Thermoblock espresso machines test and comparison

Thermoblock espresso machines have a big advantage over espresso machines with boilers: they heat up faster and are therefore ready for use more quickly. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of temperature stability.

We have started testing numerous thermoblocks and related technologies. We found that, depending on the installation and the use of measurement sensors, thermoblocks can indeed achieve very constant brewing temperatures. However, the quality differences between machines are enormous.

Testing thermoblocks is an exciting journey of discovery for us, and we are already looking forward to more espresso machines in this segment. Please comment on your wishes and suggestions so that we can continuously update the list.

After testing 14 dual-boiler espresso machines, the thermoblock test series is our second major test series. With thermoblocks, we are even more focused on developing tips and tricks for their use.

Which thermoblock espresso machines will be tested?

• Satrap Espresso XA
• Ascaso Steel Duo PID V1 / Update: Test of the new model
• Quickmill Evolution 70
• Sage Bambino Plus
• Quickmill Orione 3000
• Sage Barista Touch
• Solis Barista Perfetta Plus
• Solis Barista Grand Gusto
• Ascaso Dream PID
• Sage Barista Express: Tips for the machine
• Decent DE1.4
• Graef ES 850 Marchesa
• Sage Barista Pro
• Delonghi Dedica EC685
• Sage Barista Express Impress - Article and Video

Still testing:

• Lelit Anna PL41TEM
• Delonghi la Specialista

• Comparison videos between different machines
• Possibly: Gilda, Ascaso Baby T. We'll see what's possible.

Often requested, coming soon for single-circuit machines: Zuriga

Please comment on which other machines we should test. The list will be continuously updated.

What is a thermoblock espresso machine?

In a thermoblock espresso machine, water flows through an electrically heated tube in an aluminum block. The thermoblock is essentially a flow heater, but here the temperature, unlike, for example, in a dual-boiler espresso machine, is not transferred from the surrounding boiler to the tube, but by the heating source and the surrounding aluminum block. The speed of temperature transfer and the layout of the tubes differ, as does the precision with which the water temperature is controlled and dispensed.

Thermoblock espresso machines all have in common that they heat up significantly faster than boiler systems. Many thermoblock machines are ready for use within a few minutes, as far as the temperature in the boiler is concerned. However, unlike espresso machines with a Faema E61 group head, the portafilter is often not sufficiently heated, which is why it is advisable to warm up the portafilter by running blank shots of water.

More about the different espresso machine systems in our article: Which espresso machine is right for me?Which thermoblock espresso machines are convincing?

Which thermoblock espresso machines are convincing?

The thermoblock class produces espresso machines with very different price points. The Delonghi Dedica EC685 is, in our opinion, the most interesting entry-level espresso machine on the market. For those who are truly new to the world of espresso brewing, this offers the most affordable recommended level. However, the limitations in quality and longevity are equally pre-programmed with the Dedica*.

In terms of milk frothing, the Sage Bambino Plus* and also the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus* do a very good job. Both cost around €400, with the Solis having an edge in espresso brewing. If you are looking for a compromise with a grinder, machine, and decent milk foam, the Sage Barista Pro* is also a possible machine.

The step up to the Ascaso Dream PID is really fun. This machine delivers temperature consistency like the best boiler machines. The Dream PID is essentially a thermoblock single-boiler, so it must be heated up to steam mode before frothing.

In the world of thermoblocks, there are also espresso machines that can keep up with any boiler machine in terms of overall performance, while also being significantly more energy-efficient. Added to this is the short heat-up time, which perhaps even makes the thermoblock the better choice. The Ascaso Steel Duo PID in the 2022 versions is a complete machine. Great temperature consistency, good milk frothing. That's a joy.

The Decent Espresso Machine is perhaps the best espresso machine on the market. We also have one, and when we want to know exactly, we reach for this machine, which can play pressure profiles and flow profiles.

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