Breville Duo Temp Pro Review - Perfect For Beginners?
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.
Breville Duo Temp Pro Review – My Ratings & Top Features
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Key Features
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Things I Like
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Things I Don’t Like
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Why Should You Buy The Breville Duo Temp Pro?
Overall, I would rate the Breville Duo Temp Pro espresso machine 4.6 out of 5 stars.
I love how sleek and no-frills its design is, but I still yearn for certain nice-to-haves.[1]
- One-year warranty
- Nine-bar low-pressure pre-infusion for perfect espresso shots
- Powerful manual steam wand lets you craft lovely microfoam
- Cleaning and drip tray alerts for easier maintenance
- Auto purge heat system helps stabilize temperature after each drink
- Manual and 3D virtual setup options
- Large water tank with handle
- PID temperature control minimizes temperature spikes
- Compact design that fits most kitchen counters and cupboards
- Drip tray is removable for easy emptying and fitting larger cups
- Hot water function for Americano lovers
- Cup warming tray keeps your espresso hotter for longer
- Concealed accessory storage drawer for tidy surfaces
- Integrated tamper magnet for convenient storage
- Full set of practical and cleaning accessories for quick starts
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.
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
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Days Tested |
30 |
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Cups Brewed Per Day |
2 |
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Level Of Experience Needed |
Beginner-intermediate |
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Reviewer Background |
Home brewing enthusiast who started with a simple cafetiere collection and is on a journey to up their game. |
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Environment Tested |
Home |
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Money Saved Per Year |
$2160 |
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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 accessories and cleaning items were all in smaller boxes which helped with identification and prevented them from getting damaged in transit.
The setup was easy and beginner-friendly, thanks to the 3D app and physical manuals.[3]
Accessories included with the Duo Temp Pro espresso machine:
- 54mm portafilter
- Magnetic tamper
- Tazor dose trimming tool
- One and two-cup single and dual-wall filter baskets
- Stainless steel milk jug
- Allen key
- Water filter holder and water filter
- Cleaning tools and tablets, including a brush
- Manual
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.
There is no built-in coffee grinder, which may mean an additional purchase is in order.
The stainless steel Thermocoil heats this machine in minutes, providing an endless stream of pressure and hot water on demand.
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.
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.
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 steam wand was easy to use, and the Thermocoil provided great pressure for frothing milk and making latte art.
I had to wait a bit after brewing for the steam to build, but adding milk or syrup kept the espresso tasting fresh.
The noise from the auto-purge surprised me at first, but it’s handy for keeping the machine ready.
The cup height fit my mugs perfectly, and the passive cup warmer was a nice touch to keep my espresso hot while I frothed the milk.
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.
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
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.
Related Article - Best Espresso Machines Under $1000
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?
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.
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:- Flush the steam wand
- Wipe down the steam wand with a damp cloth
- Empty the drip tray
- Wipe down the chassis
- Clean the stainless steel milk jug
- Refill water tank
- Clean the basket and portafilter
Monthly or bimonthly:
- Descale the espresso machine
- Clean the drip tray
- Clean the water tank
My Favorite Parts About The Breville Duo Temp Pro
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Great shots and milk steaming every time.
The brewing process on the Duo Temp Pro enhances flavor and ensures that you get consistent and quality coffee each time.
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Compact design with a simple intuitive interface suits beginners and pros.
Sleek lines and compact dimensions keep this espresso machine tucked away under most standard-sized cupboards. The simple interface is easy to learn and aesthetically pleasing.
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PID temperature control and Thermocoil manage temperature consistently.
Controlling the ideal temperature is key to the brewing process. The Duo Temp Pro handles everything for you for great coffee fast.
- Super fast heat-up time for easy brewing. No need to wait as long as other coffee makers for it to heat up - your morning brew will be with you in only a few minutes.
- Pre-infusion for even smoother-tasting shots. Low-pressure pre-infusion gently soaks the coffee grounds in hot water before ramping up the pressure for extraction. This helps even inconsistencies in your tamping and enhances the flavor of your cappuccino.
My Least Favorite Parts
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Few customizable options mean little control. Experienced baristas and detail-oriented coffee fans may find the lack of customization limiting, while others may enjoy the simplicity of this commercial machine.
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No simultaneous brewing and steaming means longer brewing. Using a Thermocoil system instead of a dual boiler means that you cannot steam milk and brew coffee at the same time. You need to give this semi-automatic
machine a minute to recover before moving on to the steam wand.
- No integrated grinder means potential additional costs. The lack of a built-in grinder means you may need to buy one separately. If, like me, you already had your separate grinder, this may be more convenient.
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.
Related Article - Breville Barista Express Review
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.
FAQs
What size is Breville Portafilter?
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.
What temperature do you steam at with Breville Duo Temp Pro?
You steam at around 266 degrees Fahrenheit with the Breville Duo Temp Pro semi-automatic espresso machine.
How do I adjust the temperature on my Breville Duo Temp Pro?
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.
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.
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Breville Duo Temp Pro
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Resources:
- 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
Parker Russell is a coffee professional and the founder of Black Ink Coffee. As an expert in the field of coffee roasting, cupping (professional Q-Grader) and brewing, Parker has established Black Ink as brand that fuels the grind of dreamers.