A review of the Bezzera Duo Top DE espresso machine expands our range of dual boiler tests. This mid-range dual boiler has some strengths, impresses with good beverage volume programming, but loses points in certain categories.
This dual boiler from the manufacturer features a Bezzera BZ-type brew group and an electric brew group heater. The brewing temperature can be adjusted individually.
The Bezzera DUO Top DE is designed as a dual boiler, with both the 1-liter steam boiler and the 0.45-liter brew boiler being relatively small. This raises the question of how this affects temperature performance, stability under heavy usage, and steam power.
Buying the Bezzera DUO DE
The following specialist retailers sell the Bezzera DUO DE and we recommend purchasing from these companies. All of them offer the option to adjust the machine's offset.
Germany:
Switzerland:
We look for specialist partners for you that we know provide good work and excellent service, and we are in close contact with the aforementioned retailers. The links are so-called affiliate links. If you order via one of these links, you don't pay a single cent more – however, we receive a small commission that we invest directly into new test equipment.
We are continuing to look for competent partners in the DACH region for you.
Features of the Bezzera DUO Top DE
With a 3.5-inch touch display, an integrated timer, and three PID thermostats, the machine can be controlled easily and precisely. The buttons for programming the water output volume allow for volumetric coffee preparation. The machine can be operated either via the tank or a fixed water connection and features an automatic brew group flushing 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 set.
The housing of the Bezzera DUO Top DE is made of high-quality AISI 304 stainless steel and has an attractive metallic finish. The dimensions of the machine 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 an electric brew group heater. The brewing temperature can be adjusted individually. With a diameter of 58 mm, the portafilters are of a 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.
Kaffeemacher Temperature Test Protocol
As part of the Kaffeemacher test protocol, we pull 5 espressos after a 25-minute heat-up time. For fast-heating espresso machines, we test this performance again after 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes, depending on what the manufacturer specifies or what the machine is capable of.
The Bezzera Duo performed impressively in 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 were then too cold when pulled at one-minute intervals.
Tips and notes:
- Wait 25 minutes
- If one to two double espressos are pulled, the temperature is well adjusted. If more espresso is to be prepared, we recommend a higher basic temperature setting.
- The temperature is very constant during extraction.
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, for our model, the temperature would tend to need to be set slightly higher during prolonged 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, straightforward espressos with the Bezzera DUO Top DE. Although the machine does have a pre-infusion function, this only really comes into its own when connected to a fixed water supply. In tank mode, there is not enough water and coffee to really soak the puck, as the maximum pre-infusion time is 5 seconds. It is better to skip it, otherwise there is a risk of channeling.
The machine is consistent during extraction, and the included baskets also do a decent job. In terms of fill volume, however, the double basket is borderline large and should be filled with approx. 19 grams so that the distance between the shower screen and the coffee is not too great.
Steaming performance and cappuccino
We froth a 0.6-liter pitcher at a good speed, with the heating happening faster than the roll phase has power. Basically, we would prefer it the other way around. However, the small steam boiler reaches its limit with repeated frothing – but this is something to consider primarily for events or catering. In the typical rhythm of most home kitchens, the performance should be perfectly sufficient.
We find the steam wand critically short, but we just 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.
