The Ascaso Steel Duo from Spanish brand Ascaso and the Breville Dual Boiler from Australian brand Breville are both top-tier espresso machines, but they cater to very different users and priorities. The Ascaso is a professionally-built machine focused on commercial-grade materials, thermal stability, and minimalist design, while the Breville is a feature-packed machine that offers incredible technological precision and user-friendliness for the home user.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which of these excellent dual boiler espresso machines is right for your home coffee bar.
Ascaso Steel Duo
The Ascaso Steel Duo is a semi-automatic espresso machine that brings commercial-grade build quality and performance into a sleek, compact package for the home. It's known for its robust stainless steel construction, professional components, and exceptional thermal stability, making it a top choice for serious coffee enthusiasts who value durability and manual control.
- What it is: A semi-automatic, dual boiler espresso machine designed for serious home baristas or small commercial settings.
- Key features: Two thermoblock boilers allow for simultaneous brewing and steaming, PID temperature control for precise brewing, commercial-grade 58mm portafilter, volumetric shot control, powerful steam wand, and a premium all-metal build.
- Price: Around $2,000 - $2,300.
- Dimensions: Approximately 14" W x 16" D x 15" H.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality stainless steel body with copper or steel boilers. The components are designed for heavy use and longevity.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and industrial, with a clean brushed steel finish that fits well in high-end kitchens.
- Pros: Professional build quality ensures long-term durability. Exceptional temperature stability for consistent shots. Sleek, compact design saves counter space. Powerful steam performance for excellent milk frothing.
- Cons: High price point compared to many home-consumer models. It has a steeper learning curve for beginners who aren't familiar with manual espresso making. Fewer automated features.
This machine is for the hobbyist who wants a durable, beautifully designed machine with commercial-grade performance and is willing to invest in it for the long haul.
Shop this product: wholelattelove.com/products/ascaso-steel-duo-pid-v2-espresso-machine
Breville Dual Boiler
The Breville Dual Boiler is one of the most popular and respected home espresso machines on the market, known for packing high-end features and incredible precision into a user-friendly package. It's engineered to give home baristas the control and consistency needed to pull café-quality shots without a steep learning curve or commercial price tag.
- What it is: A technology-forward, dual boiler espresso machine aimed at dedicated home users seeking precise control and ease of use.
- Key features: Dual stainless steel boilers with PID temperature control, heated group head, programmable pre-infusion, a shot clock, and integrated pressure gauge. It also offers an over-pressure valve (OPV) to limit extraction pressure.
- Price: Around $1,200 - $1,500.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12.5" W x 16.5" D x 14.7" H.
- Materials/Construction: A solid build with a stainless steel body, steel boilers, and a mix of metal and high-quality plastic components where appropriate.
- Style: Functional and modern with a polished stainless steel finish. Its design is more utilitarian, focusing on user-friendly displays and controls rather than minimalism.
- Pros: An incredible value, offering features usually reserved for much more expensive machines. Excellent temperature stability and precise controls. User-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners. Widely available for purchase and servicing.
- Cons: Bulkier than the Ascaso. While well-built, it doesn't feel as industrial or "bombproof" as the Ascaso. Some internal components may not last as long as more commercially-focused machines under heavy-duty usage.
The Breville Dual Boiler is perfect for the home barista who wants consistent, cafe-quality espresso with advanced technological controls without paying a premium price.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes920.html
Ascaso Steel Duo vs. Breville Dual Boiler Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is one of the biggest differentiators. The Ascaso Steel Duo is built like a tank, with heavy-duty stainless steel construction. Its internal components are of commercial-grade, meant to last longer under heavy usage. It feels and looks like a professional piece of equipment. The Breville Dual Boiler is also very well-built, featuring a sturdy stainless steel exterior, but it was designed primarily for heavy home use. It incorporates some plastic parts internally and around the control panel to keep costs down, which is not a bad thing but it results in a machine that doesn't quite have the heft or industrial feel of the Ascaso.
Ease of Use & Features
The Breville Dual Boiler shines in this category. It's packed with features that make pulling great espresso shots easier - programmable pre-infusion, a shot clock, and an LCD display that provides real-time metrics. It also includes an over-pressure valve, which helps maintain shot consistency. These features make it an attractive option for the hobbyist who wants precise control, but also appreciates some automation to guide the way. The Ascaso Steel Duo is more stripped down. It focuses more on the fundamentals and manual enjoyment of espresso making. While it has volumetric shot controls, most of the process is more manual - making it more of a machine for those who enjoy mastering the art of espresso making themselves.
Size & Dimensions
The Ascaso Steel Duo is the clear winner in terms of aesthetics. It's slimmer, more compact, and has a sleek, minimalist look that won't overpower a kitchen counter. With dimensions of about 14" W, it's perfect for smaller spaces without sacrificing performance. The Breville Dual Boiler, in contrast, is bulkier and more utilitarian in appearance. It's slightly wider and slightly deeper, making it feel a tad more substantial on the counter. While still quite good-looking, its design is more about utility than high-end styling.
Price & Value
The Breville Dual Boiler offers an unmatched value proposition. Priced around $1,200-$1,500, it includes features usually found in machines costing twice as much or even three times as much. This makes it a fantastic choice for anyone wanting dual boiler performance without spending a fortune. The Ascaso Steel Duo at $2,000-$2,300 is a significant investment. You're paying for heavy-duty construction and long-term durability, and the sleek industrial design. For some, that premium is worth it for a truly premium machine that can last for years and years.
Which One Works Best for You?
The Ascaso Steel Duo best suits the espresso enthusiast who values precision craftsmanship over technical features. It's ideal for those who enjoy the tactile process of dialing in shots and want a machine that performs like a commercial unit in your kitchen. The Breville Dual Boiler, on the other hand, is the perfect choice for the home barista who wants cafe-quality results without the hassle of a steep learning curve. Its automation and precision make it easier to replicate excellent shots every time.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both machines deliver excellent espresso but serve different priorities and expectations.
- Choose the Ascaso Steel Duo if: You want a machine that's built like a tank and offers commercial durability. Its style and minimalist aesthetics are a perfect fit for your setup. You appreciate professional-grade steaming power for silky milk frothing. You're willing to invest for long-term reliability and premium manual control.
- Choose the Breville Dual Boiler if: You want the best feature-to-price ratio in the market. You value user-friendly controls and automatic features like pre-infusion and a shot clock. Consistency and ease of use are more important than industrial construction. You want a machine that's widely available and easy to service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between Ascaso and Breville?
The main difference lies in philosophy and approach. The Ascaso Steel Duo prioritizes commercial utility, durability, and manual control, appealing to enthusiasts who relish the art of espresso making in a sleek package. The Breville Dual Boiler focuses on technology and user-friendliness, offering precise control and consistency through advanced features.
Which machine is better for beginners?
The Breville Dual Boiler is generally considered more accessible to beginners due to its user-friendly interface and precise pressure valve that helps regulate shot consistency. The Ascaso is an excellent machine, but it’s more tailored for advanced users who seek the experience of manual control and consistent results.
Can I make espresso and steam milk at the same time on both machines?
Both machines feature dual boiler systems, so you can simultaneously steam milk while brewing espresso. This is a key feature of both machines and a significant upgrade over single boiler machines.
Do these have PID temperature control?
Yes, both machines feature PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) temperature control to maintain precise and stable water temperatures essential for extracting consistent espresso shots.
Which machine heats up faster?
The Breville Dual Boiler is known for its faster heat-up time thanks to its modern design, which allows it to quickly reach the optimal operating temperature.
Is the Ascaso Steel Duo worth the extra money?
For those who prioritize superior build quality and the benefits of longevity, commercial-quality components, and sleek aesthetics, the Ascaso is absolutely worth the extra cost. For anyone who prioritizes feature control and value for money, the Breville is usually seen as the better choice.
How are these machines maintained? Will they fit on my counter?
The Ascaso Steel Duo is more compact at approximately 14" W x 16" D x 15" H, making it a great choice for counters with smaller spaces without sacrificing performance. The Breville Dual Boiler, slightly larger at approximately 12.5" W x 16.5" D x 14.7" H, is also designed for countertop space but requires more room to ensure you have enough space for the machine and accessories like a grinder and knock box.
What kind of maintenance do these machines require?
Both machines require regular cleaning and descaling. The Breville makes maintenance easier with a serviceable design and intuitive reminders. The Ascaso is also designed for ease of service, but it's suggested to consult professionals for any intensive maintenance due to its commercial components.
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