Espresso Showdown: Single vs Dual Boiler Machines

Are you:

🔘 Thinking of upgrading your coffee home set-up?

🔘 Trying to open your very first café?

🔘 A coffee lover who wants to dive into brewing?

If any of the choices above apply to you, you must be asking, “Where do I start?”

The simple answer is: You buy an espresso machine.

But we all know it’s not as simple as that.

Buying a machine is an investment, and with investments come careful, deliberate decision-making.

We’ve been there, and we want to make it easier for you.

Here are some helpful tips in buying your first espresso machine, plus an easy-to-follow breakdown of what single versus dual boiler ones are:

Single Boiler Machines: Fuss-free and Budget-Friendly

☕ How It Works:
A single boiler heats water for both espresso extraction and steaming milk. Since power comes from one boiler only, you’ll need to wait a few seconds between brewing and steaming.

The Pros:
✅ More affordable than dual boiler machines
✅ Compact and great for small kitchens
✅ Ideal for espresso lovers who don’t steam milk often

The Cons:
❌ Can’t brew and steam at the same time (waiting time required)
❌ Temperature fluctuation can affect shot consistency
❌ Not ideal for making multiple back-to-back milk-based drinks

Dual Boiler Machines: Built for Speed & Precision

☕ How It Works:
A dual boiler machine has two separate heating systems—one for espresso extraction and another for steaming milk. This means you can brew and steam simultaneously without any wait time.

The Pros:
✅ No waiting—brew and steam at the same time
✅ Better temperature stability for consistent shots
✅ Great for pulling multiple, consistent shots

The Cons:
❌ More expensive than single boiler machines
❌ Larger footprint (needs more space)
❌ Higher energy consumption

Ready to take the next step?

Check out our range of espresso machines here.