Breville is among the most popular tech-focused companies, producing superior technology-oriented espresso products. It is widely recommended and acknowledged for its variety of semi-automatic machines. Additionally, unlike other traditional machines, Breville has enough hands-on features and program services that are not mandatory to be controlled by users. The company’s machines support perfect balance across various models in its list – that works both for beginners or intermediates and professionals.
When it comes to espresso machines, this brand is recognized for its precise and sleek design. Having said that, Breville Infuser and Duo-Temp are two entry-level machines that come equipped with top-notch features to cater to the perfect home barista-like requirements. Both the machines are used for getting freshly brewed coffee drinks.
Breville Infuser and Duo-Temp are semi-automatic espresso machines that have been top-rated in terms of user experience and overall drink quality. Even after being highly preferred and rated ones, they remain affordable for buyers with the Duo-Temp being one of the best espresso coffee machines under $500, and the Infuser a little above that price point.
In this post, we will be highlighting some of the essential similarities and dissimilarities between these highly-accepted Breville machines. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Breville Duo-Temp Pro vs Infuser
When it comes to comparing two varying machines from the same brand, it is always recommended to glance into the types of dissimilarities they contain. Therefore, talking about Duo-Temp and Infuser, both these machines have an array of features and customizations that differentiate from each other. Some of them have been listed below:
The Design Aspect
Even though both of these machines look highly similar, they carry certain differences in terms of their designs. However, before jumping there, let’s put some light on their similarities. Both are enclosed in brushed stainless steel, which now stands as a typical style for kitchen appliances. Their clean-cut designs also show the efforts of the company to create a user-friendly experience. Both these models have intuitive, sturdy, and solid steel buttons and a sleek interface.
However, the Infuser has more buttons and a pressure gauge, making it highly preferable because it enhances the unit’s overall appearance and has become an iconic and necessary feature. The infuser’s size is compact, and it only measures 13.2″ x 12.5″ x 10.2″. Even the machine’s weight is comparatively lesser, which is 17 pounds. Thus, it can fit easily and without any hassles even in the smallest areas.
In contrast, the Breville Duo-Temp has a limited number of buttons and does not feature a pressure gauge. This model contains a turn knob that helps users to choose between two different options, which are steaming and brewing. This feature is unique and different from the typical design of Breville’s machines. The Duo-Temp is also larger in size than the Infuser and measures 17.6″ x 15.5″ x 13.3″. It is heavier than the Infuser and weighs 18.7 pounds. Hence, this one consumes much more space and area.
The Cleaning Indicator
Although cleaning indicators account for a minor consideration, yet they make a significant difference between Infuser and Breville Duo-Temp. For any kitchen appliance to work efficiently, periodic cleaning, washing, and maintenance cannot be overlooked. When it comes to a machine that gets used daily, like an espresso machine, avoiding daily cleaning can lead to a growth of residuals inside the machine. Such a growth is not just harmful to those who consume the coffee but can also result in a degraded quality of coffee, eventually breaking the machine’s parts.
There is a ‘clean me‘ indicator in the Breville Infuser, which automatically lights up if there is a higher quantity of residual growth and an instant need to clean the unit. This is an essential feature for everyone, mainly those who often forget to regularly clean and de-scaling the espresso machines.
In contrast, Breville Duo-Temp does not include any automatic indicator to tell you whether the unit reached the benchmark for the residual growth and is in urgent need of cleaning. Thus, users of this espresso must regularly check for the machine’s cleanliness and set their schedules and reminders for the purpose.
Hot Water Spout
Infuser and the Duo-Temp – both the espresso machines come with steaming wands that make it easier for users to switch between the brewing and steaming functions. This is made more accessible due to the auto-purge function, which quickly works to prepare a hot cup of coffee.
Breville Infuser is also equipped with a specially dedicated hot water spout that results in hot water production in a more robust stream. Therefore, it is convenient for those who love to have Americano or other beverages, mixed with hot water.
In contrast, Breville Duo-Temp does not have any specially dedicated hot water spout. However, it is still capable of producing hot water using the steaming wand. You are only required to press the required button.
But the steaming wand is not as powerful as the Infuser’s hot water spout as its function is comparatively slower. However, this is still a possible method to get hot water for making Americano or any other beverage with a hot water requirement. But, one thing you would have to keep in mind is that if you prefer hot water, this steaming wand will still not be the quickest solution.
Advanced Functionality
Advanced programmable functions are the most significant differentiating factors between Breville Infuser and Breville Duo-Temp. Experienced users who want customized coffee or beverage always prefer to gain immense benefits from the advanced functions’ fantastic services. Talking about these two machines, the advanced functionalities are pretty much present on the Infuser but, unfortunately, are absent from the Duo-Temp.
Breville Infuser has an electronic PID controller, allowing all the users to adjust the temperature by 2 to 3 degrees from the default set temperature. This eventually helps in enhancing temperature stability. But, due to the absence of a display device to show the current temperature status, it might get a bit trickier for you to tell the current temperature and identify the sweet spot.
Although Breville Duo-Temp also has an electronic PID controller, however, in this machine, you are not allowed to adjust the temperature. Therefore, you would simply have to put your trust in the machine and hope for exceptional results.
There is also a programmable button in the Infuser that helps to adjust the single shot and double shot requirements. It offers assistance in maintaining consistent quality as long as you choose to use the same grind. This way, every time you prepare yourself to brew a fresh cup of refreshing coffee, you will not have to make any adjustments or alterations. Simply hit the programmed button and your machine will run efficiently on the pre-set functionality. However, you will still be required to re-calibrate the shot setting if you change the grind.
In contrast, Duo-Temp does not include the programmable button. Instead, it has a turn knob that lets you do the manual controls. Although it is not of much use, it helps beginners learn the process efficiently and gain some experience. It will allow you to learn the optimized extraction for various shots pulled and the consistencies required.
Other Features Breville Duo-Temp vs Infuser
Furthermore, Infuser also contains a volumetric control feature which is absent in Duo-Temp. This feature helps to efficiently and quickly manage the volume of each pour. Therefore, it is perfect for connoisseur coffee lovers who prefer their beverage to be a certain way. This specialty makes the Infuser versatile and can be easily used by all coffee lovers to get the perfect coffee volume as per the requirement.
There is also another essential function, which is a dry puck. This feature is flat disc-shaped on the other side of the measuring scoop. It is used to flatten the coffee available in the basket. This feature is present in the Breville Infuser but not in the Breville Duo-Temp. This is very useful while measuring the coffee and saves you from creating a mess with the coffee powder all over the kitchen.
Key Similarities Between Duo-Temp and Infuser
Now that you are familiar with the differentiating features, here is a list of similarities that these machines own:
Removable Tank
Being a coffee lover, you would relish nothing but convenience. And, both of these machines shout out to the pleasure. Integrated with a removable tank, both the Duo and Infuser can be cleaned with ease. Knowing that your water tank is cleaned and is not inviting microorganisms will let you enjoy coffee even more.
Water Size Tank
Both the machines feature a water tank that is of the same size. With a capacity of 61-pound, the water tanks are generous and are capable of making approximately 9 cups of coffee at a time.
Sleep Mode
One of the essential features of both machines is sleep mode. Once you have used it, both the machines go into sleep mode after an hour. Post that, after 3 hours, they shut off automatically. Apart from being useful, this also serves as a safety measure, especially when kids are around.
Set of Included Accessories
Talking about the set of accessories, Duo-Temp and Infuser come with their own unique parts, making them efficient in their respective jobs. Jotted down below is what you can expect out of these machines.
Set of accessories inside the Breville Infuser box:
- 1 cup and 2 cup filter baskets
- Trimming tool with razor dose
- Milk jug of stainless steel
- Water filter and holder for water filter
- Cleaning tablets
- Tamper
- Allen key
- Cleaning disc
- Cleaning brush
- Coffee Scoop
Set of accessories inside the Breville Duo-Temp box:
- 1 cup and 2 cup filter baskets
- Trimming tool with razor dose
- Milk jug of stainless steel
- Tamper
- Water filter and holder for water filter
- Allen key
An Overview: Breville Infuser and Duo-Temp
Breville Infuser
- It has a pre-infusion feature that helps to apply a lower water pressure at the extraction’s beginning. This is helpful to expand the grinds for getting an even extraction gently.
- The water tank capacity of this machine is 61 oz.
- It includes a Thermo coil heating system that runs on 1600w and includes an integrated water coil of stainless steel for accurately holding the water temperature.
- It has an automatic purge function that adjusts the water temperature after the steam for the espresso’s optimized extraction.
- Breville Infuser has a 15 bar Italian pump to ensure complete volumetric control, including manual over the rise, preset, or re-programmable volumes.
Breville Duo-Temp
- This machine has a 15 bar Italian-made pump with lower pressure to bloom the coffee grounds and then gradually raises the pressure for optimized extraction.
- The water tank capacity of this machine is 61 oz.
Also Read: Best Espresso Machines under 200
What should you choose out of the two?
There are several similar functions in Breville Infuser and Breville Duo-Temp, like the electronic PID controller, the water tank’s capacity, auto-purge, and extraction. However, while comparing the two machines, the Infuser stays a clear winner due to more advanced features and functionalities, like the ‘clean me’ feature, hot water spout, and others, making it perfect for getting an espresso, Americano, cappuccino, or even hot chocolate. Breville Infuser is more convenient and an ideal choice for an espresso machine.
Both are great coffee machines, but the Breville Infuser is more recommended due to being an advanced barista coffee maker. But don’t take it as the Duo-Temp is not a good option, it just has a minimal set of features and controls making it more affordable and occupy less space.
The Bottom Line
A perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and acidity is what the best-tasting espresso or cappuccino is all about. Breville espresso machines are prominent due to their service to offer a proper espresso balance.
Breville Infuser has higher-end programmability features for users who want extra automation and better customization in their beverages. In contrast, Breville Duo-Temp is more fundamental and has a manual mode but is still perfect for new brewers, ready to learn the steps. While considering the budget, the Breville Infuser is a bit more costly than the budget-friendly Breville Duo-Temp.
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