Thermoblock Espresso Machine Test and Comparison

Thermoblock espresso machines have one major 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 have found that, depending on the construction and the use of sensor technology, thermoblocks can certainly master very constant brewing temperatures. However, the differences in the quality of the machines are enormous.

The tests of the thermoblocks are an exciting journey of discovery for us, and we are looking forward to further espresso machines from this segment. Please comment with your requests 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 the thermoblocks, we are placing even more emphasis on working out tips and tricks for their use.

Which thermoblock espresso machines will be tested?

• Satrap Espresso XA
• Ascaso Steel Duo PID V1 / Update: Review 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 to be tested:

• Lelit Anna PL41TEM
• Delonghi La Specialista

• Comparison videos between different machines
• Possibly: Gilda, Ascaso Baby T. We will see what works.

Often asked, coming for the 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 inside an aluminum block. The thermoblock is, in a sense, a tankless water heater, only that here, unlike in a dual-boiler espresso machine, the temperature is not transferred to the tube from a surrounding boiler, but rather through the heating source and the surrounding aluminum block. The speed of the temperature transfer and the routing of the tubes differ, as does the precision with which the water temperature is controlled and dispensed.

What thermoblock espresso machines have in common is that they heat up significantly faster than boiler systems. Many thermoblock machines are ready for use after just a few minutes in terms of boiler temperature. Unlike espresso machines with a Faema E61 brew group, however, the portafilter is often not sufficiently preheated, which is why warming the portafilter through blank shots 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 convincing?

The thermoblock class includes espresso machines at very different price points. The Delonghi Dedica EC685 is for us the most interesting entry-level espresso machine on the market. Anyone who is really new to the world of brewing espresso will find the most affordable recommendable level here. However, limitations in quality and durability are also inherent in the Dedica*.

When it comes to 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 the edge when it comes to brewing espresso. Anyone looking for a compromise between a grinder, a machine, and decent milk foam will also find a possible machine in the Sage Barista Pro*.

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 basically a single-circuit thermoblock machine, so it must first be heated up to steam mode before frothing.

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

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

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