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    Thermoblock espresso machines test and comparison

    Thermoblock-Espressomaschinen Test und Vergleich

    Thermoblock espresso machines have a major advantage over boiler-based espresso machines: they heat up faster and are therefore ready for use sooner. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of temperature stability.

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

    Testing the thermoblocks is an exciting journey of discovery for us, and we're already looking forward to more espresso machines in this segment. Please comment with your requests and suggestions so we can continually expand the list.

    Following our testing of 14 dual-circuit espresso machines, this thermoblock test series is our second major series. With thermoblocks, we place an even greater emphasis on discovering tips and tricks for use.

    Which thermoblock espresso machines are being tested?

    Still testing:

    • Lelit Anna PL41TEM
    • Delonghi la Specialista


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

    Often asked, comes from the single-circle: Zuriga

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

    What is a thermoblock espresso machine?

    In a thermoblock espresso machine, water flows through an electrically heated pipe inside an aluminum block. The thermoblock is essentially a continuous-flow heater, except that, unlike a dual-circuit espresso machine, the temperature is not transferred from the surrounding boiler to the pipe, but rather from the heat source and the surrounding aluminum block. The speed of temperature transfer and the layout of the pipes differ, as does the precision with which the water temperature is controlled and dispensed.

    Thermoblock espresso machines have one thing in common: they heat up significantly faster than boiler systems. Many thermoblock machines are ready for use in just a few minutes, as far as the boiler temperature is concerned. Unlike espresso machines with the Faema E61 brewing group, however, the portafilter is often not heated sufficiently, which is why warming the portafilter by emptying it with water is recommended.

    Learn more about the different espresso machine systems in our article: Which espresso machine is right for me? Which thermoblock espresso machines are the best?

    smeg espresso vs delonghi dedica ec685

    Which thermoblock espresso machines are convincing?

    The thermoblock class offers a wide range of espresso machines in terms of price. The Delonghi Dedica EC685 is, in our opinion, the most interesting entry-level espresso machine on the market. Anyone who's truly new to the world of espresso brewing will find this to be the most affordable option we recommend. However, the Dedica * also comes with limitations in terms of quality and longevity.

    When it comes to milk frothing, the Sage Bambino Plus * and the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus * perform very well. Both cost around €400, although the Solis has the edge when it comes to espresso. If you're looking for a compromise between a grinder, a machine, and decent milk foam, the Sage Barista Pro * is also a viable option.

    The Ascaso Dream PID is a real pleasure to use. This machine delivers a consistent temperature like the best boiler machines. The Dream PID is essentially a single-circuit thermoblock machine, meaning it must first be heated up to steam mode before foaming.

    In the world of thermoblocks, there are also espresso machines that rival any boiler-type machine in terms of overall performance and are significantly more energy-efficient. Added to that is the short heat-up time, which perhaps makes the thermoblock even better. The 2022 version of the Ascaso Steel Duo PID is a complete machine. Great temperature consistency and excellent milk frothing. It's a joy.

    The Decent espresso machine is perhaps the best espresso machine on the market. We have one at home, and when we want to know exactly what we're getting, we use this machine, which can run pressure and flow profiles.

    ---

    *Links marked with an asterisk are commission links. If you purchase something through these links, we receive a small commission, even though you pay no more. Thanks in advance!

      Blog

      Thermoblock espresso machines test and comparison

      Thermoblock-Espressomaschinen Test und Vergleich

      Thermoblock espresso machines have a major advantage over boiler-based espresso machines: they heat up faster and are therefore ready for use sooner. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of temperature stability.

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

      Testing the thermoblocks is an exciting journey of discovery for us, and we're already looking forward to more espresso machines in this segment. Please comment with your requests and suggestions so we can continually expand the list.

      Following our testing of 14 dual-circuit espresso machines, this thermoblock test series is our second major series. With thermoblocks, we place an even greater emphasis on discovering tips and tricks for use.

      Which thermoblock espresso machines are being tested?

      Still testing:

      • Lelit Anna PL41TEM
      • Delonghi la Specialista


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

      Often asked, comes from the single-circle: Zuriga

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

      What is a thermoblock espresso machine?

      In a thermoblock espresso machine, water flows through an electrically heated pipe inside an aluminum block. The thermoblock is essentially a continuous-flow heater, except that, unlike a dual-circuit espresso machine, the temperature is not transferred from the surrounding boiler to the pipe, but rather from the heat source and the surrounding aluminum block. The speed of temperature transfer and the layout of the pipes differ, as does the precision with which the water temperature is controlled and dispensed.

      Thermoblock espresso machines have one thing in common: they heat up significantly faster than boiler systems. Many thermoblock machines are ready for use in just a few minutes, as far as the boiler temperature is concerned. Unlike espresso machines with the Faema E61 brewing group, however, the portafilter is often not heated sufficiently, which is why warming the portafilter by emptying it with water is recommended.

      Learn more about the different espresso machine systems in our article: Which espresso machine is right for me? Which thermoblock espresso machines are the best?

      smeg espresso vs delonghi dedica ec685

      Which thermoblock espresso machines are convincing?

      The thermoblock class offers a wide range of espresso machines in terms of price. The Delonghi Dedica EC685 is, in our opinion, the most interesting entry-level espresso machine on the market. Anyone who's truly new to the world of espresso brewing will find this to be the most affordable option we recommend. However, the Dedica * also comes with limitations in terms of quality and longevity.

      When it comes to milk frothing, the Sage Bambino Plus * and the Solis Barista Perfetta Plus * perform very well. Both cost around €400, although the Solis has the edge when it comes to espresso. If you're looking for a compromise between a grinder, a machine, and decent milk foam, the Sage Barista Pro * is also a viable option.

      The Ascaso Dream PID is a real pleasure to use. This machine delivers a consistent temperature like the best boiler machines. The Dream PID is essentially a single-circuit thermoblock machine, meaning it must first be heated up to steam mode before foaming.

      In the world of thermoblocks, there are also espresso machines that rival any boiler-type machine in terms of overall performance and are significantly more energy-efficient. Added to that is the short heat-up time, which perhaps makes the thermoblock even better. The 2022 version of the Ascaso Steel Duo PID is a complete machine. Great temperature consistency and excellent milk frothing. It's a joy.

      The Decent espresso machine is perhaps the best espresso machine on the market. We have one at home, and when we want to know exactly what we're getting, we use this machine, which can run pressure and flow profiles.

      ---

      *Links marked with an asterisk are commission links. If you purchase something through these links, we receive a small commission, even though you pay no more. Thanks in advance!

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