Nerdy Science in the Kitchen

Best Dual Boiler Espresso Machine (And Why They Are Worth Buying!)

Enjoy a lovely cup of espresso on a budget with these great picks.

There comes a time in every coffee enthusiasts life where regular coffee makers, espresso machines, and any other machine meant to make your in-home coffee experience better realizes – this just isn’t cutting it for me. I need something better.

Skip to the good stuff. I like the Breville Dual Boiler Espresso Machine.

So they make their way to the net and begin researching how to get the perfect dose of caffeine in the comfort of their own home.

After all the research has been done, the conclusion most come to is that to get that perfect coffee house blend, they simply have to get equipment those very same coffee houses use. They have to break down and purchase a dual boiler espresso machine.

The benefits of dual boiler espresso machines have are plentiful. Most of them are out of my personal budget but a friend of mine got a dual boiler for 0 recently.

They offer consistent heat and pressure (more so than a single boiler) for higher quality espresso blends. The only issue with them is that they are unbelievably expensive, sometimes costing between 4 and 5 thousand dollars.

So today I want to take the time to look at a few different premium dual boiler espresso machines that will offer perfect espresso shots.

Breville BES920XL

The Breville BES920XL is a gorgeous machine that will look sleek, elegant, beautiful or any other adjective you want to assign to it, in modern kitchens. It has a smooth, shiny stainless steel finish that is resistant to fingerprints.

It, of course, has dual pumps giving simultaneous espresso extraction and steaming. The over-pressure valve keeps extraction pressure to a minimum, so you will always get a perfect consistency every time. Plus the electronic PID temperature control offers precisely accurate water temperature for your coffee.

Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

There is a backlit LCD display that shows the brewing temperature and a shot timer giving perfect texture and taste on every shot. It will come with a test strip for testing water hardness and gives alerts when it is time to descale the machine.

Looking to get this machine? Find it at Amazon.

Should you get the Breville BES920XL?

If you want a machine that will fit in perfectly with a modern kitchen, this is one that you should strongly consider. It is a durable machine that will make several shots a day without ever losing the coffee’s potency over time. Most importantly, it makes an excellent cup of coffee.

Looking for a single cup coffee maker instead? Check out my top picks.

Pasquini Livia 90 Semiautomatic Commercial Espresso/Cappuccino Machine

Here is another beautiful looking machine that is sure to give you the top-notch, high-quality brew that you are looking for. The fact that it is made for commercial use is an added bonus (it’s a great purchase if you are looking to open a little coffee bar).

It uses a 1.5-liter dual heat exchanger boiler that lets you brew and steam at the same time. The 15 BAR pump gives the perfect pressure while brewing, creating an awesome extraction from the brewing process each time.

Make sure you have a burr grinder that’s up to the job as well! You’ll need the best tools to get the best cup of espresso.

There is a 3-way solenoid valve that instantly relieves the pressure to help make for easier cleanup, and the solid stainless steel structure of the machine will give you confidence that this machine will last you for several years.

Should you get the Pasquini Livia 90?

Do you own a business and would like to add a small cafe on the side for your customers to enjoy? Or maybe you would like to open up a coffee stand to make some extra cash in the morning? If so, this is a terrific machine to invest in. It is made for commercial use but, will work just as well inside your home. Regardless of where you use it, it will make a delicious cappuccino and espresso.

Find it at Amazon.

La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi 2 Espresso Machine

Maybe the best dual boiler machine on the list (certainly the most expensive one), the La Spaziale Mini is a monster in the kitchen and offers a wide range of features while staying within the budget we set.

Some of the features of this machine include:

  • Programmable presets to let you get your preferred brew with a single push of a button
  • Digital temperature controls for perfect and consistent water temperatures
  • 4-hole steam tip wand to give you more steam power when making your espresso
  • LED display showing temperature and shot timer
La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II BLACK Espresso Machine

This machine also gives you the option to replace the black plastic siding with wood siding panels. This will cost a lot more, but man, it looks amazing.

Find this machine at Amazon.

Should you get the La Spaziale Mini?

This is the best and most expensive machine that we have reviewed today. It comes with several features and the ability to upgrade your machine with wood grain sides. If you are looking for the most features for your machine, then you will love this product.

Wrap – Up

Not everybody is going to care about getting a dual boiler espresso machine, and even less will be willing to spend the amount of money necessary to purchase one of these. But if you are one of the few who is in the market for a dual boiler machine, either of these 3 options will suit you well. They all offer a perfect brew, but more important, they all stay within our budget.

Using your espresso machine to make lattes? Step up your latte art game with these milk frothers.

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Image credit via Flickr Creative Commons: Brian L. and cahadikin

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