So you can extract your shot at the right temperature, delivering optimal flavour, while simultaneously steaming your milk. It features smooth curves, a brushed stainless steel casing, inset backlit buttons, and a small LCD screen.

Some will say they look cheaper too than other dual boiler espresso machines – but then, they are ;-), and they don't look cheap to me, I've always really liked the look of Sage machines. You can also adjust the brew temperature although we found that the 93C default boiler setting delivered espresso at a perfect 68C. I would have went for the dynamic duo but it only seems to come in the brushed steel and I really want the DB in the black truffle!Initially I was looking at the Gaggia Classic Pro, but decided that is a step too far for me from a push button bean to cup machine.

Fitted with many settings to refine and alter extraction to individual preferences, it allows for changes to dosage, grind size and temperature to create an individual customised coffee. In addition to this, the solenoid valves can start to get a bit noisy, or “buzzy” after 5 years or so (making a loud metallic sounding buzz) but again this is a fairly cheap and easy part to replace. You don’t have enough space: If you’re short on counter space, consider the remarkably affordable Sage Bambino Plus. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.

The 54mm porta-filter with 19-22 grams is the key for full flavour and third wave speciality coffee. As part of my dual boiler series, I have shown which grinders I think work well with the dial boiler, I'd usually think of pairing a machine of this calibre with one of the Eureka Mignon grinders (my favourite is the Specialita) – the Baratza Sette 270 , the Baratza Sette 270Wi, Niche Zero , Eureka Mignon XL, Baratza Forte, Eureka Atom 65 or Atom 70 for example. It’s not for everyone, but if you’ve outgrown your starter machine, are ready to experiment a bit more with your coffee and want top quality results every time, it’s worth every penny. Some of these features with the Dual Boiler are there to improve coffee quality, things like the high level of control over brew temperature and pre-infusion. I think most of us are at least by now starting to realise that we all need to start making some changes if we don't want our great-grandkids to have to move to Mars, and I think having an auto-off on electrical appliances that are used a few times per day is a small sacrifice, personally.