Are you on the fence about choosing between the Breville Dual Boiler vs Infuser? Well, my vote is in for the former, even though it is more expensive and bulkier.
The Breville Dual Boiler comes with commercial-grade accessories, dual boilers for efficient multitasking, and a larger water capacity, requiring fewer refills. Meanwhile, the Breville Infuser is ideal for budget-conscious users because it’s significantly less expensive, not to mention it’s a more compact option for smaller kitchen spaces.
Breville Dual Boiler Vs Infuser: Specs & Features Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Breville Dual Boiler Vs Infuser: Differences
The Dual Boiler triumphed over the Infuser with a score of 4-3. Now, let’s delve into how these two models differ from each other.
Coffee Flavor & Brewing System
Winner: Breville Dual Boiler
Built-in Grinder
These machines are a good deal for those who already have their own high-quality grinder or are open to investing in one since they miss a built-in grinder. Having a grinder is not a terrible thing at all. If the grinder breaks down, no sweat – your espresso machine is still up and running, and vice versa.
One of the best standalone grinders to accompany these Breville machines is the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, which is highly efficient and offers good value for money. Interestingly enough, there’s an option to purchase the Dynamic Duo package on Amazon, which includes both the Dual Boiler and the Smart Grinder Pro.
Dosing & Tamping
The good news is that with the exception of a grinder, these machines come with all the necessary accessories for brewing, frothing, and even for those dreaded cleaning days. They even include a professional-grade milk jug in the package, while some big brands like Jura seem to have a “forget-the-jug” policy.
Alright, the Dual Boiler has a 58-mm professional-grade portafilter, while the Infuser comes with a smaller 54-mm one. You also get both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets, there are 4 in total.
In case you were wondering, pressurized baskets are supposed to be used with pre-ground coffee as they help to regulate pressure and control extraction regardless of the grind size or the freshness of the coffee. But for those of us who are serious about our coffee game, it’s all about quality whole beans ground fresh each time. This is where non-pressurized baskets come into play and shine.
I’m somewhat disappointed with the flimsy tamper included with these machines. It’s functional, but a stainless steel tamper is preferable for optimal performance. If you don’t already own an espresso tamper, you can use the included one, but I suggest considering an upgrade for a better experience.
Heating System
The Dual Boiler has two stainless steel boilers, one for espresso and another for steaming milk. Each boiler is fine-tuned to the proper temperature, and you can play the multitasking game – pulling a shot and frothing milk simultaneously.
On the other hand, the Infuser uses a thermocoil heating system to heat up quickly within one minute. The quick heat-up time means you don’t have to wait too long for your first shot of the day or switch from steam to brew. To compare, the Dual Boiler can make you wait up to half an hour for initial heating.
Brewing System
When it comes to preparing coffee, the first step should be to dampen the grounds slightly. This process, known as pre-infusion, allows carbon dioxide to be released and the coffee’s delicate aromas to develop more fully, leading to a more uniform extraction. Fortunately, both the Breville Infuser and Dual Boiler machines feature this capability.
The Breville Infuser offers the flexibility to adjust the duration of pre-infusion by holding down the brew button, which provides greater control over the espresso extraction process.
With the Breville Dual Boilers, you can set the pre-infusion pressure based on both time (up to 60 seconds) and amount (a percentage ranging from 60 to 90). What should I say? Well, it’s always good to have room to experiment.
What’s more, both have a PID temperature control for temperature stability and a 15-bar pump to ensure the puck receives the proper pressure for extraction.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Breville Infuser
Dimensions & User Interface
| Breville Dual Boiler | Breville Infuser | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20.1 x 17.2 x 17.2 inches | 13.1 x 12.3 x 10.2 inches |
| Weight | 30 lbs | 17 lbs |
I totally agree that the build quality of these Breville machines is something to rave about. For those who have a “no plastic, please” policy when it comes to their coffee machines, the Dual Boiler and Infuser are for them, and that is also Breville’s fine tradition.
When you first lay eyes on the Infuser, it’s like looking at a smaller version of the Dual Boiler. It’s more compact, fitting snugly into smaller spaces, and, of course, it’s lighter. This makes the Infuser an ideal choice for those who have limited kitchen space.
Yes, I’m not kidding. The Dual Boiler is like the Hulk of the coffee world – mighty but bulky – and I bet Breville knows this too. The proof is that they’ve equipped the Dual Boiler with a roller system, which I haven’t seen in previous generations of Breville machines.
Their user interfaces are quite straightforward, featuring only a handful of programmable buttons and a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge isn’t merely decorative, my friends, it’s a practical tool. It helps in diagnosing common espresso brewing errors, such as using overly coarse ground coffee or overfilling the filter basket.
Spout Type & Cup Clearance
| Breville Dual Boiler | Breville Infuser | |
|---|---|---|
| Spout Type | Dual | Dual |
| Cup Clearance | 4 inches | 4.5 inches |
Both models have a standard cup height that isn’t adjustable. But whether you use espresso cups or a tall travel mug, I believe you rarely have issues fitting them under the spout. Plus, you can always create more room by removing the drip tray if needed, which is a simple tip that few people know.
Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper
| Breville Dual Boiler | Breville Infuser | |
|---|---|---|
| Water Reservoir | 2.5 liter | 1.8 liter |
| Bean Hopper | None | None |
Their water tanks are removable, but they are tucked away behind the machine, so accessing them can be a bit of a puzzle. Tanks that slide out from the front are always better.
I already mentioned that the Dual Boiler has a wheel system, which can help you easily turn the machine around to reach its tank. But if you just need to refill it, there is a slot on top, like a secret passageway, for a quick top-up. You can even observe its current water level via a narrow slit in the front. Pretty handy, right?
Breville also includes a water filter with both machines, ensuring every cup of coffee tastes as fresh as possible. And as a bonus, the filter helps you avoid having to descale the machine too often.
Milk Frothing System
Winner: Tie
They both have a 3-hole manual steam wand that rotates a full 360 degrees on a ball joint, allowing you to angle the jug just the way you want it. What’s more, they also steam milk somewhat quickly. And is that all you’d expect from a pro-level manual steam wand?
And yes, a manual steam wand does mean you get the chance to play around with milk texturing and, with a bit of practice, dive into the artful world of latte art. But once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly rewarding.
I think anyone who loves their coffee also secretly (or not so secretly) dreams of being able to whip up a stunning cappuccino, latte macchiato, or flat white themselves. Trust me, it’s the best way to impress anyone who visits your home.
Drink Options & Programmability
Winner: Tie
Drink Options
| Breville Dual Boiler | Breville Infuser |
|---|---|
| Espresso Hot Water | Espresso Hot Water |
Both boast a dedicated hot water outlet on the side of the portafilter for tea or Americanos. It’s often one of those features that gets overlooked, but not by Breville. They seem to understand that coffee lovers might also enjoy a good cup of tea or an Americano now and then, and I’m happy to see this function here.
Programmability
| Adjustable Settings | Breville Dual Boiler | Breville Infuser |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Strength | Yes | Yes |
| Coffee Temperature | Yes | Yes |
| Milk Foam Temperature | Yes | No |
| Milk Foam Texture | No | No |
These machines both have flexible shot volumes and brewing temperatures. They are indeed standard features in the realm of affordable manual espresso machines, so I don’t consider Breville to have done groundbreaking innovation here. And let’s not forget the option to choose between single or double shots.
Other Features
Winner: Breville Dual Boiler
Auto On-Off
The Breville Dual Boiler automatically turns off after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity. Likewise, the Breville Infuser automatically enters sleep mode after 1 hour and then completely shuts off if not used for 3 hours. These features are like a nod to both Mother Nature and your wallet. In an age where we’re all trying to be a bit more eco-conscious and cost-efficient, these features really shine.
Still, the Dual Boiler can be programmed to turn on and heat up automatically. That way, you can wake up to a machine that’s not only heated up but has also pre-warmed your cups.
Quick Rundown Of Breville Dual Boiler
- Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Breville Infuser
- The Breville Infuser delivers optimal flavor in every cup creating third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula, ensuring the right dose of beans, optimal water pressure, precise temperature control and microfoam milk for latte art
- VOLUMETRIC AND SHOT CONTROL: Control the volume of each pour at the touch of a button and choose 1 shot, 2 shot or manually control over how much espresso ends up in your cup for the perfect dose every time
- OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
- PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Maximize flavor potential with low pressure pre-infusion, digital PID temperature control, adjustable in 2°F increments complete with pressure gauge that guides you to the right extraction every time
- MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: High power 1650W element for high pressure steam wand and faster heat-up to create the microfoam necessary for a third wave specialty taste and essential for creating latte art at home
Last update on 2024-12-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References
- Breville Dual Boiler: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes920.html
- Breville Infuser: https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/espresso/bes840.html
Felix Hendricks is a skilled barista with over 12 years of experience. He excels in crafting coffee and has a strong foundation in coffee machine mechanics. Felix holds a Coffee Machine Maintenance Certification from the Coffee Equipment Technical Institute, showcasing his ability to diagnose and repair coffee machines. He’s also worked as a quality control specialist, selecting premium coffee beans for optimal flavor. Felix has a diverse work history, including stints at renowned coffee spots like Café Euphoria & Starbucks. His expertise in both brewing and machine maintenance makes him a respected figure in the coffee industry.