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    Zweikreiser-Espressomaschinen im Vergleich – der große Espressomaschinen-Test

    Dual-boiler espresso machines compared – the ultimate espresso machine test

    We tested 12 dual-boiler espresso machines side by side over the past weeks and months. This test series was the most comprehensive we have ever conducted. Each machine was discussed in its own video. We went into the most important characteristics, worked out differences, strengths and weaknesses.

    This text is a comparison of all machines. It was published alongside our detailed test and comparison video of all dual-boiler espresso machines.

    The following machines were tested: Rocket Appartamento, Lelit Mara X, ECM Manufacture Mechanika V Slim, Profitec Pro 500, Bezzera BZ10, Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro R, Quick Mill Rubino, ACM Homey, Quick Mill Andreja Premium PID, Elba 1 969.coffee, Bezzera Magica, Xenia Espresso

    After testing the 12 dual-boilers, we tested additional dual-boiler machines. You can find a complete list of all tested dual-boilers at the bottom of this page.

    The linked video is intended as a complement to the article. It provides visual material on individual topics in particular. We have set chapter markers to make it easier to find specific information.

    As a Kaffeemacher, we understand ourselves as a coffee school that supports knowledge transfer and exchange in the coffee market. We operate a coffee farm in Nicaragua, a roastery in Basel, and two cafés, and we share the knowledge we apply in our courses, articles, and videos.

    13 espresso machines

    13 Machines: Michel Aeschbacher with Rocket Appartamento, Lelit Mara X, ECM Manufacture Mechanika V Slim, Profitec Pro 500, Bezzera BZ10, Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro R, Quick Mill Rubino, ACM Homey, Quick Mill Andreja Premium PID, Elba 1 969.coffee, Bezzera Magica, Xenia Espresso

    What did we test with the espresso machines?

    With this test report, we go even further. In addition to external build quality and construction, we tested the milk steaming capability of each machine. The espresso machine test provides information on the power consumption of the dual-boilers and shows the temperature consistency during espresso extraction. For each machine, we show the temperature from the start of espresso extraction to the endpoint. The temperature and consistency during brewing is crucial for coffee quality. Depending on the intended use, an espresso machine should be consistent over multiple shots, meaning the first, second, and third espresso. This is especially important if the machine is to be used in a larger household, shared apartment, or at a party. We call this attribute "catering" or "shared apartment" capability.

    For early risers and others, the heat-up time of dual-boilers plays an important role. Here we have some bad news upfront. The heat-up time of all machines doesn't differ so significantly that we have a clear test winner. We recommend starting all 12 espresso machines 25 minutes before the first shot. Only then are the machines truly well heated through, and some machines even need a bit longer.

    temperature sensor

    We used this temperature sensor to measure the brewing temperature in the portafilter. Water is released through a small valve at the bottom, so the resistance corresponds to an espresso extraction.

    Why is there no clear dual-boiler test winner?

    During testing, experimenting, and getting to know the twelve espresso machines in depth, we realized it wouldn't be right to declare a ranking or test winner. The qualities of the machines are too different, the strengths too varied, and the possible uses also differ. The tests were conducted mainly by Michel Aeschbacher and me, Benjamin Hohlmann. And even we couldn't finally agree on which machine would be the test winner for each of us.

    Michel values strength when steaming milk, and the external construction of the machine and high-quality materials play a major role. For Benjamin, temperature consistency over 5 shots is central, so the espresso machine can also be well used during meetings. And we haven't even talked about price-to-performance yet.

    In short, we decided against an absolute ranking or adding a grade or score per category. Instead, we work out which espresso machines perform best in which category. Based on your own needs, you can then decide which machine suits you best. Sorry that we can't make the decision for you.

    If there were an espresso machine that really rocks in all categories, we wouldn't hesitate to declare it. Unfortunately, there isn't one. Instead, there are only partial category test winners (and losers), Michel's favorites, Benjamin's favorites, and the price-to-performance winner. Enjoy reading.

    Build quality and external construction

    You can argue about aesthetics and external construction. However, four machines stand out in our test. A bright spot—also thanks to beautiful finishes with wooden handles and in black—is the Xenia. The Xenia espresso machine can be assembled modularly, so it not only takes on the desired look but also the desired configuration. You can choose the Xenia with one or two portafilters, in wood or classic, or even bottomless. Each modular option costs extra—but you're also not overwhelmed with unnecessary tools and gadgets. If you're looking for sharp edges on the Xenia, you'll search in vain.

    xenia side view

    Xenia Espresso in side view

    The Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro R breaks the cost structure with +2000 euros/2400 CHF in our ranking. Accordingly, it shows off with materials. The side panels made of solid aluminum are 8 mm thick and contribute to the valuable appearance of the Mozzafiato. The build quality is overall good and there are only a few sharp edges. The sturdy feet provide stability, and the cold touch milk wand rounds out the machine. A built-in clock is a nice additional feature. The Quick Mill Andreja Premium PID also belongs to the machines that are better built. You can tell with it, as with the previously mentioned ones, that part of the higher purchase price goes into clean edges and thoughtful finishing.

    The Lelit Mara X is one of the cheapest machines in the entire test. All the more pleasing that it doesn't skimp on external construction. The machine is just 22 cm wide with a depth of 41 cm. If you're looking for a powerful-looking espresso machine, you'll favor machines like the Bezzera Magica or Rocket Mozzafiato. The Lelit Mara X is different. It has rounded corners where other machines are angular. It's quiet as a purring kitten, while the Rocket Appartamento sounds like a tractor starting up. But when it comes to external build quality, the Mara plays right at the front. The side walls of the Mara are noticeably thinner than, for example, the walls of a Quick Mill Rubino—they feel somewhat tinny when tapped. However, this doesn't detract from the positive external appearance.

    Recommended dealers for the Lelit Mara X*.

    lelit mara x

    The Lelit Mara X in side view.

    Solid exteriors come from the Profitec Pro 500, the Quick Mill Rubino, Bezzera Magica, Rocket Appartamento (embarrassing plastic rail—that's shameful!), Elba, and ECM Mechanika Slim.

    The two more affordable machines, the ACM Homey and BZ10, show their price point. Here, costs were cut at many corners and not all metal edges are cleanly finished. You can be annoyed about it, or you can let it go. Because the fact remains: while there are sharp spots, both machines are well-suited for brewing good espresso. We think: better this way than the other way around.

    Water tank – a clear leader

    We probably would have skipped this chapter if there weren't such a clear leader. The Xenia espresso machine leaves all other dual-boilers far behind in terms of water tank flexibility. You could also say that here, the developer of the machine, Holger Dreißig, is the only one who took the water tank seriously and sought smart solutions.

    Freestanding espresso machines have no problem with refilling. But there are settings where a water tank cannot be removed from the top and can only be filled with difficulty with a pitcher. And a pitcher fill is inherently problematic because it always carries the risk of putting the espresso machine underwater.

    xenia water tank

    The water tank on the Xenia can be removed from the side. Very practical.

    The Xenia offers—as an optional configuration variant—a side insertion slot. The water tank can be removed from the machine to the left or right and filled that way. This is very practical in a tight kitchen or narrow usage situation like a camper van.

    By the way, the insertion variant is also practical because the cups sitting on the machine aren't obstructed. Good solutions to allow refilling or removal from the top are provided by the Bezzera Magica, Profitec Pro 500, and the ECM Mechanika Slim. The lid with cups can be removed from the rail. Many other machines offer reduced cup space and have a lid attached.

    The most unpleasant water tank removal is offered by the ACM Homey (Video 11:25). Since there's no handle and the slot next to the water tank is too small to grip, removing the tank is a hassle. The water tank removal on the Elba 969 is also one of the poorly thought-out variants. First, all cups must be removed, then a plastic grid, and finally a lid. The handles on the water tank are meager, so here too comes the finger-water canister cramp.

    tamper

    Included tamper

    A portafilter is good when it closes flush with the rim of the basket and the metal base sinks deep enough that the rim of the basket can be felt with the fingers with the flush base. The tamper of the Lelit Mara X does this best. The tamper resembles some professional tampers and is at an ideal size of 58.5 mm in diameter. The clever part is that only the lowest ring has exactly this diameter. This means the tamper closes cleanly with the wall of the basket on the pressing surface. At the same time, the tamper doesn't sit so tightly that a vacuum forms when it's pulled out. Many flush tampers suck the perfectly tamped grounds back up and thus create potential channeling spots.

    Also, both Quick Mill models come with a wooden tamper. The standard size of 58 mm leaves too much space to the edge here. A shame, the base itself is a good thickness and helps with even tamping.

    The tamper of the ECM Mechanika Slim and Profitec Pro 500 pleases in terms of workmanship and fits almost perfectly in the portafilter. It sits flush better than the Rocket and Quick Mill tampers. However, the thickness of the tamper base is somewhat lower, so the tamper sinks into the portafilter during tamping. This makes it harder to tamp straight.

    The two Rocket models each come with an aluminum tamper. The distance to the basket rim is too great. Handling and aesthetics are certainly a matter of taste. For larger hands, the tamper is too small. The upper pressing point has a straight edge as opposed to the other tampers. Less pleasant—but certainly not a deal breaker. The tamper feels appropriate next to the Rocket Appartamento. With the Rocket Mozzafiato in the top price segment of portafilters, a higher-quality tamper would have looked good.

    The other espresso machines are delivered without a tamper or without anything that deserves the name. Many machines have a plastic dummy tamper in their package. However, next to a high-quality dual-boiler machine, that's a poor joke. With the Xenia, purchasing a tamper is an optional choice. In our view, a worthwhile investment.

    A portafilter manufacturer doesn't have to be a tamper manufacturer. But if they include a tamper, it should be a decent one. Tampers are often collector's items and are bought separately anyway. There are many great tampers from small manufacturers, e.g., from Tidaka, Hauck, Prorista.

    Portafilters of the espresso machines

    Portafilters and baskets are important tools for the brewing process. They differ in handling, tamping ability, and also in basket quality. In many videos, we've discussed that a good portafilter positions the spouts away from the espresso machine. The main reason is that this is the only way you can tamp at the edge of the table, which is the best option in everyday use. It's fast, clean, and the portafilter doesn't need to be awkwardly threaded into a tamping station, which might loosen the grounds.

    Portafilter tamping

    With the left variant, you easily slip while tamping and destroy the puck.

    Our perspective is "gastronomy"-oriented. We've installed tamping stations in coffee bars, but ultimately the barista always tamped on the edge of the bar on a tamping mat. This is always possible with gastronomy machines because the spouts are positioned accordingly.

    The spouts of the portafilters of the following machines facilitate tamping.

    • ECM Mechanika Slim. However, one downside is that the spout is very wide, so the espresso flickers when flowing out, moving from left to right. This has no effect on taste, but sometimes looks like channeling and doesn't produce such nice photos. 😊
    • The Xenia Espresso Tamper is sleek—we got a great wooden finish. You pay extra for it, but it looks impressive. The spouts are positioned in our desired direction, but unfortunately also as wide as the ECM Mechanika Slim, which can lead to the flickering effect described.
    • One of the most beautiful tampers in the field comes with the Profitec Pro 500. "Properly installed," sharp spouts, and it feels good in the hand.
    • Similarly, the portafilter of the Elba.969 and the ACM Homey are pleasing. Both have matte portafilters that feel good in the hand.

    portafilter lelit mara

    "Too futuristic," says Michel. "Clever," says Benjamin. The portafilter of the Lelit Mara X

    The portafilter of the Lelit Mara X breaks from the mold of classical portafilters. The espresso is released towards the back and then flows forward and is visible. Michel and I have different opinions on this. Michel finds the portafilter "too futuristic." I like that Lelit was creative and offered new solutions for once. It looks good how the espresso flows forward and becomes visible. While you also can't tamp the Lelit portafilter at the edge of the table, since the spouts don't rest on the ground, they don't get dirty and carry coffee particles that would later be in the espresso. This is one of our main arguments against tamping with a stationary tamper. In addition, classical portafilters are tilted and it's difficult to tamp straight. However, the Lelit portafilter stands straight—this problem doesn't exist.

    The portafilter spouts of the other machines are twisted and make tamping more difficult. Otherwise, they are "classical," although the portafilter of the Bezzera Magica deviates somewhat in shape.

    rocket Appartamento

    The twisted portafilters are directly related to the size of the drip trays. The wider a drip tray extends from the espresso machine, or the closer the brewing group sits to the body of the machine, the less risk there is of water dripping in front of the machine during rinsing and extraction. Besides the BZ10, the Rocket Appartamento and the Bezzera Magica drip water onto the table during rinsing.

    Loudness of the espresso machines

    Does the loudness of an espresso machine play a big role? Not for the quality of the espresso. But whoever has skipped espresso in the morning because the rest of the house is sleeping knows how interesting a quiet espresso machine can be. However, it should be noted in limitation: almost every espresso grinder is louder. So the loudness of the espresso machine may be less relevant. For some, the Rocket Appartamento, which leads the loudness field at 83 decibels, might even sound good. Like the motto: even if I zoom off on my motorcycle, I want the whole village to know.

    The other values:

    • Quick Mill Andreja: 75 – 78
    • Quick Mill Rubino: 79 – 80
    • ECM Manufacture Mechanika V Slim: 79 – 81
    • Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro R: 68 – 70
    • Profitec Pro 500: 78 – 80
    • Xenia Espresso: 75 – 77
    • Bezzera Magica: 78 – 80
    • Elba 1, 969.coffee: 78
    • Bezzera BZ 10: 75 – 77
    • ACM Homey: 79 – 80
    • Lelit Mara X: 71

    For the record: we measured the loudness quite amateurishly with our phone, maintaining the same distance. Don't hold us to the exact decibel values. The values still give you an orientation. For all sound-sensitive folks: here's the file to listen in for yourself.

    Power consumption and energy efficiency

    As with all electrical devices, the actual power consumption of espresso machines is hard to determine from the power rating. For example, the Lelit Mara X has 1400 W and the Rocket Appartamento has 1200 W. However, these values indicate consumption at full power. We were interested in how this looks over several hours of operation and what fluctuations occur with which machine.

    For the measurement, we used power meters from mystrom. With the appropriate app, we arrived at the following values.

    Model 25 Min + 5 Espressos Espresso after 2 h Espresso + Cleaning after 4 h
    Lelit Mara X 0.310 0.500 0.68
    Bezzera BZ10 0.250 0.480 0.72
    Xenia 0.240 0.470 0.72
    Quickmill Rubino 0.300 0.570 0.83
    ACM Homey 0.260 0.570 0.83
    Profitec Pro500 0.300 0.580 0.86
    Quickmill Andreja 0.320 0.600 0.88
    Elba 1 696 Coffee 0.260 0.580 0.90
    ECM Mechanika V Slim 0.340 0.640 0.92
    Rocket Mozzafiato 0.320 0.640 0.97
    Rocket Appartamento 0.330 0.660 1.00
    Bezzera Magica S 0.360 0.720 1.06

    How do you read the espresso machine power consumption table? The machine heats up for 25 minutes. Subsequently, according to the test instructions for temperature measurement (see below), the extraction of 5 double espressos at approximately 1-minute intervals is simulated. After completing this simulation, the power consumption is recorded. Then, 2 hours later, a double espresso extraction is simulated (5 s rinse / 30 seconds water withdrawal), and the power consumption is recorded. After another 2 hours, a double espresso is similarly simulated, and the machine is cleaned. For this, backflush is performed 5 times for 4 seconds each. Then the machine is shut off and the power consumption is recorded.

    The Lelit Mara X is the only machine in the test with an ECO mode. More and more machines are being built with Eco mode. The Lelit Mara X's ECO mode kicks in after 30 minutes and stops active boiler heating. This can actually be annoying in everyday life if you just miss the 30-minute window again. One reason we can't imagine the Lelit Mara X as a training machine in our Home Barista Courses.

    Interestingly, the machine doesn't consume more power despite multiple heat-ups than other machines. The insulated boiler greatly contributes to minimal temperature drop, so after two hours there's still plenty of temperature in the boiler. In fact, the machine was also ready to use again after just 5 minutes (normally it heats up for 25 minutes). Over the course of the test, the Lelit Mara X's power efficiency keeps improving.

    In addition, the Xenia Espresso and BZ10 perform well—these are the two machines that do NOT have a classical Faema E61 brewing group with circulating thermosiphon principle. In both machines, the brewing head is heated electrically. From an energy perspective, this shows the potential of this principle. The Xenia Espresso also demonstrates that an appropriate brewing head doesn't compromise temperature consistency. Particularly poor performance comes from machines with large boilers and those without insulation.

    milk steaming dual boiler

    Milk foam and steaming capability and cappuccino power

    Dual-boiler espresso machines are distinguished from single-boiler machines in that espresso can be extracted and milk can be steamed in parallel. How quickly the milk heats up, how much force each machine brings to the 0.6 liter pitcher during steaming, and how steaming feels overall, we compared.

    Michel Aeschbacher loaded the espresso each time and started the extraction. After 10 seconds of running time, he briefly released the condensation water from the steam wand. After about 17 seconds, we started steaming.

    In the direct comparison of machines, we also gathered new insights for ourselves. The displayed boiler pressure is not 1:1 to be understood as force on the steam wand. Some machines showed rather weak steaming despite showing +1 bar, while other espresso machines delivered decent pressure at 0.8 bar.

    Independent of pressure, some machines heated the milk faster than others. Basically, this allows longer steaming before the milk gets too hot. This extends the stretching and rolling phase, which tends to lead—especially for latte art beginners—to an advantage, namely more time. Ideal performance is: powerful pressure while simultaneously slow heating.

    Steaming capability in direct comparison

    The Rocket Appartamento steams with lots of power. It's fun to steam, easily brings circulation to the whole pitcher, and yet the milk doesn't heat too quickly. Good for beginners and pros.

    The Lelit Mara X has less power than the Appartamento. The built-up pressure is absolutely suitable for steaming. At the same time, the milk heats relatively slowly. Pretty good for beginners.

    With the ACM Homey, real force comes from the milk wand. It steams quickly hot. Requires some practice.

    The Bezzera BZ10 also has real lots of power and easily gets the milk spinning, even if the perfect point in the pitcher isn't found. Very well suited for steaming for ambitious beginners and pros.

    The Elba 1 from 969.coffee also delivers solid performance. Michel's statement on this: "It may get slightly hotter and at the same time has less pressure. But that's more of a felt statement." Overall good and we have nothing to complain about.

    The Bezzera Magica also puts on a good performance. Lots of power and a nice rolling phase are guaranteed. Gets quite warm fairly quickly.

    Steaming with the Xenia

    Simultaneous milk steaming while extracting with the Xenia isn't entirely straightforward.

    We studied the Xenia Espresso most regarding milk steam. It already had difficulties with our first test allowing simultaneous brewing and steaming. The Xenia has two modes: once the classical espresso mode, which delivers very consistent temperature and correspondingly good espressos, and a heat-up mode. If you press the start button to the right during extraction, the espresso mode runs. With a button press to the left, the Xenia heats up during espresso extraction and thus stabilizes the pressure in the boiler.

    In espresso mode, the boiler pressure drops below 0.5 bar. Difficult to nearly impossible to steam milk this way. The milk can't get properly moving and many large bubbles remain on the milk.

    In heat-up mode, the pressure is more stable and no longer drops below 0.5 bar. It's then easier to steam. Compared to the other tested machines, the steaming performance is still at the lower end of the table. However, the manufacturer is constantly working on workarounds and is very close to the user community. If milk steaming is more important than espresso performance, you can improve the settings with a firmware change. It seems more sensible to us, however, to wait longer after espresso extraction so the boiler pressure stabilizes. The milk foam performance improves significantly as a result, though not well.

    The Profitec Pro 500 has markedly less power than the other Faema E61 brewing groups. Michel compares the steaming behavior to the Xenia's left button (heat-up mode). Interestingly, the displayed boiler pressure stays high. However, we feel little of that in the pitcher.

    Michel enjoyed steaming with the Quick Mill Rubino. Nice rolling phase, lots of circulation. That's how you can make good milk foam.

    At the top of the spectrum, the Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro R provides power. Steaming is forceful but also gets hot fairly quickly. Certainly interesting for ambitious users.

    The ECM Manufacture Mechanika V Slim delivers solid steaming performance. "Not much and not little," Michel sums up the steaming.

    The Quick Mill Andreja Premium PID lines up at the bottom of the table with Xenia and Profitec Pro. The pressure is too low to get the milk completely rotating. Since we're already at the upper limit with the brewing temperature, we can't increase the boiler pressure any further.

    How is milk steamed?

    In the first phase of steaming, we bring temperature and volume into the milk. Air is incorporated and bubbles form. This part of steaming is called the stretching phase.

    In the second and subsequent rolling phase, the formed bubbles are broken down and the milk foam becomes creamy-silky and glossy. This consistency is very well suited for pouring latte art on a cappuccino.

    Temperature consistency during extraction and from extraction to extraction

    To brew very good espresso, temperature consistency during the brewing phase is essential. In an article and video, Phillipp Schallberger and Michel Aeschbacher worked that out. In their comparison test, they recommend an average brewing temperature of 93 degrees. At temperatures of 88 degrees, the tasted coffees had an unpleasant sour, herbaceous taste with an astringent aftertaste. Increased channeling also occurred. At temperatures of 96 degrees, bitterness was overwhelming while acidity was no longer balanced. Mouthfeel decreased, although the concentration of dissolved coffee particles (TDS, strength) increased.

    Extraction rate at various brewing temperatures

    As part of our test series, we investigated two things.

    1. Consistency during extraction. We noted how much the temperature deviates during an extraction from the 1st to the last second. As a standard extraction, we examined the second extraction of five extractions.
    2. Family, shared apartment, and catering suitability. Anyone who just wants to drink one espresso is less dependent on the third and fourth espresso also being in target temperature. However, if several espressos are pulled in succession through a larger household in the morning, temperature consistency over multiple extractions plays a role. It's also important to give users confidence. If temperature constantly fluctuates, that's unsettling when brewing.

    How consistent does the temperature stay over 25 seconds?

    To measure consistency along the brewing time, we compared the temperature at three temperature points and looked at the difference after 5 seconds, after 13 seconds, and after 22 seconds.

    In the first seconds, the coffee grounds become saturated and the actual brewing temperature at the sensor must first be reached.

    rocket temperature

    Overall, it can be stated that almost all machines deliver surprisingly good temperature consistency during the brewing time. Particularly noteworthy are the Rocket Appartamento with only 0.17 degree variance between second 5 and 22. The Bezzera Magica ranks in with a difference of -0.18 degrees. Furthermore, the Xenia (switch right), the Rocket Mozzafiato, the Elba 1, the Quick Mill Rubino, and also the ACM Homey deliver good results, with less than 0.5 degree fluctuations during extraction. That's sensational and much better than we would have expected months ago.

    The Quick Mill Andreja (0.53), the ECM Manufacture Mechanika V Slim (0.87), and the Lelit Mara X (0.89) also deliver good results. The Bezzera BZ10 comes in at 1.02 and the Profitec Pro 500 at -1.44—that's all perfectly fine. With the Profitec Pro 500, it should be noted that this drop occurs right at the end of extraction, where not much significant material is being extracted from the grounds anyway. It's possible that with one or another coffee, this temperature drop towards the end could even have positive effects.

    Important notes: for the measurement, we based each on the second espresso. We recommend using the first extraction to heat through the portafilter and rinse the shower to remove any remaining cleaning powder residue.

    Important note

    The measurements were made after the temperature adjustment of the machines. A real point of criticism is that some espresso machines were not delivered with sufficient brewing temperature. While a PID controller can be adjusted relatively easily on your own, though you also don't know exactly what temperature you land at home, we had to adjust the pressure and thus the temperature via the pressostat on the Bezzera BZ 10, Bezzera Magica, and ACM Homey. We would advise you to purchase these machines only from your local dealer and have them guarantee that the temperature was checked on site!

    Consistency over 5 extractions

    "Who needs 5 extractions anyway," some of you might rightfully say. That's 10 espressos after all. Yes, but…

    Do you even know what temperature you're at when it constantly rises and falls?! The Rocket Appartamento is a good example. The second extraction was nearly perfect in terms of consistency and temperature. While the first extraction averaged 93.98 degrees, extraction 5 was only at an average of 90.32 degrees. Thus, the Rocket performed in the midfield of dual-boilers. Decidedly more a machine for two to three extractions and one that needs to be known and understood.

    rocket

    By comparison, the Xenia when the extraction button is pressed to the right resembles a straight line, increasing just 0.88 degrees in temperature over 5 extractions.

    xenia temp

    Even more consistently, the Rocket Mozzafiato delivers with a temperature loss of 0.47 degrees. However, we have another clear criticism of the Rocket Mozzafiato. At maximum boiler temperature, namely 124 degrees on the PID controller, the machine only delivered 90.48 degrees on our 1st extraction. That's definitely too cold. Since no thermostat—but a PID controller with sensor—is installed, we couldn't set the temperature higher ourselves, which harmed espresso quality. Lots of acidity—not tasty!

    mozza

    In terms of consistency over multiple extractions, these three machines are in a class of their own. With just over two degrees of fluctuation, the BZ10 follows, the Bezzera Magica -2.12, and the ECM Mechanika V Slim with -2.21 degrees.

    mechanika

    The ACM Homey (3.28), the Andreja (-2.33), the Appartamento (-3.65) play in the midfield. The Lelit Mara X performs worst in both switch positions (steam and brewing mode).

    lelit mara

    The Profitec Pro 500, the Quick Mill Rubino, and the Elba 1 also don't perform well.

    rubino

    elba

    Particularly the performance of the Lelit Mara X is of course problematic, especially since it shows such good performance in so many other categories. It's worth getting to know this machine very well, and the other machines that lose temperature, to get the most out of them.

    Whoever buys one of the consistent machines like the Xenia, the Mozzafiato, or also the Bezzera Magica, knows what they're getting and needs less experimentation to find the right temperature.

    Heat-up time of the espresso machine

    The heat-up time of the espresso machine sometimes determines whether you wake up or stay asleep in the morning. So it's important! Bad news: if you wait next to the espresso machine for the first shot, you shouldn't buy a dual-boiler. Unfortunately, we have no good news for you. No machine is significantly faster to heat than the magical 25-minute threshold. Sorry!

    The Xenia Espresso gets to acceptable brewing temperature fastest after 18 minutes. However, we also measure only 88 degrees at that point, and that's not really tasty. If you're really serious about the first espresso, wait your 25 minutes. Our Xenia model has a heating element built into the brewing group. There's also the option of installing a second element, and then the whole thing should go faster.

    If we can test that at some point, we'll add it here.

    Otherwise, our conclusion on heat-up time is: wait 25 minutes, get a timer, or buy a thermoblock. With dual-boilers, it takes time until the boiler and brewing group are really up to temperature. If that stresses you out, then this isn't the right machine for enjoying.

    xenia 18 minutes

    All dual-boilers tested over the years

    Meaning of symbols:
    ✓ tested and published
    ⏱ tested, to be published soon
    📦 ordered, not yet tested

    We will cover various dual-boiler machines from entry-level to high-end models. At the end of this article, we collect suggestions for dual-boiler espresso machine tests.

    Here you can read what else we've tested.

    Manufacturer Machine Technology Status Video
    969.coffee Elba 1 Dual-boiler
    ACM Homey Dual-boiler
    Bezzera BZ10 Dual-boiler
    Bezzera Magica Dual-boiler
    ECM Mechanika V Slim Dual-boiler
    Coffee Machine AG La Basilea Pro Dual-boiler
    Lelit Mara X V2 Dual-boiler
    Profitec Jump Dual-boiler
    Profitec Pro 400 Dual-boiler
    Profitec Pro 500 Dual-boiler
    Quick Mill Andreja Premium PID Dual-boiler
    Quick Mill Rubino Dual-boiler
    Rocket Appartamento Dual-boiler
    Rocket Appartamento TCA Dual-boiler
    Rocket Giotto Cronometro Dual-boiler
    Rocket Mozzafiato R Fast Dual-boiler
    Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro R PID Dual-boiler
    Sanremo Cube Dual-boiler
    Stone Stone Dual-boiler
    Xenia Xenia Dual-boiler

    Especially with the dual-boiler, the rinse process determines the brewing temperature. How the entire process looks is described in Making espresso.

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