The Breville Infuser and Duo-Temp Pro look almost identical, but the Infuser adds a pressure gauge, programmable shots and adjustable temperature. Here's whether the upgrade is worth it.
Breville is one of my favorite tech-focused companies. They also make some of my favorite tech-focused espresso products.
The Breville Infuser and the Duo-Temp Pro are semi-automatic machines that get top marks for user experience and overall drink quality while still maintaining some affordability for buyers.
“Same heart, different dashboard. The Infuser adds the feedback and programmability that help you improve.”
The Final Shot: The Infuser takes the top spot for its pressure gauge, programmable shot volumes, adjustable temperature and dedicated hot water spout. The Duo-Temp Pro brews very similar espresso for less, so if budget is your top priority, it's an excellent choice.
I’m a big fan of Breville’s take on semi-automatic machines, unlike some of the more traditional semi-autos, Breville keeps just enough features hands-on, while programming the ones that you don’t really need to control yourself.
It’s a great balance that is true across all the models in their line up.
The Infuser and Duo-Temp Pro are two of Breville’s entry-level machines, but they are packed with some really top line features for aspiring home baristas.
While these two semi-automatics stack up well against each other, the amount of customization and number of features is what differentiates them.
At first glance, the Infuser and Duo-Temp Pro appear almost identical.
But no, you’re not seeing double, both the machines are really similar in appearance with just a few buttons on the user interface distinguishing them when it comes to looks.
When you compare basic design and durability, both machines are constructed from quality materials (thank you, Breville!). The sleek stainless steel body gives them a modern look that is becoming iconic for Breville appliances.
Both machines use Breville's thermocoil heating system with electronic temperature control, which heats water on demand and keeps brew temperature consistent. Neither has a traditional boiler.
These units are furnished with pressurized and non-pressurized portafilter baskets.
When you’re just starting out with making espresso at home, the pressurized portafilter will extract espresso when it’s at the optimum pressure. This means if you’re still learning how to dial in your grind; the Breville’s got your back. Non-pressurized baskets are great if you’re more experienced and looking for greater control.
Both machines also come with 54mm portafilters and are equipped with commercial style spouts.
A 54mm tamper is included and stores magnetically on the machine, a handy touch.
Both have a generous water tank of about 61 ounces.
Both also offer low-pressure pre-infusion, which gently soaks the coffee before full pressure for a more even extraction.
Both the Breville Duo-Temp Pro and the Infuser takes about a minute to heat up prior to steaming. With thermoblocks and thermocoils, it takes time for the steam to reach the highest level of power. So it is smart to turn on the steam and allow it to run until it reaches full temperature.
Both use a 15-bar Italian pump. That's the pump's maximum rating; the machines regulate pressure down to a range suitable for espresso.
These machines also feature a conventional steam wand and auto-purge to switch instantaneously from steaming to brewing. Built-in auto-removal or auto-purge means you’re able to expedite the process and move seamlessly between extraction and steaming.
Both machines will evacuate immediately after you’re finished steaming and will return the selector knob to its initial position. Most classic machines don’t include this option, so it’s a nice touch on the Brevilles.
The most noticeable difference between the two, of course, is the interface. The Infuser features programmable espresso buttons and that iconic pressure gauge that shows you what’s happening in the boiler.
The Infuser also has a "clean me" indicator, absent on the Duo-Temp Pro, which reminds you when to run a cleaning cycle. See our guide to cleaning and maintaining your espresso machine.
The selection buttons are somewhat similar, but the Duo-Temp Pro takes a bit of a different approach with a clean interface and a turn-knob to control the different aspects of your espresso.
Even though there’s no programming, it’s extremely simple to use and stacked with a lot of the same features as the Infuser.
The real differences come into play with the Infuser's advanced features. Its PID temperature control can be adjusted in small steps above or below the factory default, which helps you fine-tune different roasts. There's no temperature display, so adjustments are made by button combinations.
On the Duo-Temp Pro, brew temperature is fixed at the factory setting.
The Infuser also features a single and double shot programmable button. This helps to maintain consistency of the extraction if you use the same grind regularly. It also means that whenever you change your beans or grind, you might need to re-calibrate the espresso shot time, so just keep that in mind.
The Infuser also has a dedicated hot water spout for users who love an Americano or are in the mood for hot water for hot chocolate.
The Duo-Temp Pro doesn’t offer the dedicated spout but it does has a button to swatch manually between steam and hot water in the steam wand, though it doesn’t dispense as powerfully as the spout.
Both machines have very similar, compact footprints of roughly 10–11 inches wide and about 13 inches tall, so either will fit under standard kitchen cabinets.
The proper balance of sweetness, acidity and bitterness are what a great tasting espresso or cappuccino is about.
The Breville espresso machines are famous for serving up the proper balance.
The Infuser offers a few higher-end programmability features for users looking for a little extra automation. The Duo-Temp Pro is a more basic, manual model, but great for new brewers who want to learn the ropes.
When it comes to budget, the Infuser costs a bit more than the wallet-friendly Duo-Temp Pro. Remember that neither includes a grinder; if you want one built in, look at the Breville Barista Express.
