The Bezzera BZ10 excels at its core tasks. It delivers impressive consistency in both temperature and pressure, which is essential for the perfect espresso. As one of the most affordable espresso machines in the dual-boiler segment, it's a strong contender for a spot on the value-for-money podium in our test series.
Learn more about the comparison with 11 other dual-boiler espresso machines here.
Great espresso! What more could you want?
If you're primarily after great espresso, you can't go wrong with the Bezzera BZ10. It masters the essential tasks of an espresso machine. The brew temperature is extremely consistent and fluctuates only slightly between 92 and 94 degrees. Rare spikes to 95 degrees were barely noticeable if no more than one espresso was brewed per minute.
Bezzera BZ10 front view
The steaming performance of the Bezzera BZ10 is equally impressive. Thick, creamy milk foam is easy to create with this machine. The pressure is sufficient, and foam quality is mostly a matter of practice.
At a price starting from 1460 CHF in Switzerland and from 1100 € in the EU, the Bezzera BZ10 is an excellent entry-level choice for anyone primarily interested in beverage quality.
The machine makes some compromises in terms of materials and comfort. If that doesn't bother you, you can stop reading here. However, if you have heat-sensitive fingers, for example, you should check out the next sections.
If you want to learn how to make great espresso, visit our Home Barista Online Course or get a good introduction with our article "Making Espresso".
Sharp edges and sensitive fingers
An espresso machine gets hot! Of course, because the water needs to be heated. In a dual-boiler system, the boiler is heated to over 120 degrees Celsius. The water that flows through the tube transfers this temperature to the brew water. From the boiler, the temperature is distributed throughout the espresso machine. In higher price segments, boilers are insulated to retain the temperature mainly in the boiler. In the BZ10, this temperature is generously distributed everywhere – anywhere it can be absorbed: in the metal!
How a dual-boiler system works
Another heat source – in the BZ10 deliberately equipped with its own heating – is the group head. Temperature radiates from there along all heat-conducting parts. And in the BZ10, it gets particularly hot. You shouldn't touch group heads anyway. But buttons and switches?
The on/off switch of the BZ10 and the switch for coffee extraction can barely be held for more than 2 seconds, even with milk foam-resistant hands. The switches reach temperatures well above 60 degrees! This is not very user-friendly.
The steam wand is a classic steam wand – not a modern cold-touch wand. However, a rubber coating makes it possible to grip it.
Bezzera saves on deburring the edges of the curved stainless steel housing. Sharp edges inside don't matter much and primarily require caution when, for example, removing the water tank. But you can also cut yourself on the front, clearly visible corners of the machine when quickly reaching for your espresso cup. This could definitely be better.
Size, weight, and technical information for the Bezzera BZ10
With a width of 25 cm, a height of 37.5 cm, and a depth of 42.5 cm, the Bezzera BZ10 is quite compact – though it does weigh 19 kilograms. The vibration pump is audible and also causes some vibration, which for example makes the lid above the water tank rattle noticeably. The boiler volume is 1.5 liters and the water tank holds 2 liters.
| Feature | Bezzera BZ10 |
|---|---|
| Price | from 1460 CHF (CH) / from 1100 € (EU) |
| Type | Dual-boiler with vibration pump |
| Group head | Electrically heated |
| Brew temperature | 92–94 °C |
| Heat-up time | approx. 22 minutes |
| Boiler volume | 1.5 liters |
| Water tank | 2 liters (with intake hoses) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 25 × 37.5 × 42.5 cm |
| Weight | 19 kg |
Hoses need to be inserted into the water tank to draw water. There are now much nicer designs with a drain at the bottom. But as mentioned – we're in the entry-level range of espresso machines, and the Bezzera BZ10 was deliberately kept affordable.
The machine's hot water function is activated via a lever, as is the steam for steaming milk. A nice dual manometer shows both the boiler pressure and the water pressure during espresso brewing.
Barista trainer Michel Aeschbacher testing the Bezzera BZ10
The machine comes with a plastic tamper that's only suitable for the trash. The included basket is significantly larger than the stated 16 grams. We easily fit 21 grams into the basket. This has implications for the size of the final drinks. If you follow our recommended 1:2.5 drink ratio, the final drink will be correspondingly large (21 g × 2.5 = 52.5 g = 2 espressos at 26.25 grams each).
In the side view image, you can clearly see that the drip tray is a bit short. 3 cm more would have prevented drops from constantly dripping over the front of the machine.
The backflush valve also contributes to there always being drops around the espresso machine. We explain this in more detail in the video.
Heated group head of the BZ10 vs. Faema E61 group head
Most dual-boiler espresso machines are still built with the E61 group head, which will soon celebrate its 60th birthday. The E61 group head is essentially heated to the correct temperature through a warming water circulation.
A group head is the front part of the espresso machine where the portafilter and thus the coffee is clamped. The well-heated temperature of the group is important, otherwise the brew water transfers its own temperature to the metal and no longer reaches the temperature required for brewing espresso. In our tests, we've defined a desirable temperature of 93–94 degrees.
The Bezzera BZ10 uses a group head with electric heating. The BZ10's consistent temperature proves Bezzera right, and the group leaves nothing to be desired.
Consistent brew temperature of the Bezzera BZ10
From our perspective, neither an E61 nor an electrically heated group has fundamental advantages. What's much more important is that it ultimately delivers the right temperature to the group. But that doesn't depend on the group head – it depends on the overall context of the machine. How far is the water path from the boiler to the group? How quickly does the heat exchanger heat the water? When does the boiler reheat?
Disassembling the Bezzera group head may be slightly easier than disassembling an E61 group head for maintenance, since only three screws need to be opened. But from our point of view, this isn't significant.
The heat-up time of the machine is also not significantly faster. The BZ10 also needed a good 22 minutes to reach full operating temperature.
Conclusion on the BZ10 from Bezzera
The BZ10 delivers what it promises: great espresso and good milk foam quality. That's a pleasure! So if you mainly care about beverage quality, you'll be very satisfied with the BZ10.
In return, the machine makes compromises in build quality and included accessories. The included plastic tamper is not suitable for making good espresso. The machine has many spots that overheat, but which are actually important to operate, such as the toggle switches for espresso extraction.
We also don't like the unfinished metal edges on the machine, as they pose an injury risk in everyday use.
As a highly consistent espresso machine in the entry-level dual-boiler segment, the Bezzera BZ10 is, despite its material weaknesses, a contender for the podium in terms of value for money. Consistency is particularly important for beginners in espresso preparation. And this is exactly what the Bezzera BZ10 delivers without question!
Making espresso with the Bezzera BZ10
We are currently testing all commercially available dual-boiler espresso machines and will follow up with a comprehensive comparative test report.
