Thermoblock espresso machines have a major advantage over boiler-based espresso machines: they heat up faster and are therefore ready to use more quickly. Unfortunately, this often comes at the cost of temperature stability.
We have begun testing numerous thermoblocks and related technologies. In doing so, we found that depending on the installation and the use of temperature sensors, thermoblocks can indeed achieve very constant brewing temperatures. However, the quality differences between machines are enormous.
Testing thermoblocks is an exciting journey of discovery for us, and we look forward to testing more espresso machines from this segment. Please comment on your wishes and suggestions so we can continuously expand the list.
After testing 14 dual-boiler espresso machines, the thermoblock test series is our second major test series. With the thermoblocks, we place even greater emphasis on working out tips and tricks for use.
Which thermoblock espresso machines are we testing?
- Satrap Espresso XA
- Ascaso Steel Duo PID V1 / Update: Test of the new model
- Quickmill Evolution 70
- Sage Bambino Plus
- Quickmill Orione 3000
- Sage Barista Touch
- Solis Barista Perfetta Plus
- Solis Barista Grand Gusto
- Ascaso Dream PID
- Sage Barista Express: Tips for the machine
- Decent DE1.4
- Graef ES 850 Marchesa
- Sage Barista Pro
- Delonghi Dedica EC685
- Sage Barista Express Impress - Article and Video
Still to test:
- Lelit Anna PL41TEM
- Delonghi la Specialista
- Comparison videos between different machines
- Possibly: Gilda, Ascaso Baby T. We'll see what we can do.
Frequently asked about, coming with the single-boiler machines: Zuringa
Please comment on which machines we should test beyond this. The list will be continuously expanded.
What is a thermoblock espresso machine?
In a thermoblock espresso machine, water flows through an electrically heated tube in an aluminum block. The thermoblock is essentially a flow heater, except that here the temperature is not transferred from the surrounding boiler to the tube as is the case, for example, with a Zweikreiser-Espressomaschinen, but rather through the heating source and the surrounding aluminum block. The speed of heat transfer and the routing of the tubes differ, as does the precision with which the water temperature is controlled and dispensed.
What thermoblock espresso machines have in common is that they heat up much faster than boiler systems. Many thermoblock machines are ready to use within minutes in terms of water temperature. Unlike espresso machines with a Faema E61 group head, however, the portafilter is often not sufficiently preheated, which is why heating the portafilter with blank shots of water is recommended.
More on the different systems of espresso machines in our article: Welche espresso machine right for me?Which thermoblock espresso machines convince?
Which thermoblock espresso machines convince?
The class of thermoblocks brings espresso machines at quite different price points. The Delonghi Dedica EC685 is for us the most interesting entry-level espresso machine on the market. For those really new to the world of espresso brewing, you'll find the most affordable recommended level here. However, the limitation of quality and durability is equally pre-programmed with the Dedica*.
In the field of milk frothing, the Sage Bambino Plus* and also the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus* do excellent work. Both cost around 400 €, with the Solis taking the lead when brewing espresso. If you're looking for a compromise with a grinder, machine, and decent milk frothing, you'll also find a possible machine in the Sage Barista Pro*.
The step to the Ascaso Dream PID is really fun. This machine delivers temperature stability like the best boiler machines. The Dream PID is essentially a thermoblock single-boiler machine, so it must be heated up to steam mode before frothing.
In the world of thermoblocks there are also espresso machines that, in their overall performance, match any boiler machine and at the same time are significantly more energy-efficient. Add to this the short heat-up time, which might make the thermoblock the even better choice. The Ascaso Steel Duo PID in the 2022 versions is a complete machine. Great temperature stability, good milk frothing. That's enjoyable.
The Decent espresso machine is perhaps the best espresso machine on the market. We also have one, and when we want to know exactly, we reach for this machine, which can play pressure profiles and flow profiles.
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