Last Updated On September 6, 2023
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I remember being new to the hardcore coffee-crafting scene so well. I was so full of love for the craft but had no idea how to upgrade from my humble cafetiere collection.
The world of espresso machines felt so intimidating, and I didn't have half the equipment I needed.
Enter machines like the Duo Temp Pro that come with (almost) everything you need to get started.
Check out my Breville Duo Temp Pro review below to discover if this beginner espresso machine is suitable for you.
Breville Duo Temp Pro Review – My Ratings & Top Features
Brew Quality
4.5
Build Quality
4.5
Ease Of Use
4.5
Overall Rating
4.5
Overall, I would rate the Breville Duo Temp Pro espresso machine 4.5 out of 5 stars. I love how sleek and no-frills its design is, but I still yearn for certain nice-to-haves.[1]
Who Should Buy The Breville Duo Temp Pro?
The Duo Temp Pro is a great option for beginners willing to learn new skills to up their coffee game. Knowing how to tamp your grounds and dial in a shot is recommended as some basic knowledge here. It is not the hardest machine to master, but it does have a small learning curve for newbies looking to experiment on a budget.
Pros
Cons
Why I Decided To Review The Breville Duo Temp Pro
On a recent trip to visit relatives, my uncle revealed his shiny new Duo Temp Pro to me while he was making breakfast.
Once I gave it a whirl for myself, I just had to run it ragged in a proper Breville Duo Temp Pro review.
Testing Conditions | |
|---|---|
Days Tested | 30 |
Cups Brewed Per Day | 2 |
Level Of Experience Needed | Beginner-intermediate |
Reviewer Background | Home brewing enthusiast who started with a simple cafetiere collection and is on a journey to up their game. |
Environment Tested | Home |
Money Saved Per Year | $2160 |
Favorite Drink To Brew | Espresso and caramel latte |
What’s It Like To Live With The Breville Duo Temp Pro
What’s In The Box?
The Duo Temp Pro arrived in a sturdy branded box with all its information listed on the back.
Getting it inside was surprisingly easy as it was lighter than expected at only 18.9 pounds - no need to worry about taking the stairs with this one.
Once opened, I removed the manual and accessories boxes before pulling out the machine itself.[2]
The Duo Temp Pro coffee maker was wrapped in plastic wrap and encased in two molded styrofoam casings, which is standard.
The accessories and cleaning items were all in smaller boxes which helped with identification and prevented them from getting damaged in transit.
The machine looks clean and stylish out of the box, and I love that the drip tray was taped down.
This aesthetic machine was compact enough to slot perfectly into my kitchen and leave enough room for my coffee cups to sit on top.
The setup was easy and beginner-friendly, thanks to the 3D app and physical manuals.[3] It all went smoothly, and only took a little time to clean and set it all up.
I love that the 1.8-liter water tank has a handle for easy filling, but I felt like the tank itself felt flimsy once full.
Nervous that I would break it, I opted to fill a jug and refill the tank while it sat in the coffee maker for the rest of my testing period.
Accessories included with the Duo Temp Pro espresso machine:
Pulling My First Espresso Shot
Once you are all set up, there are only two buttons and a dial standing between you and a delicious coffee.
This coffee machine is controlled by a power button on the left, a select button on the right, and a dial that turns from espresso to steam or hot water.
This no-frills setup is very accessible for newbies but lacks the customization that some more experienced third-wave specialty coffee fans may yearn for.
However, a lack of bells and whistles does not mean burnt coffee. Each shot I pulled was rich and bold with a lovely crema - but I am getting ahead of myself.
There is no built-in coffee grinder, which may mean an additional purchase is in order.
If grinding coffee beans is not your style, pressurized baskets mean that you can even use pre-ground coffee in a pinch.
I chose to grind my own and try the dose-trimming tool, a nice feature for those getting started.
The stainless steel Thermocoil heats this machine in minutes, providing an endless stream of pressure and hot water on demand.
This Thermocoil allows for excellent temperature stability and powerful steam every time. That said, it does need a minute between shots to recover, making it harder to pull back-to-back ones.
The PID temperature control is a lovely touch that aids in temperature consistency and stabilization.
This feature is a perk at this price point but is not adjustable - it always stays at a nice 199.4 degrees for brewing.
The 54 mm portafilter feels hefty and of good quality during tamping, but it is a slightly more unusual size than the more common 58 mm.
Buying accessories like bottomless baskets is not impossible for this size, but it is a little trickier and worth considering. I did not love the plastic tamper handle but made do for the test.
The magnetic holder in front of the Duo Temp Pro was a nice touch that makes storing the tamper an aesthetic and easy process.
Dialing in, I found myself holding the machine slightly as it shifted with my movement - perhaps it is a little too light for me and my apparent strength.
Another important note is that the Duo Temp Pro espresso machine does not have a three-way solenoid, resulting in slightly sloppy pucks.
The low pressure nine bar pre-infusion lasted about 20-30 seconds before the Duo Temp Pro kicked into high gear with 15 bar extraction.
I loved the color of my shot and got a decent head of crema. Overall, a great first impression and a great-tasting espresso.
First Time Frothing Milk
The professional steam wand is really easy to handle. It is a manual single-hole traditional steam wand with a small finger loop handle that works well with the ergonomic milk pitcher.
The Thermocoil provides consistent and powerful pressure to easily replicate cafe-quality steamed milk and produce latte art.
That being said, the Thermocoil also means that you cannot simultaneously brew and steam.
Once your espresso is ready, you need to give it a minute to start using the steam wand to get sufficient steam pressure going.
However, this lets your barista-quality espresso sit and oxidize, which leads to poor taste.
I combated this by adding either a splash of milk or the syrup I was using, which helped me keep a balanced-tasting cup.
The steam wand milk frother also acts as a hot water dispenser for Americano fans.
I typically prefer my steam and hot water wands to be separate but understand that they are often combined at lower price points to save on space and costs.
Once steaming is complete, the auto purge function automatically kicks in to ensure the coffee machine stays at an optimal brewing temperature.
The loud noise and gurgling made me jump out of my skin the first time it happened - be more prepared for this than I was!
I found the 4.5-inch cup height to be perfectly suitable for me. However, if you cannot quite get a taller mug in, I recommend removing the drip tray cover and slotting your cup in there.
The passive cup warmer was also a huge help and kept my espresso warmer for longer.
How Much Control Do You Have Over The Machine?
Unlike other espresso machine models I have reviewed in the past, the Breville Duo Temp Pro does not allow much customization.
There are impressive features to control temperature, like the PID digital temperature control and low-pressure pre-infusion function to handle espresso quality.
However, you cannot adjust the time or temperature of those things yourself.
This simplifies the espresso brewing process for anyone just starting their espresso journey.
However, a professional barista may yearn for more control over their brewing than this entry-level machine can provide.
How Does It Handle Different Roasts?
The Duo Temp Pro espresso maker does not have a built-in grinder or programmable drinks, which makes it very flexible in the coffee grounds department.
The sky is the limit, thanks to the pressurized baskets designed for pre-ground coffee.
I think that coffee machines like this should be using freshly ground beans like Lavazza's Super Crema Whole Bean Blend or Filicori's Forte Arabic and Robusta Blend.
However, with the baskets, you can use pre-ground coffee in a pinch or certain flavored blends like Whittard's Hazelnut flavor coffee.
Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine
Espresso machines all have their unique style - some are flashy right out of the box, while others go for a more understated look.
The Breville Duo Temp Pro is a compact model with sleek curved edges that make for a clean and minimalist look that I enjoy.
I wish it came in more colors, but perhaps we will see some more arrive in the future. I love how simple and pared-back it is without sacrificing quality.
At 10.1 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches, the dimensions are about what you would expect for compact espresso machines and leave plenty of room under your cupboards for cups.
It is a surprisingly light model, weighing only 18.1 pounds - most models I review are at least double that weight.
When I locked in the portafilter, there would be moments when the machine would jerk and move with me. Perhaps I do not know my own strength!
Overall, I love how clean the design of the Duo Temp Pro is and admire its simplicity. I do wish it were a little heavier at times, but I am happy with how it slots into my kitchen space.
What Drinks Can It Make?
You can make any drink you desire with the Duo Temp Pro. There are no pre-programmed selections - just you and your imagination.
Brewing espresso is just the start. I loved making caramel and chai lattes with this bad boy. I even got the steam wand to dispense hot water for my morning oats and some soup.
How Easy Is It To Use?
Unlike automatic entry-level espresso machines that would be considered a super-automatic espresso machine, the Duo Temp Pro semi-automatic espresso machine requires you to do a lot of steps on your own.
This may sound intimidating initially, but the manual helps make things as smooth as possible.
Because of the no-frills interface and features, it is easier than other espresso machines to get to grips with for beginners.
The PID, pre-infusion, and Thermocoil all help maintain consistency and quality, while the steam wand lets you steam milk like a pro.
If you are willing to learn some basic barista skills, you will be pulling quick and excellent espresso shots in no time.
How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)
Thanks to the Thermocoil, the Duo Temp Pro home espresso machine heats in only a minute or two, meaning it only takes a few minutes to get good espresso.
Most espresso machines take 15 minutes or more to heat up, particularly ones with dual boilers.
However, super-automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines tend to be quicker on the uptake and get you that next espresso faster.
Does It Have A Water Filtration System?
The Duo Temp Pro espresso machine does come with a water filtration system out of the box.
A water filtration system is not just there to remove limescale and other minerals from the water in your espresso machine.
A filtration system also ensures that your espresso maker lasts for years to come with minimal buildup and stress on internal parts.
No limescale in your water tank helps create clean and balanced flavors in your espresso shot.[4]
Talk about a win-win!
This consists of a holder and water filter cube, which needs to be replaced every 2-3 months, depending on your water hardness and frequency of use.[5][6]
How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?
Unlike super-automatic machines with their automatic cleaning cycles, this semi-automatic machine does require you to get your hands sudsy at times.
However, the Duo Temp Pro does not leave you high and dry in the maintenance department.
A maintenance light indicator lets you know when it is time to clean or descale your machine, and there is a drip tray alert to tell you when it is full.
Your purchase includes a brush and cleaning gear.[7] There is also an Allen key to help you pop up the hood should you need to.
You can even find a small storage drawer underneath the drip tray to help you keep everything in one convenient place, and replacement parts are available on Breville's website.
In terms of cleaning, there are multiple steps to ensure that your machine keeps crafting the perfect cup of cappuccino for years to come:
Daily:
Monthly or bimonthly:
My Favorite Parts About The Breville Duo Temp Pro
My Least Favorite Parts About The Breville Duo Temp Pro
Breville Duo Temp Pro Vs Similar Machines
Breville Duo Temp Pro Vs Breville Infuser
How does the Duo Temp Pro fare against other Breville espresso machines?
The Breville Infuser appears almost identical to the Temp Pro and shares many of its convenient features.
However, the Infuser is even lighter and is available in multiple colors.
Additionally, it offers a range of features not found in the Temp Pro, like a pressure gauge, volumetric control, and an adjustable PID temperature control system.
If you prefer having a little more control over your semi-automatic espresso machine, the Breville Infuser may be the better choice for you.
Breville Duo Temp Pro Vs Breville Barista Express
One of the other Breville products often compared to the Duo Temp Pro is the Barista Express. How do the two compare?
The Barista Express has the same quality performance that the Duo Temp Pro does but comes with a built-in grinder and pressure gauge.
This provides a bean-to-cup experience that beginners often enjoy, but this does come with a higher price tag.
Breville Duo Temp Pro Vs Brewsly 15-Bar Espresso Machine
Another competitor on the scene is the Brewsley 15-bar espresso machine, which is a super-automatic model.
The Brewsley features a super compact design at only six inches wide and has dual temperature control over both the water temperature and the milk foam.
Additionally, it features a two-in-one filter holder for added convenience.
Brewsley espresso machines are best for those with incredibly small kitchens who want a much more automated experience with certain nice-to-have control elements.
Breville Duo Temp Pro Vs DeLonghi La Specialista Arte
People who want to splash some cash often consider the DeLonghi La Specialista Arte against the Duo Temp Pro. So what sets it apart from the Pro?
La Specialista Arte is a much more expensive model than the Pro but does come with some incredible features.
It has a slightly higher cup height at 4.7 inches, features a built-in grinder with eight grinder settings, and a two-cup setting for roommates or partners.
On the other hand, it is a larger and heavier machine with a smaller tank and no water filtration system, which can be a turn-off for some.
Breville Duo Temp Pro Vs Gevi Espresso Machine 15 Bar
The Gevi 15 Bar and the Duo Temp Pro feature the same pressure level to craft excellent shots.
They both feature a similar minimalist brushed stainless steel look that is compact enough to fit in most homes - but where do they differ?
The Gevi is packed with features that some home baristas crave, such as active temp control, two separate thermostats, an automatic pressure relief system, and a 45-second heat-up.
These features are technically nice to haves, but they can tip the scale for certain customers.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Breville's portafilter size tends to be 54 mm, which is a step under the more standard 58 mm. This is one of the more common sizes, but it can be hard to get accessories for.
You steam at around 266 degrees Fahrenheit with the Breville Duo Temp Pro semi-automatic espresso machine.
You cannot currently adjust the temperature on a Breville Duo Temp Pro espresso machine - here’s to hoping they build that feature into it in the future.
Conclusion - Is The Breville Duo Temp Pro Worth Your Money?
Overall, the Breville Duo Temp Pro is a good espresso machine for both pros with little time on their hands and beginners looking to up their game.
You can easily craft quality coffee in minutes, complete with luxury milk foam thanks to the steam wand.
The Temp Pro is one of the easier semi-automatic commercial espresso machines to learn for newbies - you will be whipping up the cafe-quality coffees of your dreams in no time.
Breville Duo Temp Pr
Brew Quality
4.5
Build Quality
4.5
Ease Of Use
4.5
Overall Rating
4.5
References:
- https://www.sageappliances.com/uk/en/products/espresso/bes810.html
- https://assets.breville.com/Instruction-Booklets/ANZ/BES810_ANZ_IB_I21_FA_WEB.pdf
- https://biltapp.com/
- https://climpsonandsons.com/blogs/journal/the-impact-of-water-hardness-solubility-on-your-coffee
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/parts-accessories/accessories/bwf100na.html?sku=BWF100NA
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/parts-accessories/parts/sp0022472.html?sku=SP0022472
- https://www.breville.com/us/en/parts-accessories/accessories/bec25000us1.html?sku=BEC25000US1
