In this Breville Duo-Temp review, you will learn all about the product’s features as well as the pros and cons. Because of its wide range of attractive features, the Breville Duo-Temp Pro Espresso Machine can be ranked among the best entry-level espresso machines available on the market these days.
Having been made with the finest materials, this machine is equipped with PID temperature control, precise espresso extraction, a unique Razor precision dose trimming tool, precise pump pressure and an auto purge function. All of these features combined, make it possible for the Breville to produce some of the greater-tasting espressos and cappuccinos you will know of.
But above all, you will learn in this Breville Duo-Temp Pro review about the machine’s dual temperature function which enables users to obtain on the one hand, a high pressure steam and faster heat up to create the much-cherished micro foam which is typical of lattes; and on the other hand, make use of the temp control function for other types of brewing.
To help you in your decision, I have also included two alternatives along with how they compare against the Duo-Temp Pro. There's a cheaper alternative, in case you find the price of the Duo-Temp Pro simply too high. On the other hand, there's a more expensive alternative to show you what you can get if you up your budget.
Quick 1-minute breakdown
If you're in a hurry and just want to know whether or not you should purchase the Breville Duo-Temp Pro BES810BSS (the latest model), let me give you a quick breakdown:
- If you're looking for an entry-level espresso machine some of the higher-end features, the Duo-Temp Pro is a good buy. Featuring a high-quality pump with PID temperature control, this device is capable of producing a good espresso.
- If you need to stick to a budget, but still want high-quality espresso, the Duo -Temp Pro is a perfect bet, as it outperforms most other espresso machines in this price class.
- If you want to perfect the craft of making espressos, where consistency is the key, you're better off with one of the other Breville espresso machines. Lacking a pressure gauge and pre-defined timer settings, it's more difficult to produce an espresso with the same parameters over and over again.
Features
Ease of use
Durability
Price
Average
If you're still unsure, please keep reading. Hopefully, after reading my full and detailed Breville Duo-Temp Pro review, you can make a solid decision. If not, just let me know in the comments, where I am happy to answer any questions.
Full Breville Espresso Machine line-up
The Breville Duo-Temp Pro is an entry-level espresso machine within the Breville espresso machine line. From this little wonder to the almighty Oracle, there's a Breville for every budget. Below you will find a short overview of all the Pros & Cons of each device. If you want more detailed information, please read: "So, What is the Best Breville Espresso Machine?".
the Oracle
With automated tamping and frothing, meet the world's first automated semi-auto espresso machine.
High-end
- Fully automated
- Consistent espressos
- Perfect milk foam
- Requires high budget
- Large footprint
Price:
$$$$$
Dual Boiler
The perfect machine if you want to improve your barista skills with full control and a dual boiler for excellent heating.
High-end
- Exellent heating
- Improves your skills
- Competitive price
- Build quality, could use less plastics.
Price:
$$$$
Barista Express
Best choice!
Capable of making a perfect espresso, with an built-in grinder to save space and money.
Prosumer
- Perfect price point
- Built-in grinder
- Small footprint
- Single boiler/pump
- Bit messy grinder
Price:
$$$
the Infuser
Same as Barista Express but without grinder, in case you want/own a better grinder, but still want the same quality.
Prosumer
- Smaller footprint than the Barista Express
- Not much cheaper than Barista Express
Price:
$$$
Duo-Temp Pro
An entry-level espresso machine, with some of the professional features or its bigger brothers, at a very friendly price tag.
Entry-level
- Lowest price
- Has some of the higher-end features
- No pressure gauge
- No fine-tuning
Price:
$$
This article can be found under:
Brand(s): Breville
Budget: $250-$500
Level: Entry-level
Type of coffee: Espresso, Americano, Cappuccino
First published: 4/11/2017
Last update: 4/11/2017
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How did I review the Breville Duo-Temp Pro BES810BSS?
The goal of each of the reviews on Let's Grind Some Coffee is to do an insane amount of research, so you don't have to anymore. We work with a number of talented and experienced writers, who know what they're talking about. Each writer is responsible for conducting his/her own research, so there's no miscommunication possible. When doing this review we didn't own the Breville Duo-Temp Pro BES810BSS. For the comparison we used product reviews, customers comments, and instruction videos and manuals.
Click to learn more about our review process
An Introduction to the Breville Duo-Temp Pro Espresso Machine
Originally designed as an entry-level espresso machine, the Breville Duo-Temp Pro was introduced in 2014 as part of the prestigious Beville line of coffee-making machines. Because of its ability to stabilize and control temperature throughout the entire steaming and brewing process, it became a sudden hit for starters.
However, as time goes by, it is possible for users to feel the need for an upgrade once the basics of coffee-making are mastered and more features are needed.
This is why you will later on find useful information comparing the Breville Duo-Temp Pro to the Barista Express, which would be the next natural choice.
Coffee 101:
PID Temperature Control?
PID temperature control allows you to specify the brew temperature of the espresso machine. Learn more:
PID Controlled Espresso Machine
The Duo-Temp offers practical features, some of which are unique to the Breville range of products, such as its heat management device; the Thermocoil Heating System with PID Control or its purge function.
Making a great espresso calls for the right balance of factors in order to achieve optimal flavor and consistency.
Breville Duo-Temp Pro Features | Pros & Cons
The Duo-Temp Pro shares a number of features with some of the more expensive Breville espresso machines. Breville does a great job of making espresso machines in different price classes, so you can upgrade within the line, but still be familiar when using it. Some of the more prominent features of the Breville Duo-Temp Pro are:
- Thermocoil Heating System with PID Control: This device, which is a powerful 1600W stainless steel water control system that accurately monitors water temperature and helps to ensure rapid heating, is the latest feature of the Duo-Temp Pro.
- Purge Function: After steaming milk, the Duo-Temp activates an automatic purge function which flushes cold water through the heating system in order to rapidly return it to the ideal temperature for efficient espresso extraction.
- Low Pressure Pre-Infusion: The pre-infusion system is designed to gradually increase water pressure so as to avoid unwanted rushes that can mess with the formation of foam. The key is pre-wetting the grounds at low pressure before increasing to the recommended 9 bar.
Coffee 101:
What is pre-infusion?
Pre-infusion takes place a few seconds before full pressure extraction starts. By slowly building up the pressure, the grinds are better saturated, resulting in more flavor coming into the cup.
Let’s now take a look at what’s to like and what’s to improve.
The Good
Heat Management
Because of the PID, optimal water temperature can be achieved in a short time. When properly preheated, water will never be either too hot or too cold.
Multiple Accessories
The Breville Duo-Temp Pro comes with a number of accessories including four 54mm filter baskets, one 54mm stainless steel portafilter, one 16 fl.oz stainless steel frothing pitcher, one integrated and removable tamper, cleaning tablets, a silicon cleaning disc, an Allen key, and Breville’s patented Razor Precision Dose Trimming Tool, all of which are included upon purchase.
Storage and Capacity
The rear mounted removable water reservoir holds up to 61oz of water and can be fitted with a water filter that helps to remove impurities and extend the life of your machine. Located behind the drip tray is a concealed storage tray to house your tools and accessories.
Optimal Dosing
The Duo-Temp Pro also comes with the Razor precision dose trimming tool, which simplifies manual dosing by precisely controlling the amount of coffee in the filter basket. This in turn, will help you achieve consistently great tasting coffee every time you use your Duo-Temp Pro.
Microfoam Milk
High power 1700W element for high pressure steam and faster heat up to create microfoam necessary for café quality drinks and essential for creating latte art.
The Bad
What is it with the Plastic?
Even if it is only an entry-level machine, you would expect much less plastic on it. For one, the porta filter has a removable plastic bottom. The rooftop is also plastic which is not warm enough as the machine goes into sleep mode. We know it was put there for safety, but it makes the whole unit much less professional.
Sometimes difficult to get a Crema
Although the Breville Duo-Temp offers a good pressure, it can be difficult to get enough crema. In order to achieve the desired effect, you will see yourself figuring out all kinds of variations in the process. With every bean comes the task of properly dialing in your grinding, and applying enough tamping pressure. However, as the Duo Temp Pro is missing a pressure gauge and shot timer, there's more guessing in the extraction process. For this you need to upgrade to a Breville Barista Express.
Beware of Mess
There is a lot of splashing when the coffee comes out, thereby causing a messy foam line.
Alternatives to the Breville Duo-Temp Pro BES810BSS
Even though the Duo-Temp Pro is a good device, you might want some more pro features which allow for a better consistency. Luckily, within the Breville espresso machine range there's a perfect alternative.
Best Alternative: Breville Barista Express BES870XL
Better timing features, includes a pressure gauge for better consistency.
The Barista Express is a very popular Breville espresso machine. This is the device that fuels our chief grinder, who developed a tight routine for making optimum use of the single thermocoil heating element. You can find this routine in his extensive Barista Express review.
The Barista Express comes with a built-in grinder, with auto-shutoff so you get the same amount of coffee grind every time. It also has pre-defined extraction times, including pre-infusion, which is a great help in achieving consistency. The pressure gauge shows you the required espresso range, to get an excellent crema.
It has the same steam wand as the Duo-Temp Pro, which is perfect for making milk foam, which even allows for latte art.
We have a very extensive review on our site, along with a tutorial on how to use a bottomless portafilter (which is great for perfecting your barista skills:
Breville Barista Express Review
Tutorial: What you can Learn From Using a Bottomless Portafilter on the Breville Barista Express
Budget alternative: Mr. Coffee Café Barista
Simple espresso machine with good results, including a cappuccino maker.
The Mr. Coffee Café Barista is a tiny, yet capable espresso machine. It's the #1 on our "Best Espresso Machine under $200" list, in which there's a lot of competition.
The Café Barista doesn't have a PID or pressure gauge, and uses a thermoblock design. This means the heat distribution is more inconsistent than with the Duo-Temp Pro (learn more abou the differences of a thermoblock vs. thermocoil).
However, for its price tag, it gets the job done of making a decent espresso. It even has a built-in steam function, so you can easily make lattes and cappuccinos. The Café Barista is a user-friendly device, and a perfect alternative if you want to try making espresso first, before getting a Duo-Temp Pro or Barista Express.
Rounding up the Breville Duo-Temp Pro Review
It is hard to find a semi-automatic espresso machine that will work so well and will be so easy to handle. Therefore, the Breville Duo -Temp Pro Espresso may be the best entry level coffee-maker you can get, just before upgrading to something better, such as the Barista Express.
Breville Duo-Temp Pro
BES810BSS
Resources used for this review
- Seattle Coffee Gear review on Youtube, showing all the features discussed in this Breville Duo-Temp Pro review.
- Amazon customer reviews
- Breville sales page and Amazon sales page
- Breville Duo Temp Pro manual (PDF)