Showing a strong preference for espresso? A single cycle espresso machine might suffice.
Cappuccino and latte macchiato are at the top of the list? In this case, a dual cycle espresso machine could be a sensible choice.
Those looking for consistency and strong performance will feel lucky with a dual boiler espresso machine.
This article describes the differences between the various types of espresso machines: single cycle, dual cycle and dual boiler. Which machine caters best, for which needs? By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the various types of machines, this overview points the way to the espresso machine that is best suited to various coffee preferences.
Single cycle espresso machine
The single cycle espresso machine has only one single boiler. This boiler has the task of heating the water to the perfect temperature for espresso (between 90 and 96 degrees). Frothing the milk requires steam, which is generated by heating the temperature of the boiler to 120-130 degrees.
On a single cycle espresso machine, these steps are carried out successively, using one and the same boiler.
This means that after brewing an espresso, the temperature level of the boiler is increased manually at the touch of a button. Once the approximate 125 degrees have been reached, the milk can be frothed. Before the next espresso can be brewed, the boiler must cool down once more to a brewing temperature, between 92 and 96 degrees.
For good coffee results from a single cycle espresso machine, it is important to manage the temperatures of the boiler well. Milk frothing won’t be successful, if the steam pressure does not reach the required strength. Low boiler temperatures result in water being blown into the milk, instead of steam. This will not, however, produce good quality foam. Too high a brewing temperature (above 100 degrees as required for frothing), on the other hand, doesn’t benefit the coffee taste – it will be very acidic and bitter. The key to success when using the single cycle espresso machine, is to be well acquainted with the machine and to be aware how much time it takes to heat up and cool down. As long as this is taken into account, the espresso from the single cycle espresso machine is just as tasty as an espresso from a commercial catering machine.
Pros:
- Makes great espresso if the temperature is well managed
- Small boiler allows fast heating up and cooling down
- Very compact models availableMost affordable machine on the market
Cons:
- Lacking consistency of temperature due to the small boiler
- Good temperature management required
- Waiting times between brewing the espresso and milk frothing the milk
Is the single circuit machine the right choice?
It certainly is for espresso drinkers at home showing patience with the frothing of the milk, or those with only a small budget to be spent on an espresso machine.
Double cycle espresso machine
While the single cycle espresso machine works with one water cycle only, the dual cycle espresso machine does so – as its name suggests – with two. Again, the boiler forms the central element here: It is heated up to 130 degrees and the steam can be directly used to frothing the milk. The boiler itself incorporates a pipe, which transports the brewing water to the spot where the espresso is prepared.
The pipe acts as a heat exchanger: The fresh water heats up as it flows through the pipe, surrounded by hot water. The extent to which the brewing water is heated up, is determined by the material thickness of the pipe and the length of time the brewing water remains in the boiler.
Frothing milk is real fun with the dual cycle system.
Among cappuccino drinkers, the dual circuit espresso machine is very popular. The hot boiler generates powerful steam. With the dual cycle espresso machine, the milk can be frothed while preparing espresso.Therein lies the big difference to the single cycle espresso machine, which entails a waiting time between the espresso being dispensed and the milk being frothed.
Several espressos can be brewed one after the other, without any problems or breaks. Depending on the size of the boiler, a slight drop in performance can be noticed after a few jugs of milk being frothed. After a short heating-up time, however, this effect is being redeemed.
Does the dual cycle espresso machine ensure consistent levels of temperature?
Compared to the single cycle espresso machine, there’s an enormous difference in terms of temperature stability. However, a dual cycle espresso machine is not perfect either. If no espresso shot is pulled for quite some time, the brewing water in the heat exchanging pipe will warm up to the same temperature as the water in the tank – piping hot. It is therefore important to always pull a “blank” shot, that is, to carry out a short rinse. This ensures that the heated water is removed from the pipe and the water flowing in, once again, reaches the desired temperature.
Vibration pump or rotary pump?
The higher quality dual cycle espresso machine is equipped with a rotary pump instead of a vibration pump. The rotary pump is more powerful and heavier. It is also much quieter than the vibration pump, which can be useful depending on the location of the espresso machine. Rotary pumps are fitted as standard on commercial catering machines because of their power and robustness.
Pros:
- Consistent temperatures
- Simultaneous frothing of milk and brewing of coffee
- Good espresso und foaming performance
Cons:
- Drop in steam pressure after several frothing processes
- More expensive than single circuit espresso machine
Dual boiler espresso machine
It’s all in the name – two separate boilers are at work here. The boiling vessel serves the precisely set brewing temperature. The steam boiler heats up to the required 120 degrees. Anyone investing in a dual boiler espresso machine acquires temperature precision that is noticeable with every espresso being prepared.
Many dual boiler espresso machines are fitted with a rotary pump as standard. The great strength of dual boiler systems lies in the steadiness and consistency of the brewing processes.
Consistency from one shot to the next and during extraction.
The greatest strength of a dual boiler espresso machine lies in its consistency. No matter whether one or twenty espresso shots are being pulled, the temperature remains constant, owing to the separate water tank for the coffee.
Is there a birthday party on the horizon, where several guests are to be served cappuccino? A piece of cake – with a dual boiler. The separate steam boiler allows for sufficient steam being at the ready. And even if the steam boiler needs to be emptied, this won’t compromise the preparation of the espresso.
For this reason, the dual boiler is well suited for semi-professional use.
Pros:
- Consistency during the brewing process
- Precise brewing temperatures
- Steam pressure and brewing temperatures operating independently
- Consistency between one brewing process and the next
- Suitable for semi-professional use
- Extremely robust
Cons:
- Costly
- Not every dual boiler incorporates a rotary pump
Summary – which espresso machine is perfect, considering individual preferences?
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Single cycle |
Dual cycle |
Dual boiler |
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Nothing but espresso! |
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xxx |
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Cappuccino for breakfast |
x |
xx |
xxxx |
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Cappuccinos for whole family |
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xx |
xxxx |
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The machine should be a “working horse” for guests at a house party. |
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xxxx |
