Brewing a Showdown: Breville Dual Boiler vs. Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler
Welcome to our ultimate showdown of two of the top home espresso machines on the market today: the Breville Dual Boiler and the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler. If you're an espresso enthusiast, you know that investing in a high-quality machine is key to creating that perfect shot of espresso. In this comparison, we take a deep dive into the features, capabilities, and price points of these two machines to help you determine which one is right for your needs.
Dual boiler espresso machines are some of the most advanced home espresso machines available. They are designed to give you greater control over the brewing process by allowing you to adjust both the temperature of the water used for brewing and the steam used for frothing milk. This results in a more consistent shot of espresso, with better crema and a smoother taste. Dual boiler espresso machines also allow you to steam milk and brew espresso at the same time, making it possible to create cappuccinos, lattes, and other milk-based drinks quickly and easily. Heat exchangers (HX) can also allow for this however the efficiency will not be as great as a dual boiler.
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Now, let's take a closer look at the Breville Dual Boiler and the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler, and compare their features, capabilities, and price points to help you decide which one is the best fit for your home espresso needs.
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Breville Dual Boiler vs. Lelit Elizabeth V3
| Feature | Breville Dual Boiler | Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Capacity | 2.5L | 0.6L (steam) & 0.3L (brew) |
| Dual Boiler | Yes | Yes |
| PID Temperature Control | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes | Yes |
| Programmable Shots | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Grinder | No | No |
| Pressure Gauge | Yes | Yes |
| Water Tank Capacity | 2.5L | 1.8L |
| Dimensions | 16.25 x 15 x 15 inches | 9.6 x 14.8 x 15.8 inches |
| Weight | 30.2 pounds | 50.6 pounds |
| Price | $1,599.95 | $1,799 |
How the two are similar
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Dual boilers: Both machines have dual boilers, which means they have one boiler dedicated to brewing espresso and another dedicated to steaming milk.
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PID temperature control: Both machines use PID (proportional-integral-derivative) temperature control to maintain precise and stable temperatures, which is essential for producing consistent and high-quality shots of espresso.
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Pre-infusion: Both machines offer pre-infusion, which is a process where the coffee is wetted and allowed to soak for a brief period of time before the actual brewing process begins. This helps to ensure an even extraction of the coffee and produces a better-tasting espresso.
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Programmable shots: Both machines allow you to program the volume of the shots you want to pull, which is helpful for consistent shot sizes and allows you to customize your espresso to your liking.
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Pressure gauge: Both machines have a pressure gauge that indicates the amount of pressure being applied during the brewing process, which is useful for monitoring and adjusting the extraction process to ensure optimal results.
Overall, the Breville Dual Boiler and Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler are both advanced espresso machines that offer a high level of control and precision over the brewing process. Their shared features make them both excellent choices for the serious home barista.
How they differ
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Boiler capacity: The Breville Dual Boiler has a larger boiler capacity of 58mm, while the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler has a boiler capacity of 300ml.
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Built-in grinder: The Breville Dual Boiler does not have a built-in grinder, while the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler is available in a model that includes a built-in grinder.
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Dimensions: As mentioned before, the Breville Dual Boiler is a larger machine, measuring 16.25 x 15 x 15 inches, while the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler is smaller, measuring 9.6 x 14.8 x 15.8 inches.
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Weight: The Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler is a heavier machine, weighing 50.6 pounds, while the Breville Dual Boiler weighs 30.2 pounds.
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Price: The Breville Dual Boiler is generally more expensive than the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler, with a higher price point.
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Water tank capacity: The Breville Dual Boiler has a larger water tank capacity of 2.5 liters, while the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler has a water tank capacity of 1.8 liters.
While both machines have many similarities, there are some notable differences that may make one machine a better fit for your needs than the other. If you prefer a larger machine with a larger water tank capacity, the Breville Dual Boiler may be the better option. On the other hand, if you prefer a machine that is more compact and easier to move around, the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler may be the better choice. Additionally, if you want a machine with a built-in grinder, the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler is the only one of the two machines that offers this feature. Ultimately, the choice between these two machines will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Size Comparison - Breville Dual Boiler vs. Lelit Elizabeth
The Breville Dual Boiler is a larger and heavier machine than the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler. It measures 16.25 x 15 x 15 inches and weighs 30.2 pounds. The larger size of the Breville Dual Boiler is due in part to its larger water tank capacity of 2.5 liters, which is over 30% larger than the Lelit Elizabeth's water tank capacity of 1.8 liters. The larger water tank allows for fewer refills between uses, which can be a convenience for those who use their machine frequently.
In contrast, the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler is a smaller and lighter machine, measuring 9.6 x 14.8 x 15.8 inches and weighing 50.6 pounds. Its more compact size makes it a good option for those who have limited counter space in their kitchen or who need to move the machine around frequently. Additionally, the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler has a slimmer profile than the Breville Dual Boiler, which can make it easier to fit under low-hanging cabinets or shelves.
Ultimately, the size and weight of the machine you choose will depend on your personal needs and preferences. If you have plenty of counter space and want a larger water tank capacity, the Breville Dual Boiler may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a machine that is more compact and easier to move around, the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler may be a better fit.
Let's talk build quality
What if I told you Breville owns Lelit? Well, it's true.
Breville is an Australian manufacturer of home appliances, with a focus on high-end kitchen products. They have been in business since 1932 and are known for their quality products and innovative designs. The Breville Dual Boiler espresso machine is no exception, with a solid and durable build quality that is backed by a two-year warranty.
Lelit, on the other hand, is an Italian manufacturer of espresso machines, with a focus on high-quality, handmade machines that are designed for the home barista. They have been in business since 1997 and are known for their attention to detail and commitment to using the highest quality materials. The Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler espresso machine is no exception, with a sturdy build quality and attention to detail that is evident in its design.
Both machines are built to last and are made with high-quality materials. The Breville Dual Boiler has a stainless steel construction that gives it a modern and sleek look, while the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler features a polished stainless steel body and brass accents that give it a classic and elegant look.
In terms of build quality, both machines are excellent choices for the home barista who wants a durable and reliable espresso machine. The Breville Dual Boiler is known for its reliability and consistency, while the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler is known for its attention to detail and artisanal craftsmanship. Ultimately, the choice between these two machines will depend on your personal preferences and needs, as well as your budget.
Brew Pressure Comparison
Both the Breville Dual Boiler and Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler espresso machines are capable of producing brew pressure of up to 15 bar. However, it isn't ever recommend to go above the 9 bar range.
Both machines also have pressure gauges that allow you to monitor the pressure of the brewing process. This is useful for ensuring that you are using the correct amount of coffee, tamping it correctly, and that your machine is functioning properly.
In terms of brew pressure consistency, both machines have PID temperature control that ensures the pressure remains stable throughout the brewing process. This helps to produce a consistent shot of espresso every time you use the machine.
Overall, both the Breville Dual Boiler and Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler espresso machines are capable of producing brew pressure of up to 15 bar, and have features that help to ensure pressure consistency and stability throughout the brewing process.
Steam Pressure Comparison
Both the Breville Dual Boiler and Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler espresso machines are capable of producing steam pressure of up to 2 bar.
However, there are some differences between the two machines when it comes to steam pressure. The Breville Dual Boiler has a high-powered steam wand that is capable of producing powerful steam for quickly and easily frothing milk. The steam wand is also adjustable, allowing you to control the steam output and achieve the desired froth consistency.
The Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler, on the other hand, has a more traditional steam wand that requires more time and skill to properly froth milk. However, the steam wand is made of high-quality materials and is capable of producing rich and creamy microfoam when used correctly.
Overall, both machines are capable of producing steam pressure of up to 2 bar, but the Breville Dual Boiler may be a better option for those who want a powerful and adjustable steam wand for quick and easy milk frothing, while the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler may be a better option for those who want a traditional steam wand that requires more skill to use, but can produce excellent quality microfoam when used correctly.
What is maintenance like on each machine?
The Breville Dual Boiler has a number of features that make maintenance and cleaning easy. For example, the machine has a dedicated cleaning cycle that can be activated at the touch of a button, which helps to keep the internal components clean and free of debris. Additionally, the machine has a descaling cycle that can be activated when necessary, which helps to remove mineral buildup and keep the boiler functioning properly. The machine also has a removable water tank and drip tray, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
The Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler also has several features that make maintenance and cleaning easy. For example, the machine has a boiler drain valve that allows you to easily drain and flush out the boiler when necessary. The machine also has a backflushing function that can be used to clean the group head and remove any debris or buildup. Additionally, the machine has a removable water tank and drip tray, which makes cleaning and maintenance easy.
In terms of routine maintenance, both machines require regular cleaning and descaling to keep them functioning properly. This includes cleaning the group head, steam wand, and portafilter regularly, as well as descaling the machine periodically to remove mineral buildup. It is also important to clean the water tank and drip tray regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Conclusion - which is right for you?
In conclusion, the Breville Dual Boiler and Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler espresso machines are both excellent choices for the home barista who is looking for a high-quality, reliable machine that offers precise control over the brewing process. While both machines have many similarities, such as dual boilers, PID temperature control, pre-infusion, programmable shots, and pressure gauges, they also have some notable differences, such as boiler capacity, built-in grinders, dimensions, weight, and price.
Ultimately, the choice between these two machines will depend on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. If you have plenty of counter space and want a larger water tank capacity, the Breville Dual Boiler may be the better option. On the other hand, if you need a machine that is more compact and easier to move around, the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler may be the better choice. Additionally, if you want a machine with a built-in grinder, the Lelit Elizabeth Dual Boiler is the only one of the two machines that offers this feature.
Whichever machine you choose, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and properly clean and descale the machine to ensure that it continues to produce high-quality espresso for years to come.
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