The Breville Infuser and Dual Boiler are two of the most popular espresso machines from Breville, but they cater to very different home baristas. The Infuser is a mid-range, single boiler machine designed for excellent, consistent espresso with user-friendly features like pre-infusion, while the pricier Dual Boiler is a prosumer machine with two separate boilers that allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously with precise control.
Here’s a detailed look at what sets them apart to help you decide which is the right investment for your coffee station.
Breville Infuser (BES840)
The Breville Infuser is a semi-automatic espresso machine that strikes an excellent balance between professional-grade features and home-kitchen convenience. Known for its low-pressure pre-infusion technology, it gently soaks the coffee grounds before extraction, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful shot. It’s a fantastic choice for enthusiasts upgrading from entry-level machines who want consistent results without a steep learning curve.
- What it is: A mid-range, semi-automatic espresso machine with a single thermocoil boiler system and pre-infusion technology.
- Key features: Low-pressure pre-infusion, PID temperature control for shot stability, 1600W thermocoil boiler, manual steam wand, pressure gauge to monitor extraction.
- Price: Around $700 - $800
- Style: Compact and sleek with a brushed stainless steel finish that fits well in most modern kitchens.
- Materials/Construction: Features a durable stainless steel body and professional-style 54mm stainless steel portafilter for consistent performance.
- Pros: Pre-infusion significantly improves shot quality. Compact footprint saves counter space. Very user-friendly for beginners. Great value for the build quality and features.
- Cons: Single boiler means you cannot pull a shot and steam milk at the same time. The thermocoil system has a slight delay when switching between brewing and steaming.
The Infuser is ideal for those who primarily drink espresso or Americanos and want cafe-quality shots with minimal fuss and a relatively small footprint.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes840.html
Breville Dual Boiler (BES920)
The Breville Dual Boiler is engineered for the serious home barista who craves total control and commercial-level performance. As its name suggests, it features two separate stainless steel boilers - one for brewing and one for steaming. This design allows you to pull a perfect espresso shot and steam silky microfoam milk at the same time, dramatically speeding up the process for lattes and cappuccinos while maintaining unparalleled temperature stability.
- What it is: A high-end, premium espresso machine with dedicated brew and steam boilers for simultaneous operation.
- Key features: Dual stainless steel boilers, PID temperature control for both boilers, heated group head, over-pressure valve (OPV), full control over pre-infusion duration and pressure.
- Price: Around $1,200 - $1,400
- Style: A larger, more robust machine with a commercial-espresso-bar aesthetic, also crafted in brushed stainless steel.
- Materials/Construction: Boasts a professional-grade build with commercial-sized 58mm portafilter, heavy-duty components, and dual stainless steel boilers for longevity and thermal stability.
- Pros: Brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. Superior temperature stability leads to highly consistent shots. Extensive customization of all brewing variables. Professional workflow and performance.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive. Larger and heavier, requiring more counter space. Steeper learning curve to master all the features.
The Dual Boiler is for the dedicated coffee hobbyist who wants to experiment with every variable and achieve true cafe-quality milk drinks at home.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/products/espresso/bes920.html
Breville Infuser vs. Breville Dual Boiler Comparison
Performance & Functionality
The most significant difference lies in the boiler systems. The Infuser's single thermocoil boiler does one job at a time - you brew, then wait for it to heat up to steam temperature, or vice versa. Its pre-infusion feature automates a gentle start to the extraction, which is fantastic for consistency. It's built to produce great shots without needing deep technical knowledge.
The Dual Boiler is all about workflow and ultimate control. Having two boilers means no waiting. You can pull a shot while simultaneously steaming a pitcher of milk, just like a commercial cafe. This not only saves a lot of time if you're making multiple lattes but also guarantees perfect temperature for both tasks. Furthermore, it offers granular control over pre-infusion pressure and duration, allowing experts to truly dial in their shots.
Dimensions & Footprint
Space is a key consideration. The Infuser is relatively compact, with a footprint of roughly 12 x 12 inches, making it a viable option for smaller kitchens or apartments where counter real estate is at a premium.
The Dual Boiler is a larger and heavier machine, measuring approximately 15 x 15 inches. Its robust build and internal complexity demand a dedicated spot, ideally a permanent coffee station with ample room.
Ease of Use & Learning Curve
The Infuser is built for accessibility. Its interface is straightforward, the included pressure gauge gives helpful feedback, and its programmed shot buttons make it easy for beginners to get started while still offering manual overrides. The learning curve is gentle and focused on core skills like grinding and tamping.
The Dual Boiler has a much steeper learning curve purely because it offers so many variables to adjust. While you can use it in a more automated mode, its true value comes from an owner willing to learn about PID settings, pre-infusion times, and brew temperatures to perfect their craft.
Price & Value
The Breville Infuser sits in the $700-$800 range, offering immense value. For the price, you get excellent build quality and a feature set (PID, pre-infusion) that produces espresso far superior to cheaper appliances.
The Breville Dual Boiler, at $1,200-$1,400, is a serious investment. The price jump is justified by its commercial-grade performance, dual-boiler efficiency, and unmatched control. It provides value to users who will actually use its advanced features to their full potential. For a casual user, it would be overkill.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Breville machines are excellent options, but they are designed for home baristas with different goals and priorities.
Choose the Breville Infuser if:
- You are upgrading from an entry-level espresso machine or just starting your journey.
- You primarily drink espresso or Americanos and only occasionally make milk drinks.
- Counter space is limited in your kitchen.
- Your budget is under $1000 and you want the best bang for your buck.
- You prioritize consistent, high-quality shots with minimal fiddling.
Choose the Breville Dual Boiler if:
- Espresso is a serious, daily hobby for you, not just a morning drink.
- You frequently make lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites for yourself and others.
- You want the ability to experiment with and control every aspect of a shot.
- Budget and counter space are not your primary concerns.
- You want a machine that replicates a professional cafe workflow at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Infuser and Dual Boiler?
The main difference is the boiler system. The Infuser has a single thermocoil boiler, meaning you have to wait between brewing espresso and steaming milk. The Dual Boiler has two dedicated boilers, allowing you to do both simultaneously, which provides superior temperature stability and faster workflow.
Why is simultaneous brewing and steaming important?
For making milk-based drinks like lattes, timing is key. Pulling the shot and steaming the milk at the same time ensures the espresso crema doesn't dissipate and the milk texture is perfect when you're ready to pour. It's essential for quality and a huge timesaver if making multiple drinks.
Which machine is better for a beginner?
The Breville Infuser is the clear winner for beginners. It's more forgiving, has a simpler interface, and guides you toward making great espresso without overwhelming you with technical options. The Dual Boiler is better suited for experienced users.
Is the Dual Boiler really worth the extra cost?
If you are a dedicated home barista who frequently makes lattes and wants to master the craft of espresso, absolutely. The incredible temperature control and workflow efficiency can't be matched by a single-boiler machine. For a casual user who just wants a great shot of espresso, it's likely not worth the extra expense.
Both machines have PID temperature control. Is it the same?
While both have a PID for stability, the Dual Boiler's system is more advanced. It allows you to control the temperatures of both the brew and steam boilers independently with much higher precision, giving you more robust and consistent performance.
Do I need a special grinder for these machines?
Yes, for both machines, a high-quality burr grinder is essential to unlock their potential. Espresso requires a very fine, consistent grind. Pairing either of these machines with a subpar blade grinder will lead to disappointing results.
Will the coffee from the Dual Boiler taste better than the Infuser?
Not necessarily. In the hands of a skilled user with a great grinder and fresh beans, both machines can produce phenomenal espresso. The Dual Boiler simply gives you more tools and control to consistently repeat that perfect shot and allows for a much faster workflow for milk drinks.
How much cleaning and maintenance is required?
Both machines require regular maintenance to perform well. This includes daily rinsing of the group head and portafilter, periodic backflushing with a cleaning tablet, and descaling every few months depending on your water hardness. The Dual Boiler has more complex descaling procedures due to the dual boilers.
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