Dualit Espressivo Pro: dual boiler, 2.8 L tank

Two boilers, one routine

Dualit lists the Espressivo Pro as a dual boiler machine. In everyday terms, a separate heat source for steam means you should not have to wait for the machine to change temperature between pulling a shot and texturing milk, which is where single heater machines slow down.

The extraction starts with a low pressure pre-infusion and then moves to high pressure. The pump is rated at 20 bar on the listing. You can choose single or double shots and control grind time and temperature.

The grinder

A conical burr grinder with 40 settings is built in, and it grinds straight into the portafilter. The stainless steel burr and the bean hopper both come out for cleaning, which Dualit says stops old flavours tainting a new bag when you switch beans. Hopper capacity is listed as 250 g.

Milk, water and warming

The steam wand is a manual one, so it suits people who want to learn microfoam for flat whites and simple latte art. The listing does not state the number of steam holes or a steam pressure figure.

The removable water tank holds 2.8 litres, which is generous for a home espresso machine. A warming plate on top keeps cups warm, and a dedicated descale function is listed for upkeep.

Against the Sage and Breville picks

Compared with the Sage Barista Express, the Dualit has more grind settings, a bigger tank and a stated dual boiler, while the Sage has a long track record and includes a milk jug. The Breville Barista Max shares the 2.8 L tank but does not state its heating type. The Dualit is the one to choose if steaming straight after brewing matters most.