Breville Dual Boiler VS Breville Barista Express

• 

  hell0 on 18/12/2017 - 10:52

  I don't drink coffee at all so really can't make a comment or vote.

  • 

    theHMASfriendship on 18/12/2017 - 11:27

    +2

    Thanks for letting us know

• 

  awelch on 18/12/2017 - 11:30

  +1

  I have the Barista Express at home and the Oracle at work. Both are great machines which I enjoy using. I really appreciate the grinder built-in as its less bench space and appliances out (more importantly this means my wife doesn't get annoyed!). My coffee-mad friend has a Duo and loves it - she is willing to have more things on the bench. It all comes down to personal preference. If I was replacing mine I would likely get another Barista as I couldn't justify the expense of the Oracle.

• 

  halohunter on 18/12/2017 - 11:33

  +3

  I used to have a Barista, and upgraded to the Dual Boiler. The Dual Boiler is a level above in build and coffee quality over the Barista, while still being in full control (unlike the even more expensive Oracles). The primary difference is the dual boiler (vs single heating block) that delivers far superior pressure and temperature control. I bought my dual boiler from the good guys eBay store with the coupon this year for ~$1028, and got 3kg of free boutique coffee beans from a Breville promotion.

  Also, in terms of longevity, the grinder is nearly always the first thing that breaks in a coffee machine. It's much easier to replace just the grinder than a whole machine.

  • 

    BRYCELICIOUS on 18/12/2017 - 11:38

    Thank you, I hadn't even considered the effect repairs would have on future cost!

  • 

    awelch on 18/12/2017 - 11:38

    Good point about the grinder replacement - I had a scare with a rock in my beans and the estimates to replace the grinder in the Barista were like $300. Fortunately it didn't require replacing once i got the rock out

• 

  DL1981 on 18/12/2017 - 12:12

  +1

  The Dual Boiler has a dual boiler rather than the thermocoil of the Barista Express. The Dual Boiler can steam milk and extract coffee at the same time.

• 

  McBanjo on 18/12/2017 - 14:54

  Being able to make your coffee ASAP with a dual boiler means you will actually use it and derive benefit from each use. Cannot overstate how nice it is. It’s key for me as I live about 200m from a dozen or so amazing cafes so am always tempted to get someone else to make it for me.

  I also think I read somewhere that the separate grinder has more precision and control. Can’t comment as I only have the Duo, but I relish the idea that a terrible coffee from a bad bean or bad grind can be refined and I’m not limited by the functions of the machine (only by my laziness).

• 

  SydStrand on 19/12/2017 - 00:16

  Most inbuilt grinders stink compared to a dedicated unit, there's also the issue with replaceability. I'd always prefer something like the Dual Boiler, and if you can't afford a fancy grinder, pick up an inexpensive hand-grinder like the Hario Skerton.