A test of the Bezzera Duo Top DE espresso machine expands our series of dual boiler tests. This mid-range dual boiler has several strengths, impresses with good beverage volume programming, but falls short in some categories.
The dual boiler from this manufacturer features a Bezzera BZ type brew group and an electric brew group heater. The brew temperature can be individually adjusted.
The Bezzera DUO Top DE is designed as a dual boiler, with the steam boiler having a relatively small size of 1 liter and the brew boiler 0.45 liters. This raises the question of how this affects temperature performance, stability under frequent use, and steam power.
Buy the Bezzera DUO DE
The following specialized stores sell the Bezzera DUO DE, and we recommend purchasing from them. All of them offer the option to adjust the machine's offset.
Germany:
Switzerland:
We are searching for specialized partners who we know provide excellent work and service, and we are in close communication with the retailers mentioned. The links provided are so-called affiliate links. If you order through one of these links, you won't pay a cent more – however, we receive a small commission, which we invest directly into new testing equipment.
We are continuously looking 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 kit.
The casing of the Bezzera DUO Top DE is made of high-quality AISI 304 stainless steel and has an appealing 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 an electric brew group heater. The brew temperature can be individually adjusted. With a diameter of 58 mm, the portafilters are 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 repeat this performance test after 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes, depending on what the manufacturer specifies or what the machine achieves.
The Bezzera Duo performed well in our protocol after a 25-minute heat-up time. Without a flush shot, the machine delivered an exact 92 degrees, as set. However, shots 3 to 5, pulled one minute apart, were too cold.
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 consistent during extraction.
WBC Temperature Test Protocol
The WBC Temperature Protocol helps us gain a 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 a bit 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 espressos without much fuss with the Bezzera DUO Top DE. Although the machine also has pre-infusion, it only truly comes into its own when connected to a fixed water supply. In tank mode, water and coffee are not enough to thoroughly wet the puck, as the maximum pre-infusion time is 5 seconds. In this case, it's better to forego it, otherwise there's a risk of channeling.
The machine is consistent during extraction, and the included baskets do a decent job. In terms of filling 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.
Frothing Performance and Cappuccino
We froth a 0.6 liter pitcher at a good speed, with heating occurring faster than the rolling phase has power. Ideally, we would prefer the opposite. However, the small steam boiler reaches its limits with repeated frothing – but this is mainly something to consider for events or catering businesses. For typical home use, the performance should be perfectly adequate.
We find the steam wand critically short, but we can 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 mid-range.
