Breville is one of the top manufacturers for new users interested in getting into espresso. Their all-in-ones like the Barista Express are perfect starts for a new espresso fanatic. With that said, the downside with these machines is the inability to upgrade one half of the grinder/brewer combination without leaving half of the unit unused. One way around this is the Breville Dynamic Duo - a fantastic pairing of machine and grinder that we can’t help but rave about.
Breville Dual Boiler
On the brewer side of this package is Breville’s Dual Boiler espresso machine. This machine is one of the most value-filled offerings in Breville’s lineup. As the name implies, the Dual Boiler has dedicated brewing and steaming boilers, both managed by PID controllers. This means that you’ll get rock solid temperatures for every part of your brewing workflow. Because the temps are easy to set and manage, you’ll also have the ability to play with the numbers and try to tease every ounce of flavor from even the trickiest beans.
The DB is also loaded with programming features, including shot length, preinfusion, and even auto-on options. Strong shot and steam performance is rounded out with a dedicated hot water spout, making this brewer the one stop platform for all of your cafe inspired espresso needs. On its own we could easily recommend this brewer at a price point not far from the whole package here, that’s why the inclusion of the Smart Grinder Pro is such a fantastic deal.
Breville Smart Grinder Pro
The Smart Grinder Pro is easily one of the best options we can recommend for at home coffee newbies regardless of its place in this package. This is a grinder that can work well for slow brewing and espresso, and provides performance beyond its price point.
By default, this grinder comes with 60 different settings. You can get further control on the coarse or fine end by adjusting the top burr, which is easy to do and even something we recommend. This all means that you’ll be able to precisely control the size of your grind, but you’ll also be able to precisely manage the dose as well. With timer settings down to .2 seconds you can easily dial in the exact amount of coffee you’ll need for your shots and get that amount every time. By using the sturdy portafilter holder you’ll even be able to slide in the filter and tap, then go hands free as you prep the rest of your drink.
Like we said, this grinder also works great for slow brewing, and with its easy to read digital display you’ll be able to swap between programmed doses and grind settings quickly, meaning that you’ll always have grounds for whatever brew method you like at your fingertips.
A Pair that Lives Up to the Name
We love both of these machines individually, but combining them at the price point of the Dynamic Duo package really puts the value over the top. By getting a separate machine and grinder you’ll have the freedom and flexibility to upgrade either side of the combo when you’re ready. Generally, we’d suggest a grinder upgrade, which then frees your Smart Grinder Pro up to be a dedicated slow brew grinder as well!
While the Dual Boiler is definitely a higher end machine than you might originally be considering as a new user, it’s still a solid option if you’re just learning to brew espresso and steam milk at home. By purchasing this bundle you’re also getting a lot more bang for your buck than what you might if you went for a similar machine and grinder separately. In fact, this bundle saves you $100 compared to buying these two items separately.
With all of this in mind, we feel confident recommending the Breville Dynamic Duo to new and more experienced espresso users.
See these machines in action in our video review below, and let us know what you think of the package in the comments!