A test of the Bezzera Duo Top DE espresso machine expands the scope of our dual boiler tests. The mid-range dual boiler has some strengths, convinces with good beverage volume programming and leaves points on the table in some categories.
The dual boiler from the house features a Bezzera BZ type brew group and electric brew group heating. The brewing temperature can be adjusted individually.
The Bezzera DUO Top DE is designed as a dual boiler, with the steam boiler at 1 liter and the brew boiler at 0.45 liters each being relatively small in size. The question remains how this affects temperature performance, stability under frequency, and steam power.
Buy Bezzera DUO DE
The following specialty shops distribute the Bezzera DUO DE and we can recommend purchasing from these retailers. All offer the ability to adjust the machine's offset.
Germany:
Switzerland:
We search for specialty partners on your behalf, from whom we know they provide good work and good service, and we stay in close contact with the mentioned retailers. The links are so-called affiliate links. When you order through one of these links, you don't pay a cent more – however, we receive a small commission, which we invest directly in new test equipment.
We continue to search for competent partners in the DACH region on your behalf.
Equipment of the Bezzera DUO Top DE
With a 3.5-inch touch display, integrated timer, and three PID thermostats, the machine can be controlled easily and precisely. Buttons for programming water output volume enable volumetric coffee preparation. The machine can optionally be operated via tank or fixed water connection and features an automatic brew group rinsing program.
The machine is equipped with a rotary pump and can be easily connected to a water supply and drain thanks to the included connection kit.
The Bezzera DUO Top DE housing is made of high-quality stainless steel AISI 304 and has an attractive metallic finish. The machine's dimensions are 300 x 425 x 470 mm and it weighs 31 kg. The maximum cup height is 9 cm.
The Bezzera DUO Top DE features a Bezzera BZ type brew group and electric brew group heating. The brewing temperature can be adjusted individually. With a diameter of 58 mm, the portafilters are kept in standard size and are included in the scope of delivery. The machine is also equipped with a steam wand for milk preparation and can dispense hot water for tea or Americano.
Coffee Machine Temperature Test Protocol
As part of the coffee machine test protocol, we pull 5 espressos after a heat-up time of 25 minutes. For espresso machines that heat up quickly, we test this performance again after 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes, depending on what the manufacturer specifies or what the machine achieves.
The Bezzera Duo impressed us with our protocol after a 25-minute heat-up time. Without a flush shot, the machine delivered exactly 92 degrees as set. However, extractions 3 to 5 at intervals of one minute each were then too cold.
Tips and notes:
- Wait 25 minutes
- If one to two double espressos are pulled, the temperature is well set. If more espresso is to be prepared, we recommend a higher temperature baseline setting.
- During extraction, the temperature is very consistent.
WBC Temperature Test Protocol
The WBC temperature protocol helps us gain a more comprehensive impression of an espresso machine's performance. This protocol also indicates that the temperature on our model would tend to need to be set somewhat higher during extended operation to reach the desired target temperature of 92 degrees Celsius here.
Good Espresso with the Bezzera DUO Top DE
When properly heated, we pull good espressos without many frills with the Bezzera DUO Top DE. While the machine does have pre-infusion, it only comes into its own when connected to a fixed water supply. In tank mode, water and coffee are not sufficient to truly saturate the puck, as the maximum pre-infusion time is 5 seconds. Better to skip it then, otherwise there's a risk of channeling.
During extraction, the machine is consistent and the included baskets do decent work. In terms of fill volume, however, the double basket is borderline large and should be filled with about 19 grams so that the gap between shower and coffee is not too large.
Steaming Performance and Cappuccino
We steam a 0.6 liter pitcher at good speed, with heating occurring faster than the rolling phase can provide force. Generally, we would prefer it the other way around. However, the small steam boiler reaches its limit with repeated steaming - but this is something to consider mainly for events or gastronomy. In the typical rhythm of most home kitchens, the performance should be completely sufficient.
We find the steam wand critically short, but we can just barely manage with the 0.6 liter pitcher.
Energy Consumption
At 0.28 kWh, the energy consumption of the Bezzera DUO Top DE is in the middle range.
