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Purchasing a double boiler espresso machine requires a lot of research or you could end up dropping a good chunk of change on a machine that easily breaks down. If you want a cheap double boiler espresso machine, it is still possible to get a high-quality espresso machine that provides espresso, just like your favorite coffee shop, at your demand.
When you consider the different features, you need in a double boiler machine, and whether or not you really need to have the fanciest builds or aesthetic designs, you will soon discover that buying a double boiler machine is really not that expensive if you have just over $1,000 in your budget.
In any case, if you are purchasing a double boiler espresso machine, you should have some basic background knowledge on how espresso machines work so that you can quickly use it and clean it with ease. Owning an espresso machine is a commitment that requires time, energy, and sometimes, even more, money for parts.
Basic things to look for in a dual boiler espresso machine
Price
Not everybody has an extra $5,000 to spend on a top-of-the-line espresso machine. When you consider the features a top-quality double boiler has, it is easier to find cheaper alternatives.
Warranty
Warranties can be excellent for getting out of defects in the product, so you will not waste your money, in general.
Heating speed and power
Sure, all dual boilers will come with a brewing boiler and a steaming boiler, but how fast will they start working? Does the unit provide too much heat or too little power? It is nice to have a proper balance between heating speed and power so that you don’t spend too much on electrical bills.
Accessory quality
Most of the cheaper double boiler espresso machines offer all the components needed for making espresso with two separate boilers. However, are they built to last, or will you need to buy replacement parts?
Profitec Pro 300 Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
Complete with precision temperature control, high-speed frothing, and all the accessories needed in an espresso machine, this is really a good deal when you consider that other models tend to cut back on features like the shot timer, water reservoir size, and accessory quality to save you some extra cash. If you don’t want to worry about either of these factors, you are best simply purchasing a design like this, as it might save you money in the end.
Pros
- High-quality double boiler espresso machine with all of the features and accessories you need in an espresso machine
- Sturdy stainless steel exterior and included cleaning tools make it easy to clean and maintain this model
- Heats up very fast, providing quick and easy espresso
- Steaming process is quick and well done
- Included shot timer
Cons
- Requires someone with good knowledge in espresso as the instruction manual isn’t very thorough
- Aesthetic design might not be as appealing as other models within this price range
Summary
If you are willing to invest extra in a double boiler espresso machine, this one will most likely prove to be a worthy investment in the end. Its build provides easy maintenance, and all removable parts can be cleaned with the included cleaning supplies.
However, someone who doesn’t know too much about the ins and outs of an espresso machine should consider getting a design that they can learn to use with before investing this much money. Although anybody can learn how to use an espresso machine, it is not worth it to get a professional-quality machine of any sort without some prior knowledge of the processes involved.
- Price ★★★
- Quality ★★★★½
- Durability ★★★★½
- Features ★★★★½
Lelit PL60PLUST Diana PID Espresso Machine
The Lelit PLS60PLUST Diana PID Espresso Machine is slightly better looking and more portable than many other double boiler designs. It comes with a decently sized 2.5-liter water reservoir, 1.4-liter steam boiler reservoir, all of the accessories you need, and an impressive amount of heating power. All that will be necessary is water and coffee beans as many beginner/novices find this easy to use.
This option is one of the most affordable double boilers on the market, and it comes with most of the features you need in a high-quality double boiler. This is an option anybody looking for the cheapest double boiler espresso machine won’t want to miss, due to its features and portable design which can be quickly moved around the kitchen.
Pros
- Enough pressure for industry-standard espresso and adequate temperature control for proper extraction
- Very beautiful and professional-looking design, with stainless steel exterior for easy cleaning
- All necessary accessories
Cons
- Takes 10-20 minutes to warm up, which is slower than other models
- No shot timer
Summary
Overall, this design is very easy to clean, and relatively straightforward to start making espresso with if you are new to using double boilers. If you want a pretty high-quality espresso machine that you want to quickly learn how to use and then keep for a long time, this might be your best option.
As long as you take care of the machine and regularly clean it, you will be able to make the most out the poorly built components, like the plastic tamper and accessories. If you want an affordable double boiler, but don’t want to just buy the cheapest one, this could be the best one to consider purchasing.
- Price ★★★½
- Quality ★★★★
- Durability ★★★½
- Features ★★★★
Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
The Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine is the probably the cheapest double boiler espresso machine that is sure to include all of features and accessories that you need. With one boiler for brewing, one for steaming, and a decent water reservoir space (2.5L), this machine packs a punch and comes at a very competitive price. Since this device comes with a 2-year limited warranty, you will be able to use it with a little bit of peace of mind that if something goes wrong, the company will help you out. However, keep in mind that Breville can be hard to reach for product inquiries on occasion, so it is best that you still know how to properly clean and maintain your machine.
Pros
- Affordable price for anybody in the market for a dual boiler espresso machine
- All accessories necessary to start brewing espresso. Just get beans, water, and milk
- 2-year limited warranty allows you some breathing room in your investment
Cons
- Breville parts can be hard to replace, requiring careful maintenance and cleaning
- 1,700W of power is a little too much and will require extra electrical power than other models
- Some components are poorly built and require extra care
Summary
Although this model comes at a cheap price, many of the parts are not as well-built as one might desire in a high-quality double boiler. However, it is also very lightweight and relatively easy to move from location to location, which makes it very easily used in areas like an office.
If the least expensive double boiler espresso machine with the highest number of features is what you are looking for, this should be your top choice. Just be sure to read up on all of the warranty conditions and take care of your device, and you should be able to guarantee that this investment will last for several years.
- Price ★★★★
- Quality ★★★
- Durability ★★★½
- Features ★★★★
Conclusion
If you are looking for the cheapest double boiler espresso machine, first look at the Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine and then afterward, decide if you want to invest a little bit more cash on one of the higher end, but affordable double boiler machines. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to making espresso, you might consider purchasing a semi-automatic machine with a single dual use boiler which can come at a more affordable price, but also require a little bit more patience.
Anyone looking for the best cheap double boiler espresso machine complete with the best build and most features should purchase the Profitec Pro 300 Dual Boiler Espresso Machine. With its speedier functionality, it provides an excellent extra kick to someone who wants a little more than just the cheapest double boiler.
As long as you have little the money to spend and a little bit of expertise in making espresso, you might consider purchasing one of these models. Any of them will provide high-quality espresso shots that match the quality of any coffee shop. Always remember that owning an espresso machine means that you will need to properly clean and maintain your device.
Kat
I was considering buying a new dual boiler espresso machine, but I was confused as to which should be the best. At the same time, after reading this amazing article of yours, I came to know the buying guides and it became easier for me to buy it. I sincerely thank you for including this excellent and useful information.