Breville Duo Temp Pro Review: Quick to Heat!

During my Breville Duo Temp Pro review I felt like I was dealing with a forgotten toy. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Breville products. In fact, all you need to do is check out my espresso machine guide 2024 to find me fawning over what the manufacturer produces.

Still, there’s definitely something of the underdog about the Breville Duo Temp Pro. It’s almost as if the manufacturer released the thing, then immediately moved on to something more exciting. So, is this espresso machine worth rooting for? You’ll find out in my Breville Duo Temp Pro hands-on review!

Looking at the Breville Duo Temp Pro makes me feel like someone copied the blueprints for the Breville Barista Express, and left out a significant part. Namely the grinder. Of course, I could say that about a lot of Breville’s coffee machines. The Australian manufacturer seems to be under the impression that if its semi automatic formula works, there’s no reason to change it.

And honestly? It does work. I don’t think there’s a universe where simple analog controls, pre infusion and stainless steel construction don’t work. Granted, you might not be able to immediately tell the Duo Temp Pro from other Breville machines in a lineup. But that’s what I’m here for!

fantastic value

Breville Duo Temp Pro

Small, consistent, simple

Compact design

Simple, intuitive user interface

Pre-infusion function

Thermocoil heating system

Few customization options

Auto shutdown works too quickly

CHECK PRICE

Breville Duo Temp Pro Review Overview

As similar as this espresso machine might be to some of Breville’s other semi automatics, it does have some unique characteristics. For one, the Duo Temp Pro’s design feels very beginner friendly. That’s not something I can say about all of Breville’s products.

Since this is an entry level machine, I’m not surprised that there are no flashy features or complicated controls. The user interface is simple enough not to overwhelm newbies. Plus, it eliminates some of the learning curve that comes with most semi automatic espresso machines.

That isn’t to say you won’t get great tasting espresso from this thing; I certainly did during my hands-on review. Breville has packed enough features into this machine to ensure you’re getting cafe-quality espresso. The Duo Temp Pro feels like a comfortable stepping stone on the way to some of Breville’s higher end espresso machines.

Plus, with its budget friendly price tag of $474.95, I think we’re looking at the dark horse of Breville’s semi automatic lineup. It’s not as flashy as some of the manufacturer’s pricier offerings. Still, as my Breville Duo Temp Pro review will show, this machine has a couple of tricks up its sleeve.

Breville Duo Temp Pro Specifications & Features

As simple as it might be, this coffee machine still has a few impressive features. Let’s continue this Breville Duo Temp Pro review by digging a little deeper!

Compact Design

Considering the way that Breville has trimmed down the user interface and knocked off the burr grinder, I’d be surprised if the Duo Temp Pro wasn’t compact. Its space saving design is far from the most interesting thing about this machine. Still, I still think it’s worth mentioning.

Compared to the Barista Express, the Duo Temp Pro is going to have a much easier time fitting on a studio apartment kitchen counter. However, it’s not quite the most lightweight semi automatic machine in Breville’s lineup. That award goes to the Breville Infuser, which is 1 pound (0.5 kilograms) lighter.

Still, if anything, I found the Duo Temp Pro to be a little too lightweight when I was using it. I found that the machine moved around a bunch when I was locking the portafilter into place or removing it. Maybe I just don’t know my own strength!

User Interface

I know that I like to throw the words “simple user interface” around a lot. However, when it comes to the Duo Temp Pro, I definitely mean it. All the complicated things about this semi automatic are lying underneath that stainless steel housing.

I’m not sure Breville could make a semi automatic interface any simpler than this. There’s a power button on the side, a large center dial and a button for selecting steam or hot water. That dial in the middle lets you switch between espresso and the steam wand, which doubles as the hot water dispenser. That’s really all there is to it! I’m not clairvoyant, but something tells me you won’t need to pull out the user manual to operate this one.

One feature I wish the Duo Temp Pro did have was a pressure gauge. Having the ability to keep an eye on the pressure really helps when you’re trying to perfect your espresso extraction.

On a machine that’s meant to be beginner friendly, that could be a helpful tool for newbies. I’m not sure why Breville scrapped the gauge, but consider this my official on-the-record complaint about it.

With that said, I think this is the kind of user interface that will either impress or heavily disappoint most home baristas. If you’re looking to experiment with your espresso settings, I imagine that the Duo Temp Pro will feel quite limiting. As easy as it’ll be for beginners to use, I also think it’s a machine that you’ll easily outgrow.

However, for anyone that’s just looking for a no-frills semi automatic to make consistent espresso, I think this bare bones user interface will feel like a breath of fresh air.

Boiler

You’d think a machine with Duo Temp in its name would have a double boiler. That’s the whole purpose of double boiler machines – you can dispense steam and espresso simultaneously (and at the right temperature for each one). 

To my surprise, the Duo Temp Pro is only a single boiler machine. I guess the name “Uno Temp Pro” just didn’t have the same ring to it.

Despite the confusion surrounding the name, I like the heating system in the Duo Temp Pro. As with many of Breville’s espresso machines, it uses a stainless steel thermocoil.

I’ve said this before, but I think we’re going to see more and more coffee manufacturers make the switch to thermocoil systems. While thermoblocks are still common in a lot of semi automatics, these systems tend to have the same drawbacks.

Thermoblocks heat up quickly, but they don’t always provide consistent water temperatures. Since a couple of degrees either way can make or break your espresso, that inconsistency can turn into a real problem.

In comparison, thermocoils tend to be more consistent and more durable. The only major drawback is that it can be difficult to pull back-to-back espresso shots. These heating systems need a bit of a recovery time, so there may be a little waiting in between shots. That probably won’t be an issue for most people unless you’re trying to pull shots for the whole family.

PID Temperature Control

PID temperature control stands for something too long for me to even write out. What you need to know is it’s a crucial component for brewing excellent espresso.

Ultra-precise brewing temperature can make a world of difference to your espresso, and that’s exactly what digital temperature control offers. A lot of higher end machines include this feature and allow you to adjust the temperature in one or two-degree increments.

Now, here’s the tricky part. The Duo Temp Pro does have PID temperature control, but there’s no way to adjust it. This is only an internal feature of the machine.

However, having the PID technology at all is one of the biggest selling points of the Duo Temp Pro  – especially considering its budget friendly price. Even if you can’t change the temperature on your own, you can trust that the PID technology is still doing its job. Combined with the thermocoil heating system, these two features are going to keep your water temperature stable and consistent.

I know that a non-adjustable PID might be a letdown for some home baristas, but I’d consider it a perk for beginners. The internal PID will do all the hard work for you, so it’s one less step to worry about.

Auto Purge Function

The Duo Temp Pro might not have two boilers to keep steam and espresso temperature separate, but it does have the next best thing  – an auto purge function. Incidentally, this is another automatic feature you won’t have a say in adjusting.

After you’ve used the steam wand, the Duo Temp Pro automatically “purges” its heat system. This ensures that you’ll always brew espresso at its intended temperature  – not the temperature of your steam. After using the steam wand for the first time, the auto purge function took me by surprise. The machine hissed and gurgled as if it was about to explode, and I almost ran for cover!

It might not matter if you never use the steam wand, but for a single boiler system, I think this feature will come in handy. It’s also the default setting for the machine, so there’s no legwork for you. Just be ready for all the noise!

Milk Foam

Since I’m already talking about steam, let’s discuss this espresso machine’s milk system. Although the Duo Temp Pro seems like a machine willing to do all the hard work for you, Breville hasn’t done away with a manual steam wand.

Just to be clear, this isn’t a pannarello steam wand. The rotation might feel a little stiff, but I doubt most home baristas will run into operating trouble. You should have no real issues if you want to produce latte art or whip up milk foam.

I was a little dubious about the steam wand before my hands-on test, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll tell you about my experiences using it later in this Breville Duo Temp Pro review.

While I’m here, I’d also like to commend Breville for including a stainless steel milk jug with the Duo Temp Pro. It feels like I’ve spotted a blue moon when I find a manufacturer that doesn’t make you buy the milk jug separately! You can’t see me, but I’m giving Breville a standing ovation right now.

The addition of the milk jug only adds to my theory that Breville is marketing this machine toward beginners. The Australian manufacturer really has done its homework to make sure you’ve got your own espresso starter kit.

Filter Baskets

While I’m on the subject of accessories, I should mention the filter baskets. While there’s no way to program flexible shot control on the interface, you can brew single or double shots with this machine.

Inside the accessories drawer, you’ll find four filter baskets.There are two sets  – one is pressurized and one isn’t. Considering how little control this machine gives you over the brewing process, I’m almost surprised that they’ve given us this much choice.

Still, I’m not complaining! I think both pressurized and non pressurized filter baskets have their place in the brewing process.

I think the best results will always come with standard filter baskets, but pressurized dual wall filter baskets aren’t useless. A pressurized basket is going to be more forgiving about grind size, which can be handy for beginners. Either way, this is one of the few parts of the brewing process that you can experiment with.

For the record, this machine does lack a 3 way solenoid valve. In less confusing coffee jargon terms, that just means you might have to deal with some soupy espresso pucks. Maybe not ideal, but for most home baristas, I’m sure it’ll be manageable. 

By the way, your espresso journey will be a lot smoother if you pick up a knock box. Trust me, trying to knock out used pucks into a trash can is the least fun you can have.

Tamping

As with most espresso machines, you’ll get an included manual tamper with the Duo Temp Pro. The tamper attaches to the side of the machine via magnets for easy access. Its handle is plastic, but since that’s the case with most included tampers, I won’t knock off points.

Even so, I think eventually upgrading to a better espresso tamper will make a world of difference. Since you will need to manually tamp your grounds, a sturdy and durable stainless steel tamper is only going to benefit you and your espresso. I found the included Breville tamper to be simply too lightweight, and I wasn’t able to generate enough pressure while tamping.

Pre-Infusion

I said this machine had a few tricks up its sleeve earlier in my Breville Duo Temp Pro review, and this is one of them. Pre infusion is something you’ll find on a lot of Breville espresso machines, so I’m not surprised to see it here.

Essentially, pre infusion works by slowly adding water to your grounds before it brews. Dampening the coffee grounds is going to give you a fuller extraction. As a result, you’ll also get better tasting espresso.

I consider low pressure pre infusion to be the espresso version of adding pasta water to spaghetti sauce when you cook. It’s not mandatory, but once you start doing it, there’s no going back. Pre infusion works the same way. Once you experience the way it aids in developing aroma, you won’t be able to do without it.

Auto Shutdown

A lot of semi automatics have some version of an auto shutdown feature, and the Duo Temp Pro is no exception to this. In general, I think auto shutdown is a handy tool on any coffee maker. I already worry about leaving the oven and lights on when I leave the house  – I don’t want to add my espresso machine to that list too.

My only complaint about the auto shutdown on the Duo Temp Pro is that it seems to happen a little faster than on other espresso machines. Plus, once the machine starts the shutdown process, there’s no way to stop it. You’ve got to wait for it to turn off and completely start again.

It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but just one of this machine’s little quirks to be aware of. I don’t know about you, but I don’t need my espresso machine falling asleep just because I’ve stepped out of the room.

Water Reservoir

Capable of holding 61 ounces (1.8 liters), the Duo Temp Pro’s water reservoir is pretty average. Like many water tanks, it’s removable and attaches to the back of the machine. I will say that the water tank seems a little flimsy, and I worried that I’d end up damaging it. Plus, once it was full, the plastic sides felt a little wobbly.

One thing I do appreciate about this reservoir is its design. Breville has added a handle at the top, which is a nice touch. I know this is a small detail, but it’s one that I like a lot. Too many water tanks don’t have handles, making them difficult to remove and fill.

Cup Height

As far as I’m concerned, cup height is one of those characteristics you don’t notice unless the manufacturer is doing something wrong. I won’t ever think about it  – unless I’m struggling to fit my big travel mug under the spout.

Luckily, that shouldn’t be an issue with the Duo Temp Pro’s standard cup height. The spout isn’t adjustable, but the positioning ensures there’s plenty of room for cups of all sizes. However, if you need a little extra room, you can always remove the drip tray. 

Speaking of cups, I bet you’re wondering if the Duo Temp Pro has a cup warmer. And if you weren’t wondering, well…I’m here to tell you anyway! Technically, the answer is no.

With that said, Breville has designed the top of the Duo Temp Pro to act as a passive cup warmer. Since the cup storage sits right on top of the heating system, it warmed my espresso cups up nicely. It’s not quite as efficient as an active cup warmer, but it’ll save you the time of manually heating your latte macchiato glasses.

Warranty

Like many of its products, Breville has slapped a one year limited warranty on this semi automatic. The keyword there is limited. You can check the user manual for the fine print, but a limited warranty is usually just that  – limited.

You can expect Breville to cover manufacturing defects within the first year, but that’s about it. Damage that comes from neglect or misuse of the machine won’t win you any money back.

How to Use the Breville Duo Temp Pro Espresso Machine

Did you think I’d end my Breville Duo Temp Pro review without telling you how to use it? Of course not! Granted, this espresso maker is so self-explanatory that you probably don’t need my input, but I’ll give it anyway.

To operate the Duo Temp Pro, you’ll need to start where every brewing process starts: by filling up the water tank, grinding your beans and dosing your filter basket.

Incidentally, don’t think you can get away with using pre ground coffee. You’re going to need a good coffee grinder to get the best out of this machine. Check out my guide to the best home coffee grinders if you need inspiration!

Next, press the power button. The button will light up after you touch it, signaling that the machine is on.

While you’re waiting for your coffee beans to grind, take a little time to mess with the steam wand. To turn it on, you’ll need to move the dial to the steam symbol. Make sure the steam indicator light is also lit up (and if not, press the Select button to switch it from hot water).

It’ll take a second for the machine to heat up and generate sufficient steam pressure, but once it’s ready, you’ll operate it like any other manual steam wand. Fill a stainless steel pitcher less than halfway with the milk of your choice, and then submerge the steam wand into the pitcher. Once you’ve finished steaming, turn the dial back to the center.

The machine will then auto purge, but after a few seconds it should be ready to brew espresso. While the Duo Temp Pro does a lot of the hard work, dosing the portafilter, tamping the grounds and attaching it to the brew head are all things you’ll need to do manually.

From there, it’s smooth sailing. Turn the dial to the coffee symbol and the machine will start the pre infusion process. That only takes a few seconds, and then it’ll start automatically dispensing espresso. Once you’ve got the desired amount in your cup, just turn the dial back to the center again.

That’s all there is to it! It only takes a couple of spins of the dial to generate piping hot steam or delicious, quality espresso.

Breville Duo Temp Pro Observations

During the testing phase of my Breville Duo Temp Pro review I was immediately impressed by how quickly the machine heated up. Seriously, after I pressed the Power button, there was a couple of seconds of pump noise, then all the lights came on. As it turns out, that stainless steel thermocoil really does deliver!

After priming the machine by running hot water through the group head a few times, I spent a little time dialing in my grind. I started by using 18 grams of coffee in the two-cup single-wall filter basket, but the results weren’t ideal. The flow rate was too quick, and I ended up sampling under-extracted double espresso with a sour, metallic taste.

For my next shot, I used a slightly finer grind and added 20 grams of coffee to the filter basket. The flow rate was much improved – I timed the shot at 28 seconds for a 2-ounce (59 milliliter) yield. Needless to say, the taste was much better too.

During testing I used an espresso blend from one of my favorite small-batch roasters. The Duo Temp Pro actually surprised me by how well it extracted the caramel sweetness, syrupy body and balanced acidity from my beans. 

In case you were wondering, the Duo Temp Pro delivered espresso at what I’d consider to be the ideal temperature. There’s that digital temperature control in action!

As for using the steam wand, I mentioned earlier that I had my doubts about how effective it would be. Those doubts continued as I switched the dial to the steam setting and nothing happened. However, the machine gradually came back to life and began to generate steam. 

I’ll say this: don’t expect excessive steam pressure from this machine! Rather, you’ll get a slow, steady burst that’ll gently aerate your milk. That’s probably a good thing for beginners, and I was able to create some silky microfoam. Heck, I even made myself a latte with a pretty design on top!

Breville Duo Temp Pro Cleaning

As much as the Duo Temp Pro tries to automate the brewing process, it can’t perform regular maintenance for you. Well, that’s not completely true. While it can’t clean itself, the machine has no problems letting you know when it needs to be attended to. There’s a maintenance light for cleaning, and the drip tray alerts you when it needs emptying. Incidentally, I’m really impressed by the size of the drip tray; I didn’t have to empty it at all during my review.

You will need to descale the Duo Temp Pro from time to time, but no more often than any other espresso machine. Descaling frequency can depend on your water hardness, but for most home baristas, it works out to be every couple of months.

Removable components of the machine, like the water tank and the drip tray, require regular maintenance too. A wet cloth and a mild cleaner should get the job done, but I’d keep this machine away from the dishwasher. Even if most of these components are plastic, you’ll be able to do a more thorough job with your own two hands.

Since most Breville machines, including this one, come with a water filter, you’ll need to change it every couple of months. Doing so won’t just prolong the life of your machine, it’ll also eliminate the need for as much descaling.

That’s about as complicated as cleaning and descaling the Duo Temp Pro gets. Not only is most of the maintenance low key, you’ll get a cleaning brush and some cleaning tablets for the filter baskets and screens too.

Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Other Espresso Machines

I’ve proved that this underdog can hold its own in my Breville Duo Temp review, but how does it stand up to the competition? Let’s find out!

Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Breville Barista Express

It’s almost unfair to compare this machine to the Breville Barista Express. The Barista Express doesn’t just have the Duo Temp Pro’s best features  – it also has a grinder, pressure gauge and more customization controls. Of course, those extra perks do come at a cost. More specifically, you’ll pay $685.99 for the Breville Barista Express.

The only leg up that the Duo Temp Pro has is its size and budget friendly price tag. I’ve said this before, but the Breville Duo Temp Pro feels like a stepping stone to the Barista Express. Beginners may want to start with the Duo Temp Pro, but if you like diving into the deep end, there’s no reason not to invest in the Barista Express.

See Also: Breville Barista Express Review 2024

Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Breville Infuser

At $599.99, the Breville Infuser might look identical, but its price suggests otherwise. In fact, the similarities between these two stop at their looks and size.

The Infuser already has everything there is to like about the Duo Temp as well as volumetric control, a pressure gauge and adjustable PID temperature control. Since it still lacks the burr grinder that the Barista Express has, the Infuser feels like a happy middle ground between these two.

However, considering the price jump, it might be worth it to skip the Infuser and just save up for the Barista Express instead.

See Also: Breville Infuser Review 2024

Breville Duo Temp Pro vs DeLonghi La Specialista Arte

The DeLonghi La Specialista Arte is definitely a price upgrade from the Duo Temp Pro at $549.95.

In addition to its burr grinder and active temperature control, the La Specialista features a powerful commercial style steam wand. This machine definitely has some of the frills that the Duo Temp Pro is missing, but that may not be enough to justify the financial investment.

See Also: Best DeLonghi Espresso Machine 2024

Breville Duo Temp Pro vs Others Comparison Chart

Verdict: Breville Duo Temp Pro Review

fantastic value

Breville Duo Temp Pro

Small, consistent, simple

Compact design

Simple, intuitive user interface

Pre-infusion function

Thermocoil heating system

Few customization options

Auto shutdown works too quickly

CHECK PRICE

They say beauty is more than skin deep, and my Breville Duo Temp Pro review certainly proves that. The most impressive components of this machine – such as its pre infusion and PID – are lying underneath that stainless steel exterior.

It’s clear that Duo Temp Pro is trying to do all the hard work for you. I’m hesitant to recommend the Duo Temp Pro to aspiring home baristas, only because I don’t think it’ll take long to outgrow this machine. Sooner or later, newbies are going to wish they could try out new temperature settings or customize their espresso profile. All in all, there’s very little room for real experimentation with the Duo Temp Pro.

That said, if all you want is a solid little machine that’ll pump out consistent espresso, the Breville Duo Temp Pro will be right up your alley!

Breville Duo Temp Pro Review FAQ