Which espresso machine is right for me?

The espresso machine that meets your needs is the best fit for you. This may sound trivial, but it's actually crucial in determining which espresso machine is right for you.

If you're an espresso purist, then a single-boiler espresso machine might be just what you need.

If cappuccino and latte macchiato are your favorites, a dual-circuit espresso machine makes perfect sense.

Anyone looking for maximum consistency and performance will be happy with a dual boiler espresso machine.

In this article, we'll explore the differences between the various espresso machine systems: single-circuit, dual-circuit, and dual-boiler. Based on the strengths and weaknesses of each machine, you'll quickly determine which espresso machine is right for you.

If you want to learn how to prepare espresso step by step, then this tutorial with video will help.

How the single-circuit espresso machine works

In a single-circuit espresso machine, a water circuit runs through a single boiler . The boiler's job is to heat the water to the required temperature. The ideal temperature for preparing espresso is between 90 and 96 °C, depending on the coffee and roast.

Temperature is also required to froth milk. To generate sufficient steam, the boiler temperature is heated to 120–130 degrees Celsius . In a single-circuit machine, this must be done using the same boiler that heats the brewing water.

After brewing an espresso, the single-circuit system increases the heat. This can be started manually at the touch of a button. The small, usually powerful boiler then heats up from the brewing temperature to approximately 125°C. Once the target temperature is reached, frothing can begin .

Before making further espresso, the boiler temperature must first return to the brewing temperature of 92 – 96 °C degrees. We have explained the principle in detail using the Rancilio Silvia as an example.

Illustration of single-circuit espresso machine

Temperature surfing prerequisite for delicious coffee

Mastering the temperatures is a prerequisite for good coffee on a single-circuit espresso machine. Brewing temperatures that are too high , above 100°C , lead to a very unpleasant coffee flavor. The coffee becomes very bitter and sour—both at an intensity level that makes it unpalatable.

If the steam pressure doesn't reach sufficiently high temperatures, the frothing process won't be successful. At low boiler temperatures, large amounts of water are blown into the milk instead of steam. This makes it impossible to froth the milk and, at the same time, causes it to become increasingly diluted with water.

With single-circuit machines, it is absolutely necessary to get to know your espresso machine well in order to be able to estimate the times between heating up and cooling down.

Does the single boiler make good espresso?

Absolutely! Espresso tastes just as good on a single-circuit espresso machine as it does on a commercial espresso machine that costs a small car. The key to this is the right temperature. And in the single-circuit price segment, this can't usually be determined from the outside. You have to learn to master the temperature . Or you can forgo the milk frothing function. Then the boiler doesn't have to function for brewing and frothing and is often better adjusted to the target brewing temperature.

Pros: What speaks for the single-circuit

• Makes very good espresso when the temperature is right
• Cheap machines on the market
• Relatively small models also available
• Depending on the model, it can be heated up to froth milk
• The small boiler allows heating up and down relatively quickly

Cons: What speaks against the single-circle system

• It's not a sure-fire success. It requires a certain amount of engagement with the machine to master it.
• Temperature management required to achieve good beverage results.
• While it's easy to learn how to operate the machine, there's a lot for espresso beginners to learn, such as properly adjusting the grinder and frothing milk. In our opinion, this type of machine isn't ideal for beginners.
• Lack of consistency in temperature due to the small boiler.

Who is the single-circuit machine suitable for? For espresso drinkers and milk frothers with nerves of steel.

Pro tip: If you like tinkering, you can retrofit some single-circuit machines with a PID controller. This promises high temperature stability and turns the single-circuit machine into a high-precision machine – unbeatable in terms of price-performance. We'll explain how this works in a later post.

Examples of single-circuit espresso machines

Lelit Victoria PL91T, Gaggia New Classic , Bezzera Hobby, Lelit Grace PL81T, Lelit Anna PL41 LEM, ECM Classica PID, Bezzera Unica PID, Quick Mill Carola , Rancilio Silvia

How the Thermoblock espresso machine works

The thermoblock is an alternative to the boiler principle. Instead of a heated water reservoir, a spiral-shaped tube is drawn through an aluminum block. A heating element runs along the tube. The water is heated by the tube. The process is similar to a flow heater .

The major advantage over boiler-based espresso machines is the relatively short heat-up time. The heating element heats up quickly, and the "block" can be quickly brought up to temperature with a few extractions without any coffee being inserted.

The temperature stability of the thermoblock depends on the pipe's construction, length, water flow rate, and heating power. With well-tuned machines, this is relatively or even very precise during standard operation. Positive examples of this are the machines from Ascaso and the Decent espresso machine.

This becomes problematic when a lot or a little coffee is brewed. When brewing many espressos or long drinks (lungos, café crème -style), the environment cools down due to the frequent cold water flowing through the machine, and the water no longer heats to a sufficient brewing temperature.

If the water flow is slow, e.g. due to very finely ground coffee, the water heats up beyond the desired level.

The bigger the thermoblock the better

In most smaller thermoblock espresso machines, the thermoblock is relatively small. To reach the desired target temperature within the short flow time, the block must be heated significantly higher than the actual target temperature. This further exacerbates the problem described.

The larger the thermoblock, the closer the temperature of the block is to the actual target temperature and can therefore achieve the desired temperature more consistently, even at higher or lower power.

Thermoblock machines are generally not well-suited for frothing milk . The pressure they generate is relatively low. In addition, the foam produced contains a relatively high amount of residual moisture, which significantly dilutes the milk. To generate the pressure, the pump sprays small amounts of water into the thermoblock, which then evaporates, creating pressure. These bursts also cause steam to escape from the milk wand in bursts, making homogeneous frothing difficult. However, there are positive counterexamples, such as the Sage Bambino Plus.

Pros: What speaks for thermoblock espresso machines

• Fast heating
• Depending on the installation and adjustment with precise temperature and correspondingly good espresso
• Hardly any limescale formation
• Relatively cheap

Cons: What speaks against thermoblock espresso machines

• Temperature fluctuations depending on flow rate and water quantity
• Depending on the size of the thermoblock
• Not suitable for frothing milk

Examples of thermoblock espresso machines

Sage Barista Express , Sage Barista Pro , Lelit Glenda PL41, Quick Mill Peagso, ECM Casa V, Lelit Kate PL82T, Ascaso Steel Duo PID , Ascaso Dream PID , Sage Bambino Plus

Suitable for: Thrifty shoppers willing to compromise on quality

How the dual-circuit espresso machine works

Two water circuits downstream of the pump characterize the dual-circuit espresso machine system. A boiler is the central element. This is heated to a temperature of 120–130°C. The steam pressure for frothing the milk is drawn directly from this boiler. A pipe also runs through the boiler, transporting the brewing water to the espresso preparation stage.

The pipe functions as a heat exchanger. As it flows through the pipe, surrounded by hot water, the fresh water heats up. The hot water in the boiler essentially corresponds to the thermoblock.

The thickness of the pipe material and the length of time the brewing water spends in the boiler determine how much the brewing water heats up.

Illustration of a dual-circuit espresso machine

With the dual circuit system, milk frothing is a pleasure

Dual-boiler espresso machines are a favorite among cappuccino drinkers . The hot boiler produces powerful steam, allowing you to froth milk and make espresso simultaneously. This is a stark contrast to a single-boiler espresso machine, where you have time to meditate between brewing espresso and frothing milk. Temperature-surfing is a thing of the past compared to a single-boiler machine.

The dual boiler also has enough power to brew several espressos in a row. Depending on the size of the boiler, you'll notice a slight drop in performance after 2 to 6 frothed milk jugs. However, this is quickly overcome if you give the machine time to heat up again.

Dual circuit and temperature stability

If you compare the temperature fluctuations of a dual-circuit espresso machine with those of a single-circuit espresso machine, the difference is striking. But even a dual-circuit machine has its "little problems." The brewing water is heated by the time it spends in the heat-exchanger tube. If you don't brew an espresso for a while, the temperature of the brewing water will be the same as the ambient temperature. In other words, it will be more than boiling hot. This is why rinsing, or emptying, of heat exchangers is so important. This removes the heated water from the tube, and the incoming water is already at the right temperature.

If you brew one espresso after another at a family gathering, there's a risk that the brewing temperature will drop below 90°C. This leads to sour-tasting espressos and reduced extraction capacity.

Pros: What speaks for dual-circuit espresso machines

• Espresso and foaming ability good
• Simultaneous frothing and brewing is possible (large boiler)
• Good temperature stability

Cons: What speaks against dual-circuit espresso machines

• Home-use machines aren't suitable for large parties or catering. Both the steam pressure and the brewing water temperature aren't up to the task.
• More expensive than single-circuit and thermoblock

Suitable for: Espresso lovers and cappuccino drinkers.

Options for dual-circuit espresso machines

Espresso machines with a dual-circuit system are available in many different versions from numerous retailers. Naturally, each machine has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as different configurations, such as slightly larger or smaller boilers and a different appearance.

Two improvements to the dual-circuit system are particularly worth mentioning and change the quality and also the price.

PID control

The PID control option regulates the brewing water temperature. You can read a detailed explanation of how this works here. PID stands for P roportional I ntegral D ifferential.

The PID control helps ensure that the espresso machine heats precisely within its target range. The target range can be adjusted using a controller. With dual-circuit machines, it's important to note that the boiler temperature is always being adjusted, which affects the brewing temperature and steam pressure. If the steam pressure is insufficient, the boiler temperature can be increased. However, this also increases the temperature that heats the heat exchanger, which can make it advisable, for example, to run longer empty brews or rinse.

Rotary pump vs vibration pump

Another upgrade for the dual-circuit machine is a rotary pump. The rotary pump is more powerful and heavier. It's quieter than the vibration pump, which makes sense depending on where the espresso machine is installed.

Due to their robustness and power, rotary pumps are installed as standard in multi-group catering machines.

Examples of dual-circuit espresso machines

Bezzera BZ10 , Quickmill Rubino 0981 , Bezzera Magica SMN, Bezzera Strega R AL, Profitec Pro 500 , ECM Mechanika V , Elba 1 and 2, Rocket Appartamento , Lelit Mara X , Rocket Cronometro Mozzafiatto , Sanremo Cube

For a really good overview of the most important dual-circuit models, check out our comparison of 12 dual-circuit espresso machines.

Dual boiler espresso machine – function and application

There's no question that anyone who invests in a dual boiler is buying temperature precision, which is evident in every espresso preparation. Two separate boilers deliver the desired temperature . The steam boiler brews to the desired 120–130°C, and the brewing boiler delivers the precise brewing temperature between 90 and 96°C.

Juggling temperatures is a thing of the past. The usually larger steam boiler is controlled to the correct pressure via a pressure switch. In the brewing boiler, a PID controller precisely controls the brewing temperature to within a tenth of a degree.

Many dual boilers also come standard with a rotary pump, which contributes to their durability in terms of power and robustness. Consistency and consistency in brewing are what distinguishes dual boiler systems . Even with higher beverage frequency, these machines rarely break down.

Illustration of dual boiler espresso machine

Constancy from reference to reference and during extraction

The quality of each espresso shot is primarily determined by the reliability of the system. The decisive factors are temperature and pressure during each shot and within a single brew . Consistency during the brewing time is a factor we haven't yet explored in detail for other machine types.

The challenge there was already to start the brewing process at the same brewing temperature. The temperature often fluctuates within a single shot. This is due, for example, to colder water flowing through the heat exchanger, which encounters less counterpressure in the coffee cake during the second part of an espresso shot than during the first part of the brewing process.

The dual boiler masters consistency here because it is fed from a perfectly tempered water reservoir.

Froth milk until the stadium is served

Even when the Kelly Family is visiting, the milk foam is still flowing. And the best part: if we overdo it and empty the steam boiler completely, the espresso isn't affected. That's the advantage of the independent boiler for both areas.

The steam pressure can be increased by raising the temperature in the steam boiler, and thus also the frothing speed. Those who prefer a slower frothing speed can reduce the pressure slightly. This also does not affect the brewing temperature.

Semi-professional use

A single-group dual boiler is suitable for small catering events, larger family gatherings, and, depending on the model, for continuous operation. Many machines of this type can also be connected to the mains water supply, which is another advantage.

We regularly use our La Marzocco Linea, a Dalla Corte Mini, and, of course, a La Marzocco GS 3 for catering purposes. What we like about them is that, unlike catering machines, the machines built for home or office use operate on household electricity of 220/230 volts. This is a huge advantage depending on the location.

Of course, there are significant quality differences between dual boilers, which we'll discuss in more detail in our tests of the individual machines. However, we can say that machines of the La Marzocco GS 3 quality are also a good fit for a small cafe starting out. Once the business is running smoothly, another machine of the same type can be added, creating a two-group setup. When things are less busy, one of the two machines can be cleaned and "closed" (in restaurant jargon).

Turn off steam boilers and save energy

The steam boiler can be deactivated manually, making it particularly useful when only espresso drinkers are present. This saves energy, protects the environment, and is easy on your wallet. For us, this is a crucial quality criterion for a dual boiler.

The size of the brewing boiler is always a source of debate. If it's too large, the brewing water sits in the boiler for an unnecessarily long time, is heated repeatedly, and is only slowly replaced. A larger boiler also takes longer to reach temperature. A larger boiler is especially useful if, for example, half the floor of the office is making espresso during the lunch break.

Pros: What speaks for dual boiler espresso machines

• Precise brewing temperature
• Brewing temperature and steam pressure independent of each other
• Constancy from cover to cover
• Constancy within a reference
• Suitable for semi-professional use (larger guest volume)
• Some models with gastro components extremely robust and precise

Cons: What speaks against dual boiler espresso machines

• High-priced
• Dual boiler doesn't always mean PID and a rotary pump. Be sure to read up on what else the machine has installed.

Examples of dual boiler espresso machines

Profitec Pro 300 Dualboiler, La Spaziale Dream, Bezzera Duo Top MN, Quick Mill New Vetrano 2B, Rocket R58/Cinquantotto , Bezzera Matrix, ECM Synchonika Dualboiler, Dalla Corte Mini, La Marzocco GS/3 , La Marzocco Linea Mini

Espresso grinder as a basic requirement

This article covers the different types of espresso machines. However, the importance of a quality grinder should still be mentioned here. As coffee makers, we repeatedly observe, both in restaurants and in private households, that the choice of coffee grinder is not given sufficient consideration. We've seen such absurd combinations as an espresso machine for CHF 7,000/€ 6,500 and an espresso grinder for CHF 360/€ 290.

That's simply a shame. In such a setting, the grinder dramatically limits the quality of the espresso machine. When planning a budget for an espresso machine, we recommend reserving at least 1/4, or even better, 1/3, of your budget for the grinder. Unevenly ground coffee produces an uneven extraction and limits the quality of your espresso.

Conclusion – Which espresso machine is right for you?

Fits the topic:

• Cleaning the espresso machine
• My grind is not your grind