Best Dual Boiler Espresso Machines – 5 Ultimate Picks

Making espresso is an art – and the best way to get barista-quality results at home is with a dual-boiler espresso machine.

Not only does it provide reliable temperature control, but its design ensures that shots come out evenly balanced and full of flavour.

I’ve done the research and tested out several different products this year, so trust me when I say I know exactly what makes a great espresso machine.

Overall, my team and I were amazed by ECM Synchronika. You will not find a better blend of quality, performance and price in other machines.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the top models on the market in order to help you find the perfect dual-boiler espresso machine for your home or business.

5 Best Dual Boiler Espresso Machines

A dual boiler espresso machine is a high-end espresso machine that has two separate boilers – one for brewing and one for steaming.

This type of machine provides an enhanced level of control and precision, enabling you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously, without losing pressure or temperature while switching between the two tasks.

The independent boilers also ensure that the water flow and temperature are consistent and accurate, resulting in a superior-tasting espresso shot.

With that in mind, we have created our list of the best five dual-boiler espresso machines on the market today. Here are our top picks.

ECM Synchronika – Best Overall

The Synchronika is equipped with two separate boilers, each with its own PID temperature control system that allows for precise and consistent heating.

This ensures that the temperature of the coffee and steam never fluctuates, resulting in a perfect extraction of your coffee every time.

The Synchronika also includes a dual-manometer system, allowing you to keep track of both the boiler pressure and pump pressure.

We like this feature because it enables you to easily adjust the pressure to achieve your desired level of flavour and aroma in your espresso.

Another exciting feature of the ECM Synchronika is the commercial-grade rotary pump. This pump provides a quiet and consistent performance.

The 0.75-litre steam boiler also comes with a powerful 2-bar pressure, allowing you to create the perfect microfoam for latte art.

Additionally, the machine comes with a larger 3.3-litre water tank, allowing for more brewing and steaming without having to constantly refill.

Other notable features of this machine include the E61 group head, which provides an even extraction of coffee, a commercial steam wand, and the heated cup warmer.

All in all, we were impressed by Syncronica’s brewing capabilities, built quality, and professional-grade elements. This machine is highly recommended for both home and commercial use.

Profitec Pro 700 – Runner Up

The Profitec Pro 700 is crafted with top-quality stainless steel materials, making it a heavy-duty and long-lasting appliance.

Just like all picks on our list here, the machine’s dual boiler feature enables it to simultaneously brew and steam milk, thus saving time and enhancing efficiency.

Additionally, the machine features an E61 group head, a pre-infusion system, and PID temperature control, which together provide precision and consistency in your coffee extraction.

On top of that, the machine’s pulsing brew pressure feature ensures that the coffee grounds are adequately saturated, which in turn enhances flavour and extraction.

The Profitec Pro 700 boasts of a spacious water tank with an option of a direct water line connection, measuring up to 3 litres, and a 2.0-litre steam boiler, allowing you to make multiple coffee drinks without the need to frequently refill and reset.

Furthermore, the machine is equipped with an automatic cleaning cycle, making it easy for owners to clean and maintain and keep it hygienic.

To top it off, the Profitec Pro 700 espresso machine features a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls that enable you to customize your drinks and adjust settings such as temperature, pre-infusion time, and pressure through an easy-to-use touch screen.

We enjoyed reviewing this machine. It’s indeed a piece of equipment that promises to take your coffee experience to the next level.

Breville BES920XL – Best On Budget

Just like all our best dual-boiler espresso machines, Breville’s machine got two boilers, meaning you can brew espresso and steam milk at the same time.

Also, the machine has a PID controller that lets you set the water temperature to make rich and full-bodied coffee just how you like it.

The Breville BES920XL aka Dual Boilr also features a pre-infusion function, which allows you to extract maximum flavours from your coffee before the brewing process starts.

Another great feature of this machine is its advanced steam wand, which is capable of creating a velvety microfoam that makes latte art a breeze. The machine also includes a hot water dispenser for making Americanos, teas, and more.

The Breville BES920XL is also user-friendly, with a backlit LCD screen that displays important information like the water level, temperature, and shot timer.

It also has a programmable start time, so you can have your coffee ready as soon as you wake up in the morning, which I like the most about it.

Overall, I was amazed by its advanced features and high build quality. And its low price point makes it one of the most popular dual boilers on the market that I would seriously recommend if you are on a budget.

You can read our in-depth review of Breville Dual Boiler to gain more insights into it.

La Marzocco GS3 – Best Upgrade

The La Marzocco GS3 1 has an advanced preheating system, rotary pump, manual paddle, dual boiler and more.

It also comes with a dual PID controller, which regulates temperature and brew pressure to ensure consistent flavour and extraction. It allows for programmable pre-infusion and shot volumes to customize your espresso drinks.

One of the things we liked the most about it is a manual paddle that allows for a customized, hands-on approach to brewing with an ergonomic design for easy use.

And with a generous 3.5-litre steam boiler and a 1.4-litre brew boiler, it can handle commercial or home usage with ease.

You have the option to either use the water reservoir of your GS3 or go for the plumbed-in operation. The latter is a great choice for commercial settings. It also features a hot water spout and steam wand.

Moreover, we love its sleek stainless-steel design and programmable LED illumination. This machine will undoubtedly attract attention in any setting.

If you are looking for the top dual-boiler espresso machine, you might want to consider the GS3. It’s pricey but delivers perfect results every time.

Lelit Bianca V3 – Editor’s Pick

This third version of the Bianca model has been further enhanced with new features that make it stand out from its predecessors.

From its classic Italian design to its cutting-edge technology, the Bianca V3 has been crafted with attention to every detail.

This machine is equipped with a built-in PID controller that offers precise temperature stability, which is a key feature in achieving perfect espresso extraction.

Additionally, the V3 comes with an E61-type brew group that is constructed to distribute water evenly and consistently throughout the coffee grounds, ensuring an even extraction.

The machine’s low-pressure pre-infusion system allows the coffee to bloom and release its full flavour before the pump reaches full pressure, translating to a full-bodied espresso.

Another exciting feature is the customizable pressure profiling system. This feature lets you control the pressure of the extraction process manually, enabling you to produce shots with flavours unique to the beans in use.

The Bianca V3 also features a large and intuitive touchscreen display that makes it easy to adjust the machine’s settings.

Other benefits of the Bianca V3 include its large water reservoir, dual boilers, and incredible steaming power perfect for frothing milk. The machine is built with durable, high-quality materials, making it long-lasting and easy to maintain.

If you need some instructions, check out our guide for using the espresso machine.

What To Look For in Best Dual Boiler Espresso Machines

Brewing Capabilities

First and foremost, it is crucial to ensure that the espresso machine has consistent brewing capabilities.

This means that the machine should have the ability to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the brewing process.

This is especially important because temperature fluctuations can significantly impact the taste of the espresso.

Luckily, in terms of brewing capabilities, dual-boiler espresso machines offer some distinct advantages over single-boiler espresso machines.

Also, most high-quality machines in this category typically feature PID temperature control systems, which ensure that the temperature stays within a narrow range.

As such, you can expect a consistent and delicious cup of espresso every time.

The best dual-boiler espresso machines on our list here have passed the brewing test. They have advanced temp control systems, commercial-grade portafilters, and more.

Steam and Brew Boiler Size

The steam boiler is responsible for producing steam for frothing milk, while the brew boiler is responsible for brewing the espresso.

The size of these boilers determines how much steam or water can be produced at once, and thus impacts the speed and quality of your espresso-making.

Generally, larger boilers mean faster and more consistent performance, as they can heat water or steam more quickly and maintain a more stable temperature.

However, larger boilers also take longer to heat up and consume more energy than smaller ones, so it’s important to balance performance with efficiency.

If you’re a heavy espresso drinker or often make drinks with lots of steamed milk, a machine with larger boilers (such as 1.5-2 litres for brew and 2-3 litres for steam) may be ideal.

However, if you only make a few drinks at a time or prioritize energy efficiency, a smaller machine with boilers of around 0.5-1 litre for brew and steaming may be sufficient.

Quality of Boiler Material

The boiler is the heart of an espresso machine and it plays a crucial role in determining the quality of the espresso shot.

Therefore, it is important to make sure that the boiler material is of high quality and can withstand the rigours of constant use.

The two most common materials used in prosumer espresso machine boilers are copper and stainless steel.

Copper is known for its excellent heat conductivity, which allows for fast and even heating of the water. However, copper is also prone to oxidation and can react with certain acids in the water, which can result in a metallic taste in the espresso.

Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more durable and less prone to corrosion, but it is not as efficient at conducting heat as copper.

If you are looking for a machine that can produce high-quality espresso shots quickly and efficiently, then a machine with a copper boiler may be the way to go.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a machine that is more durable and requires less maintenance, then a machine with a stainless steel boiler may be a better choice.

Pump Type

One popular type of pump is the vibratory pump. These pumps use an electromagnet to move a piston back and forth, which creates pressure and moves the water.

Vibratory pumps are known for being relatively inexpensive, reliable, and easy to service. However, they can also be fairly noisy and may not be as consistent when it comes to pressure.

Another type of pump is the rotary pump. These use a spinning rotor to move the water and tend to be slower and quieter than vibratory pumps.

They also tend to be more consistent and precise, which makes them a common choice for high-end machines. However, they can also be more expensive and difficult to repair if something goes wrong.

If you are an entry-level barista with a limited budget, a vibration pump machine may be ideal for your needs.

However, if you want to invest in a high-end machine for commercial or home use, a rotary pump machine would be a more suitable option.

Size and Footprint

In terms of size and footprint, dual boiler espresso machines come in various shapes and sizes. From slim to wide models of all sizes.

Some models feature a vertical construction, which can save space on your kitchen counter while also providing easy access to the machine’s controls.

Others are larger and have a more horizontal design, which may require more counter space but can offer more substantial water and steam capacities.

It’s worth noting that larger-capacity machines may require additional power, which can contribute to a higher electrical bill, so be sure to check the specifications and requirements before making your final decision.

To ensure your new espresso machine fits seamlessly into your kitchen, we advise you to take precise measurements of your available space before making your final decision.

It’s also essential to consider the dimensions and shapes of the other kitchen appliances and fixtures nearby to ensure your new machine won’t disrupt the flow of your kitchen.

If you need help choosing the espresso machine for your home, check out our guide by clicking the link.

Our #1 Recommendation

With ECM Synchronica in the lead, we’ve gone through what makes the best dual-boiler espresso machines on the market.

After extensive research and testing, we believe this machine provides unbeatable quality and satisfying coffee experiences every day.

Not to mention its sleek design allows for an inviting look whether you choose to place it on your kitchen counter or set it up in a cafe setting.

All in all, if you’re looking for a no-fuss espresso experience that doesn’t compromise on taste then the ECM Synchronica is our best recommendation.

FAQs

How does temperature control work in a dual boiler machine?

Many advanced espresso machines come equipped with a PID, or proportional-integral-derivative control, which monitors temperatures with incredible accuracy.

This advanced temperature control system not only ensures consistency within the brewing process but also within steaming, creating equally perfect milk frothing each time.

Are there any specific maintenance requirements for dual boiler machines?

Yes, these advanced machines have specific maintenance requirements that should be followed to ensure their optimal performance and longevity.

Below are some of the maintenance tasks that should be performed on a regular basis:

• Descaling
• Cleaning
• Lubrication
• Filter replacement
• Water quality

Do dual boiler machines require any special installation or plumbing?

When it comes to the installation of dual boiler machines, most models require professional installation.

Since they have two independent boilers, the machine needs to be connected to both plumbing and electrical supplies. We recommend contacting your local plumber!

Installing a dual boiler machine without professional assistance can result in a variety of problems, including water leaks, electrical short-circuits, or poor performance.