Dual Boiler Espresso Machine Tests

Dual-boiler espresso machines are characterized—as the name suggests—by two boilers. However, on this page we also list other systems that consist of a combination of a boiler and a thermoblock or thin-film heater. What they have in common is that both boilers are individually controllable heating systems. The brew boiler, for example, operates at a solid brew temperature of 93°, while the steam boiler operates at 120 degrees. In the ideal case, this guarantees performance, consistency, and parallel steaming while brewing. Espresso machines with a boiler and a second, different heating unit, we call multi-heating systems or in the table combo thermo-boiler or combo thin-film boiler.

The following table shows all espresso machines we have tested in this category so far. Click on the machine's name to go to the respective article. "To Video" will take you to the YouTube video.

We will cover different dual and multi-boiler machines from entry-level to premium class. Below this post, we collect suggestions for tests of dual-boiler espresso machines.

Here you can read what else we've tested.

What is a dual-boiler?

Dual-boiler espresso machines have separate boilers for heating the brew water and for generating the steam to foam the milk. By separating the boilers, the brew water for espresso preparation can be perfectly tempered. The steam boiler is instead set to high pressure ranges and temperatures without affecting the brew temperature.

Dual-boiler espresso machines are typically used in gastronomic settings. Some manufacturers also offer dual-boiler machines with one group for home use.