The core difference between Breville's ThermoJet and ThermoCoil heating systems comes down to speed versus traditional stability. ThermoJet-equipped machines can reach the optimal brewing temperature in as little as 3 seconds, making them incredibly fast, while ThermoCoil machines use a more traditional boiler for excellent heat retention and consistency at the cost of a longer heat-up time.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which Breville espresso machine technology is the right fit for your daily coffee routine.
Breville ThermoJet Heating System
The ThermoJet system is Breville's answer to the modern need for speed and convenience in home espresso. This rapid-heating technology delivers water at the perfect temperature nearly instantly, eliminating the usual wait time associated with traditional espresso machines and reshaping the morning coffee workflow.
- What it is: An innovative, high-speed heating system that flash-heats water as it passes through a thermally stable element, ready for brewing in about 3 seconds.
- Key features: Extremely fast 3-second heat-up time, precise digital temperature control (PID), and an efficient on-demand design that heats only the water needed.
- Price: Found in mid-range Breville machines, typically ranging from $700 to $1,200.
- Style: Generally featured in machines with a sleek, modern aesthetic, clean lines, compact footprints, and digital interfaces.
- Materials/Construction: Built using a combination of stainless steel accents, high-quality plastics, and advanced electronic components designed for precision.
- Pros: Virtually no waiting time from power-on to brewing, energy-efficient for quick single use, compact design ideal for small kitchens, and consistent temperature in every shot.
- Cons: A more complex electronic system may have more potential fail points than a simple boiler. The lower thermal mass may offer slightly less steam power compared to a large boiler.
This system is ideal for the busy coffee lover who prioritizes a quick, seamless morning routine without sacrificing espresso quality.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/espresso/espresso-machines.html
Breville ThermoCoil Heating System
The ThermoCoil represents a more traditional approach to heating, focusing on thermal stability and robust, proven performance. This system heats water within a coil, which is part of a small boiler block, ensuring the entire unit maintains a consistent temperature for brewing and steaming.
- What it is: A boiler-based heating system that circulates water through an internal coil to reach and maintain brewing temperature.
- Key features: Offers excellent temperature stability and retention once heated, durable and simple mechanical design, and provides robust steam power.
- Price: Available in mid-range machines, with prices usually between $600 and $1,300, overlapping significantly with ThermoJet models.
- Style: Commonly found in machines with a more classic or industrial aesthetic, featuring physical pressure gauges, dials, and a heavier, more substantial presence on the countertop.
- Materials/Construction: Utilizes durable materials like stainless steel and brass for the boiler and coil, ensuring a long lifespan with proper maintenance.
- Pros: Outstanding temperature stability during brewing, making it reliable for back-to-back shots. The construction is robust and has long-term durability. Great steam performance.
- Cons: Slower to heat up, typically requiring a minute or more to reach brewing temperature. Machines are often larger and heavier, taking up more counter space.
The ThermoCoil excels for the home barista who enjoys the traditional brewing process and values thermal stability and durability over speed.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/espresso/espresso-machines.html
Breville ThermoJet vs. ThermoCoil Comparison
Heat-Up Time & Convenience
This is the most significant difference. The ThermoJet system is built for speed, heating up in just 3 seconds. For someone rushing in the morning, this is a massive advantage. You can turn the machine on, grind your beans, and be ready to pull a shot immediately.
The ThermoCoil, while not slow compared to commercial machines, takes significantly longer - often 30 to 60 seconds or more - to get to a stable temperature. This requires a little more patience and works better for a more relaxed and ritualistic coffee-making process rather than a quick grab-and-go shot.
Temperature Stability & Performance
While ThermoJet is impressively fast, the ThermoCoil's boiler system offers superior thermal mass. This means once the ThermoCoil is hot, it stays hot. This is particularly beneficial for making multiple drinks back-to-back, as the temperature is less likely to fluctuate between shots and when steaming milk. The ThermoJet's PID controller does a fantastic job of keeping the temperature precise, but the sheer thermal stability of the metal boiler in a ThermoCoil has a classic, reliable edge.
Materials & Construction
Both systems are built to Breville's high standards, but they differ in composition. ThermoCoil machines lean on heavy-duty materials like stainless steel or brass for their boilers, offering proven, long-term durability with a simpler mechanical design. ThermoJet systems rely more on sophisticated electronic controls and advanced components for their speed and precision. While durable, electronics can introduce more complexity compared to the straightforward nature of a metal boiler.
Price & Value
The price for machines using either technology is very similar, placing them in the same mid-range to premium home category. The value proposition is different. With a ThermoJet machine, you are paying for speed and state-of-the-art convenience. With a ThermoCoil machine, you are investing in classic reliability, bombproof thermal stability, and a more traditional, robust build.
Style & Versatility
Your kitchen aesthetic may influence your choice. ThermoJet machines generally have a modern, minimalist design. They look at home in contemporary kitchens with their sleek lines and often digital interfaces. ThermoCoil machines tend to have a more classic, industrial-cafe look. Their manual gauges, knobs, and often larger size appeal to those creating a dedicated home coffee bar with a more traditional vibe.
Who Each One Works Best For
A ThermoJet-powered machine is perfect for the busy professional or parent who needs excellent coffee without the wait. It’s for the person who values efficiency and integration into a fast-paced morning, or for someone with limited counter space who can’t leave a machine on to stay warm.
A ThermoCoil machine is best for the coffee enthusiast or hobbyist who savors the process of making espresso. They prioritize rock-solid stability for pulling multiple shots for guests and enjoy the robust feel and classic look of a traditional machine. If you value durability and performance for the long haul over instant gratification, ThermoCoil is an excellent choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both heating systems deliver exceptional homemade espresso, but they appeal to different priorities and lifestyles.
Choose a Breville machine with ThermoJet if:
- You want your espresso shot ready almost instantly.
- You have a busy morning routine and every second counts.
- You have a small kitchen and need a machine with a compact footprint.
- You prefer modern, minimalist appliances with digital controls.
Choose a Breville machine with ThermoCoil if:
- You value excellent temperature stability for making multiple drinks.
- You enjoy the traditional espresso-making process and don't mind a short wait.
- Long-term durability and robust construction are your top priorities.
- You prefer the look of a classic industrial-style appliance with physical gauges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the ThermoJet and ThermoCoil?
The primary difference is heating speed and method. ThermoJet is an on-demand system that heats water in 3 seconds, ideal for convenience. ThermoCoil is a boiler-style system that takes longer to heat but provides excellent thermal stability for consistent back-to-back brewing.
Which system is faster?
The ThermoJet is drastically faster. It's ready to brew in just 3 seconds, whereas the ThermoCoil typically needs 30-60 seconds or more to reach a stable temperature.
Is ThermoCoil better for temperature stability?
Yes, due to its physical design. The metal boiler in a ThermoCoil system has greater thermal mass, which helps it maintain a very stable temperature while brewing multiple shots or switching to steam, making it highly reliable.
Are ThermoJet machines less durable?
Not necessarily, but their design is different. ThermoJet relies a bit more on advanced electronics to manage its speed and precision. ThermoCoil systems are mechanically simpler, which some users associate with greater long-term durability. Both are built to last with proper care.
Do these systems affect the taste of the espresso?
Both systems, when used correctly, can produce fantastic espresso. The key to great taste is a stable and accurate brewing temperature, which both the ThermoJet (with its PID controller) and the ThermoCoil (with its thermal mass) provide. User skill will play a much larger role in the final taste.
Which system uses more energy?
For a single shot, the ThermoJet is more energy-efficient because it heats only the required amount of water instantly. The ThermoCoil may use more energy during its initial heat-up phase as it warms the entire boiler, but it's efficient at maintaining that heat once it's up to temperature.
Do I need to descale machines with these systems?
Yes. Regardless of the heating system, all espresso machines require regular cleaning and descaling to remove mineral buildup and ensure they continue to function properly and produce great-tasting coffee.
Is one system more expensive than the other?
No, machines featuring either system are priced in a similar mid-to-high-end range. The final price of a machine is more dependent on other features like an integrated grinder, a dual boiler, and specific build materials rather than just the heating technology alone.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
