart is its all-in-one convenience – no need to invest in a separate burr coffee grinder because it comes with one built right in. The 8-ounce bean hopper on top and the 18 grind settings accessible through the dial make it a breeze to prepare your coffee just the way you like it.
Its stainless steel conical burr grinder, based on the Smart Grinder Pro, operates with a pleasing hush, which is a delightful surprise. However, my journey with this grinder revealed a minor hiccup. When aiming for a perfect espresso shot, it can be a tad challenging due to the lack of micro-adjustment options between grind settings. But hey, it’s all part of the trade-offs when you opt for an affordable all-in-one machine.
On the flip side, the Breville Duo Temp Pro takes a different approach. It doesn’t come equipped with a built-in grinder. Some folks might even dub it the Barista Express sans grinder.
The absence of an integrated grinder opens up a world of possibilities. Sure, you’ll need a bit more counter space for a separate grinder, but the upside is you can handpick a grinder that suits your exact preferences. In my experience, I wholeheartedly recommend the Baratza Encore ESP.
Boiler
The first thing that struck me about the Barista Express and Duo Temp Prp’s boiler was just how quickly it was ready to brew. They both are equipped with a Thermocoil.
It’s just about 30 seconds from a cold start to “let’s make some espresso” – that’s pretty incredible! Coming from machines with single boilers, which often feel like they take an eternity to heat up, this was a game changer.
But, even though it’s technically ready in a heartbeat, I give it a few extra minutes. Why? Well, it’s all about the group head and portafilter getting nice and hot. Trust me, the difference in your espresso’s temperature and overall quality is noticeable.
Now, about the whole brewing and steaming saga. It’s true, you can’t steam milk and pull shots simultaneously on these machines. At first, I thought this would be a hassle, especially when I’m in a rush to make my morning cappuccino. But, to my surprise, the switch between brewing and steaming is smooth and fast. It’s almost seamless. I don’t have to fiddle around with temperatures (no temperature surfing), and that makes the process way more straightforward.
Filter Basket & Portafilter
| Breville Duo Temp Pro | Breville Barista Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Portafilter Diameter | 54 mm | 54 mm |
| Portafilter Materials | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Filter Basket Type | Pressurized and Non-pressurized | Pressurized and Non-pressurized |
Breville Duo Temp Pro and Barista Express come with 54 millimeter portafilters.They are made from stainless steel. Sturdy, well-made, and oh so reliable. The way it fits snugly in your hand, giving you that sense of control and connection with your coffee.
With these machines, you’re not just limited to one choice. You get options: single and double shot filter baskets, plus the intriguing choice between single and double wall filter baskets.
The double wall baskets, they’re like training wheels for espresso lovers, especially if you’re just starting on your journey. No matter how inconsistent your grind or tamping might be, you’ll still end up with a beautiful-looking shot topped with a mountain of crema.
But I always recommend ditching those double wall baskets in favor of the single wall ones. Sure, it might take a bit more time and practice to master your technique, but the rewards are so worth it. The taste! The aroma! The satisfaction of knowing you’re not taking any shortcuts.
Design & Convenience
The Winner: Breville Barista Express
Dimensions & Aesthetics
| Breville Duo Temp Pro | Breville Barista Express | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.6 x 12.6 x 10.1 in | 15.9 x 12.5 x 13.8 in |
| Weight | 18.9 lb / 8.6 kg | 23.0 lb / 10.4 kg |
When I first laid eyes on these machines, it wasn’t just their looks that caught my attention; it was the feel of them. They also have a promise of durability and quality thanks to stainless steel casing. In a world where so much feels plastic, having a coffee maker that feels like it’s built to last means a lot.
Now, let’s talk about size and fit. The Duo Temp Pro, being a tad smaller. It doesn’t have a hopper on top, so it leaves more room for cups. Plus, it’s easier to tuck into those cozy nooks in the kitchen, like under wall units. But, remember, you’ll need to account for some extra space for a separate grinder.
On the other hand, the Barista Express, while not exactly a giant, does command more presence. It’s a bit taller, and with its built-in hopper, it’s got a bit higher. Fitting it under overhead cabinets can be a bit of a squeeze. You’ll need to strategize its placement, especially if you’re like me and constantly reach for the bean hopper.
User Interface
You know how sometimes you get a new gadget and you’re almost afraid to touch it because it looks so complicated? Well, with the Duo Temp Pro, it’s the exact opposite. It’s so refreshingly simple! Just a power button, a big, friendly dial in the center, and a button for steam and a button for hot water. It’s so intuitive that I just jumped right in and started pulling shots without a second thought.
The Barista Express is like the Duo Temp Pro’s more tech-savvy sibling. More buttons, more features, but still, nothing too intimidating, even for a newbie. Everything’s labeled clearly, and the layout is a breeze to navigate.
Sure, there are a bunch of adjustable settings under the hood, and yes, you have to peek at the user manual for those. But the basics? For short: you can program shot volume, water temperature and pre-infusion time by pressing a dedicated combination of buttons.
And oh, the pressure gauge! This little gem is a game-changer. It’s not just there to look pretty; it’s like having a coffee coach right on your countertop. Watching that needle move while I was extracting espresso was like getting real-time feedback. It definitely helped me up my espresso game, making adjustments and fine-tuning my technique.
Water Tank
Starting with the Duo Temp Pro, it holds a respectable 61 ounces (1.8 liters) of water. That’s pretty standard. The water tank, well, it felt a bit… flimsy. You know that feeling when you’re handling something delicate, and you’re afraid you might accidentally break it? That’s how I felt with this tank. And when it was filled to the brim, those plastic sides seemed just a tad wobbly.
The Barista Express steps it up a notch with a 67.6-ounce (2-liter) water tank. You might think, “What’s a few extra ounces?” Well, it adds up, especially if you’re making espresso for a crowd.
A small detail that I really appreciate on their tank design is the handle! Not all water tanks have handles, and trust me, it can be a real pain to remove and fill them without one. Breville, you nailed it with that thoughtful touch.
Milk System
The Winner: Tie
First off, let me give a standing ovation to Breville for adding that professional-style steam wand to the Barista Express and Duo Temp Pro. They also throw in a stainless steel milk pitcher as part of the package.
That steam wand rotates a full 360 degrees. Trust me, if you’ve ever wrestled with a steam wand that only moves in two directions, you’ll understand the sheer joy of this. It’s like having complete control over your milk frothing destiny.
But there is a minor hiccup in the grand scheme of things – the steaming function does take time to rev up. It’s not like an instant jet of power; it’s more of a gradual crescendo. At first, I was a bit impatient, wondering if it would ever pick up the pace. But once you get used to it, it’s fantastic. I mean, I can create velvety, silky microfoam like a pro.
Programmability
The Winner: Breville Barista Express
Shot & Volumetric Control
On the Barista Express, there are two handy buttons on the front for choosing between single or double shots.
But the real game-changer here is the volumetric control. It lets you control how much liquid fills your cup by choosing the Program button.
On the Duo Temp Pro, there’s no programmable shot control like on the Barista Express. No buttons for single or double shots.
Digital PID Temperature Control
The Barista Express gives you the power to adjust the temperature by +/- 4 degrees in 2-degree increments from the default setting. It might not sound like much, but in the realm of espresso, those few degrees can be the difference between a heavenly cup and a bitter disappointment.
The Duo Temp Pro also has PID temperature control, but you can’t adjust it. It’s a fixed, internal feature that takes care of temperature stability without requiring your input. For beginners or those who prefer a hands-off approach, it’s like having a trusty guide ensuring you stay on the right path. You focus on your technique, and the PID handles the rest.
Quick Rundown of Breville Barista Express
- Earn up to $200 cashback with a Beanz coffee subscription when you purchase a selected Breville espresso machine. Valid Aug 1, 2023 until Jun 30, 2024
- 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, helping you make the perfect cup of Cappuccino or Latte
- 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
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Breville Duo Temp Pro
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
- AUTO PURGE: The Duo-Temp Pro Espresso Machine automatically purges the heat system after steaming, ensuring your next espresso is extracted at the right temperature
- The Breville Duo Temp Pro lets you create third wave specialty coffee at home; This espresso machine ensures balanced flavors from even extraction using low pressure pre-fusion, managing sweetness, acidity and bitterness for the perfect cup every time
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Low pressure pre-infusion helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Duo Temp Pro from Breville: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes810.html
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.