Do I need a dual boiler espresso machine?

The Coffee Guy
do i need a dual boiler espresso machine

Do I need a dual boiler espresso machine?

One of the most common questions we're asked is whether or not a dual boiler is overkill for most home users. After all, dual boilers are certainly pricier than those with a sole boiler. 

The honest answer is yes, dual boilers are usually overkill for most people looking for a home espresso machine. They're bigger, bulkier, and are typically just too much machine for the amount of coffee most people are making. 

But don't let this scare you away from dual boilers. There are many cases where you'll truly find the benefits of a dual boiler and should opt for one. 

Cliff & Pebble: shop all our dual boiler espresso machines

Benefits of a dual boiler espresso machine

Consistency

Dual boilers much more consistent than single boilers and heat exchangers.

Why? 

While it is true you can brew and steam simultaneously on a heat exchanger, you won't be getting 100% output from both functions if doing so. Why? Well, that sole boiler is responsible for both heat and pressure of both your group head and steam wand. So, if you're performing both tasks at the same time, you won't be getting as efficient of a result as you would using the two functions separately. 

A dual boiler erases this problem as you have one boiler solely dedicated to brewing espresso while the other is solely dedicated to steaming. No sharing required. 

Thermal Stability

The two main ingredients to making espresso is heat and pressure (and of course coffee!). If you have those things, you can make espresso. 

Dual boiler espresso machines have proven much higher levels of thermal stability giving you better espresso on a more consistent basis.

Upgraded Features

Most dual boilers will contain a rotary pump however not all, where heat exchangers typically contain a vibratory pump. 

Rotary pumps are much more consistent, quieter, and allow you to plumb your espresso machine straight to your water line should you choose. 

No loss of pressure

Make drinks one-after-the-other frequently? This is where a dual boiler will shine as there is virtually zero loss of pressure in between making drinks. You won't need to wait and allow the machine to rebuild pressure after using it once.

So, is a dual boiler overkill for me?

Do you entertain a lot? Do you need to be able to make four or five drinks back-to-back on a consistent basis? Do you run a café out of your kitchen?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, our opinion is yes, you would absolutely benefit from having a dual boiler espresso machine!

However, if you're only going to be making 1-2 drinks a day, our honest opinion is no, you do not need a dual boiler. In this case, we highly suggest taking the money you're saving not getting a dual boiler and invest that savings in a better grinder, upgrading your current one, or upgrading the grinder you had in mind. After all, the grinder is by far the more important piece of equipment.

To recap:

1-3 drinks per day - a dual boiler is NOT necessary

More than 5 drinks per day - you'd benefit from a dual boiler

Entertain a lot? - a dual boiler is for you

Live alone? - save the money and opt for a heat exchanger instead

Don't care about the money and only want the best? - sure, grab a dual boiler

YOU MIGHT LIKE: WHICH IS THE BEST DUAL BOILER ESPRESSO MACHINE?

Popular posts

  1. alaska airlines stumptown coffee roasters
    From Clouds to Countertops: The World’s Best Airline Coffee — and How to Brew It at Home
  2. fall coffee spread birds eye view
    Fall Coffee Drinks to Warm Your Soul (and How to Make Them at Home)
  3. coffee grinder spread
    How to Choose the Right Espresso Grinder for Your Machine
  4. honey cinnamon oat milk latte
    The Best Honey Cinnamon Oat Milk Latte
  5. espresso machines in a bright kitchen
    Espresso Machine Warm-Up Time: Why It Matters & How to Speed It Up

Related Stories

View all
lelit espresso machine pulling a shot of espresso and steaming milk

The Complete Guide to Lelit Espresso Machines & Grinders (2025 Edition)

The Coffee Guy

From the compact Mara X V2 to the flagship Bianca V3, Lelit espresso machines deliver Italian precision and prosumer performance for every type of home barista. In this complete guide, we break down every Lelit machine and grinder offered at Cliff & Pebble — including key features, pros and cons, and quick FAQs — to help you find your perfect espresso setup.



A cozy Halloween coffee scene featuring five festive drinks

5 Halloween Coffee Drinks (Easy, Spooky, & Actually Delicious)

The Coffee Guy

Tired of the same old pumpkin spice? This Halloween, caffeinate with a twist. We’ve brewed up five frightfully fun coffee drinks—from candy corn lattes to caramel apple cold brew—that’ll wake the dead (and your taste buds). Easy, spooky, and scarily delicious.

coffee grinder burr chamber full of coffee grounds

How to Clean Your Burr Grinder: Step-by-Step Guide + Maintenance Tips

The Coffee Guy

A dirty grinder can ruin even the best coffee beans. Over time, oils and residue build up inside your burrs, dulling flavor and causing inconsistent grinds. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean your burr grinder—what tools you need, how often to do it, and the simple steps to keep every espresso shot tasting its best.



lucca espresso machine pressure gauge

Espresso Pressure: How 9 Bars Became the Gold Standard (and When to Break the Rules)

The Coffee Guy

9 bars of pressure has long been the benchmark for perfect espresso — but why? In this guide, we break down the science, history, and technique behind espresso pressure, explaining how it shapes flavor, crema, and balance — and when lowering or raising it can actually make your coffee taste even better.



breville espresso machine in a modern kitchen

Why Most High-End Espresso Machines Aren’t on Amazon (and When Buying There Makes Sense)

The Coffee Guy

Amazon is great for paper towels — but not for $3,000 espresso machines. Here’s why most high-end brands don’t sell on Amazon, when buying there makes sense, and why specialty retailers like Cliff & Pebble provide the service and protection you actually need.

single boiler espresso machine next to a dual boiler espresso machine in a bright kitchen

Single Boiler vs Dual Boiler Espresso Machines: The Complete Buyer’s Guide (2025)

The Coffee Guy

Confused about single boiler vs dual boiler espresso machines? This 2025 guide breaks down pros, cons, warm-up times, energy use, and real-world scenarios. Whether you love straight espresso, daily lattes, or entertaining guests, learn which machine type fits your workflow best.

fall coffee spread birds eye view

Fall Coffee Drinks to Warm Your Soul (and How to Make Them at Home)

The Coffee Guy

Fall is here, and so are cozy flavors like pumpkin, maple, caramel, and cinnamon. In this guide, we share our favorite fall coffee drinks you can make at home — from classics like the Pumpkin Spice Latte to creative twists like the Apple Cider Espresso Tonic. With recipes, brewing tips, and gear suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to turn your kitchen into the perfect fall café.

izzo alex vivi pid espresso machine

PID Temperature Control in Espresso Machines: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Dial It In

The Coffee Guy

PID temperature control is the secret to consistent, café-quality espresso at home. By stabilizing brew water within 1–2 degrees, PID eliminates guesswork, makes temperature surfing unnecessary, and helps you dial in flavor by roast type. Whether you use a single boiler, HX, or dual boiler, this guide shows why PID is a must-have feature for serious espresso lovers.

lelit bianca v3 espresso machine in a kithen

Cliff Notes: Jamie’s Espresso Upgrade Journey

The Coffee Guy

Jamie loved coffee but struggled with inconsistent shots and weak steam from her starter setup. In this Cliff Notes, we explore her upgrade path—what they wanted, what they researched, and the espresso machine and grinder combos we recommended to bring café-quality drinks home.