Breville Barista Touch vs Breville Dual Boiler (BES920)
Amazon links are affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. They never affect what is listed here or how it is described. Any prices shown come from Amazon at the time stated and can change; check the retailer for the current price.
Two mid-range-tier espresso machines for latte & cappuccino, compared on the specs that actually decide the buy — not review fluff.
Both are mid-range-tier espresso machines suited to latte & cappuccino. The Breville Barista Touch has a thermoblock / thermocoil and the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) a dual boiler, which is the main difference. Match the boiler type and control style to how you brew; tiers are price bands — check the current price at the retailer.
| Spec | Breville Barista Touch | Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler | Thermoblock / thermocoil | Dual boiler |
| Price tier | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Type | semi auto | semi auto |
| PID | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-infusion | Yes | Yes |
| Portafilter | 54mm | 58mm |
| Built-in grinder | Yes | — |
| Best for | Beginner, Latte & cappuccino | Latte & cappuccino, Enthusiast / dialed-in |
Primary-source rechecks: Breville Dual Boiler (BES920): portafilter fitment
Which to choose
- Boiler — the deciding spec. The Breville Barista Touch uses a thermoblock / thermocoil and the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) a dual boiler. Heats water on demand through a metal block instead of holding a boiler tank. Fast to ready, compact, common in entry machines; temperature stability is the trade-off. Separate boilers for brew and steam, each independently temperature-controlled. The most stable, most flexible architecture — and the most expensive. This drives most of the milk-drink workflow and price difference between them.
- Portafilter — accessories don't transfer. The Breville Barista Touch takes a 54mm portafilter and the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) a 58mm, so tampers, bottomless portafilters and baskets bought for one won't fit the other.
- Built-in grinder. The Breville Barista Touch grinds and brews in one machine; with the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) you add a separate grinder — more counter space and another purchase, but a free choice of grinder and easier to upgrade.
- Who each suits. The Barista Touch is also a good fit if this is your first espresso machine; the Dual Boiler (BES920) is also a good fit if you want to fine-tune every shot.
Which one should you buy?
- Pick the Breville Barista Touch if you want one machine on the counter instead of a separate grinder; or if this is your first espresso machine.
- Pick the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) if you make milk drinks and do not want to wait between pulling the shot and steaming; or if you would rather choose your own grinder and upgrade it later; or if you want to fine-tune every shot.
Check Breville Barista Touch price on Amazon →
Check Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) price on Amazon →
Common questions
Which is better for lattes and cappuccinos, the Breville Barista Touch or the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920)?
The Breville Dual Boiler (BES920). Its dual boiler brews and steams at the same time, while the Breville Barista Touch uses a thermoblock / thermocoil and makes you switch and wait between the shot and the milk. For milk-heavy drinks that wait is the difference you feel every morning.
Do portafilters and baskets fit both the Breville Barista Touch and the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920)?
No. The Breville Barista Touch takes a 54mm portafilter and the Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) a 58mm one, so tampers, bottomless portafilters and baskets bought for one will not fit the other. Budget for accessories separately once you pick.
Which is the better first espresso machine?
The Breville Barista Touch. Of the two, it is the one that is easy to learn and forgiving while you find your feet. The Breville Dual Boiler (BES920) makes more sense if you mostly make lattes and cappuccinos or you want to fine-tune every shot.
Also cross-shopped
- Breville Barista Touch vs De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro
- Breville Barista Touch vs Rancilio Silvia
- Breville Barista Touch vs Lelit Grace
- Breville Barista Touch vs Lelit MaraX
- Breville Barista Touch vs Lelit Elizabeth
- Breville Barista Touch vs Profitec Go
- Breville Barista Touch vs De'Longhi Eletta Explore
- Breville Barista Touch vs Philips Series 5400 LatteGo
More: all mid-range machines · Latte & cappuccino machines · all comparisons