The Breville Dual Boiler and the Barista Express are two of the most popular espresso machines from Breville, but they cater to very different home baristas. The Dual Boiler is a high-performance machine with two separate boilers for temperature stability and simultaneous brewing and steaming, targeting coffee enthusiasts who demand precision. The Barista Express is a more budget-friendly, all-in-one unit with a built-in grinder, designed for beginners and those who prioritize convenience.
Here's everything you need to know to decide which of these excellent machines is right for your kitchen counter.
Breville Dual Boiler (BES920)
The Breville Dual Boiler is a premium, semi-automatic espresso machine built for the serious home barista who wants cafe-quality control and consistency. Its standout feature is its dual stainless steel boiler system, which allows you to pull a perfect espresso shot and steam milk simultaneously, drastically improving both workflow and quality. This machine is for those who enjoy the ritual of making coffee and want to fine-tune every variable.
- What it is: A professional-grade semi-automatic espresso machine with dedicated boilers for brewing and steaming.
- Key features: Dual stainless steel boilers, commercial-grade 58mm group head, PID temperature control for precise brewing, digital display with a shot clock, adjustable pre-infusion, and a large 84 oz water reservoir.
- Price: Around $1,599
- Style: Commercial and robust with a polished stainless steel finish that looks at home in a dedicated coffee station.
- Materials/Construction: Built with high-quality stainless steel for aesthetics and durability, with commercial-grade internal components designed for longevity.
- Pros: Brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Unmatched temperature stability for consistent shots. High degree of customization over brew temperature and pressure. Generates powerful steam for perfect milk texture. Built to last with professional parts.
- Cons: Has a very high price point. Requires a separate, high-quality grinder, adding to the total cost and space needed. Has a steep learning curve for beginners. Takes up a significant amount of counter space.
This machine is ideal for the dedicated coffee enthusiast who understands espresso variables and wants ultimate control without compromise, and who isn't intimidated by a higher price tag.
Shop this product: https://www.breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes920.html
Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express is one of the world's most popular entry-level espresso machines, and for good reason. It bundles an espresso machine, a capable conical burr grinder, and a steam wand into a compact and affordable package. This all-in-one approach streamlines the coffee-making process, allowing users to go from whole beans to a finished latte using a single device, making it perfect for aspiring home baristas.
- What it is: A user-friendly, semi-automatic espresso machine with a fully integrated conical burr grinder.
- Key features: Built-in dose-control grinder, single boiler with a thermocoil heating system, pressure gauge to guide extraction, manual steam wand, and a 67 oz water reservoir.
- Price: Around $750
- Style: Sleek and stylish brushed stainless steel finish that is compact enough for most kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body and is well-constructed for regular home use, though it lacks the commercial-grade parts of the Dual Boiler.
- Pros: A complete all-in-one package that saves money and counter space. Much more affordable entry point into true espresso. Very user-friendly and great for helping beginners learn. Heats up quickly. Offers excellent value for the performance it delivers.
- Cons: You cannot brew and steam milk at the same time due to the single boiler. The built-in grinder is good for beginners but lacks the fine-tuning capabilities of a separate, high-end grinder. Less temperature stability compared to a dual boiler machine.
The Barista Express is perfect for anyone starting their espresso journey who wants great quality without the high cost and complexity of a multi-device setup.
Shop this product: https://www.breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes870.html
Breville Dual Boiler vs. Barista Express Comparison
Features & Functionality
The most important difference lies in the boiler systems. The Dual Boiler dedicates one boiler to brewing at a precise temperature (~200°F) and another to producing high-pressure steam (~265°F). This means you can pull an espresso shot and steam milk simultaneously, just like a barista in a cafe. The Barista Express uses a single thermocoil system. After brewing espresso, you must wait for the machine to heat up to steam temperature, slowing down the process if you're making milk-based drinks.
The other major functional difference is the grinder. The Barista Express's built-in grinder offers great convenience and is perfectly adequate for getting started. However, the Dual Boiler provides far more precision in brew temperature and pressure control, which shines when paired with a high-end, separate grinder that offers finer adjustments - something enthusiasts will appreciate.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve
The Barista Express is designed to be accessible. Its integrated grinder, pressure gauge, and straightforward controls simplify the workflow and guide beginners toward a good shot of espresso. It has manual controls that allow for growth, but the guardrails are there from the start.
The Dual Boiler, by contrast, is a more demanding machine. It assumes a higher level of user knowledge and offers deep customization over variables like pre-infusion pressure and brew temperature. While it produces superior results when dialed in, the learning curve is substantial and less forgiving for a complete newcomer.
Materials & Construction
Both machines feature Breville’s signature brushed stainless steel finish and are built to be durable home appliances. The Dual Boiler, however, is on another level. It uses commercial-grade components, including its 58mm group head and portafilter, and has a heavier, more robust build designed for constant use and temperature stability. The Barista Express is solid for its price-point but does not have the same heavy-duty feel or professional-grade internals.
Price & Value
There is a clear divide here. The Barista Express, priced around $750, offers incredible value as a complete package - for that price, you get a grinder and a machine capable of producing real espresso. The Dual Boiler costs more than double that at around $1,600, and that doesn't include the cost of a necessary separate grinder (which can run from $200 to $600+).
The Barista Express provides the best value for getting started. The Dual Boiler's value is in its performance, consistency, and professional-level capabilities, making it a long-term investment for the serious hobbyist.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both of these Breville machines excel at what they do, but they are built for entirely different users.
Choose the Breville Dual Boiler if:
- You want professional-level temperature stability and control.
- You need to make multiple milk drinks quickly and want to brew and steam simultaneously.
- You already own or plan to purchase a high-quality separate burr grinder.
- You are an enthusiast who enjoys experimenting with every variable of the brewing process.
- Budget is not your primary concern when investing in your coffee setup.
Choose the Breville Barista Express if:
- You are a beginner stepping into the world of home espresso.
- You want an all-in-one that saves counter space and is easier on the wallet.
- Convenience and a simplified workflow are more important than granular control.
- You are primarily making espresso shots or only occasional milk drinks.
- You want a machine that delivers a great balance of performance, ease of use, and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Dual Boiler and Barista Express?
The main differences are the boiler system and the grinder. The Dual Boiler has two boilers for simultaneous brewing and steaming and professional-grade control but requires a separate grinder. The Barista Express has a single boiler and an integrated grinder, making it an all-in-one package for beginners.
Can you brew and steam milk at the same time on the Barista Express?
No. Because it has a single boiler, you must first brew your espresso shot, then wait for the machine to increase its temperature to create steam for your milk. This adds about 30-60 seconds to your workflow for making a latte or cappuccino.
Do I need a separate grinder for the Breville Dual Boiler?
Yes, absolutely. The Dual Boiler does not have a built-in grinder. To get the most out of this machine's performance, you need to pair it with a high-quality espresso grinder that allows for fine adjustments.
Which machine is easier for a beginner to use?
The Barista Express is significantly easier for a beginner. Its all-in-one design, helpful pressure gauge, and simplified controls make the learning process much more accessible.
Which Breville machine is more durable?
While both machines are well-built, the Dual Boiler is constructed with more commercial-grade components and is designed for greater longevity and consistent performance under heavy use. With proper maintenance, both can last many years.
What is a dual boiler system and why does it matter?
A dual boiler system features two separate heating elements - one optimized for brewing espresso (around 200°F) and one for producing steam (around 265°F). This provides rock-solid temperature stability for your shot and allows you to pull a shot and steam milk at the same time, mimicking the workflow of a commercial cafe machine.
Can I make good lattes with the Barista Express?
Yes. The manual steam wand on the Barista Express is quite powerful for its class. With practice, you can steam milk and create the microfoam necessary for high-quality lattes and latte art.
Is the Breville Dual Boiler worth the cost?
For a passionate coffee enthusiast who wants to perfect their craft and values the efficient workflow of simultaneous brewing/steaming, it's widely considered one of the best value prosumer machines on the market. For a casual user or beginner, its features would likely go unused, making it an unnecessary expense.
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