Breville Dual Boiler vs Rocket Appartamento 

Which one is your pick and why!?!? Breville Dual Boiler: geni.us/0yQB12 Rocket Appartamento: geni.us/q5Wz (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)

I got my breville for 220€ used and it seems to be roughly 9-10 years old and not having seen much or any service from the previous owner. But it still works perfectly. I think you can adjust the steam boiler temperature so it steams faster. I absolutely love it, and the comparable E61 style ones start at at least 4 times the price used

I had a Breville infuser for about 6 years are a few minor issues and then a water leak I decided to upgrade to the Rocket . I’m glad I bought the rocket is been 2 years of real enjoyment. Glad I spent the money, it’s well put together and can highly recommend this machine . I can see everyone wants to boo hoo peoples likes and dislikes or mentioning machines that are not a direct competitor to the machines in question. I like the machine and it does everything I need it too.

The Tesla/Porsche comparison is spot on. Well done.

Excellent comparison video! Also, very fair comments to each machine :) I'm a first time owner of a home espresso machine, and after (rather) extensive research, I went with the Breville DB for a few reasons: (1) Price - for the features it offer as well as the overall build quality, the price point is undeniably worth it; (2) Scalability - it further allows amateurs (like myself) to experiment in a safe environment, while being able to pull decent shots one after another; (3) Looks - as mentioned in the video, Breville adopts a more "modern" approach to the design, and the DB no doubt will fit many other kitchen appliances at home (think for e.g., the kitchen aid mixers). Last but not least, it is exactly because the DB is relatively cheaper as compared to, say, the Rockets or LeLits, it makes future upgrades easier on the pocket. Thanks again for this wonderful video @Lifestyle Lab

Thanks for this review, I think you nailed it pretty well. I have a Brevelle and a ECM semi automatic. They are very different experiences. I find the Brevelle is easier to use for the less experienced with its push button simplicity. So when guests come to visit I steer them to the Brevelle. I do believe I enjoy the engagement of the old school ECM Synchronika dual boiler. The Synchronika is plumed I and has a direct drain which is important to me. I’ve opened both machines up and yes the Brevelle is mostly plastic fittings and silicone tubes on the inside, that said, I’ve not have any issues after two years of service.

You create the most grounded, thoughtful and useful reviews. You have helped me so much to understand this world. Thank you! Keep it up!

I got a Sage DB earlier this year and have no regrets. It’s a great machine that makes outstanding (to my palate) espresso. Sage were offering a discount at the time so it worked out at £900 - great price.

Great video! Something you didn’t cover is servicing/parts availability down the line. It look me literally weeks of searching to find the correct solenoid valve after mine broke. Coffee servicing companies around my area also refused to work on breville, sunbeam, etc because of parts availability. So keep that in mind!

My Pavoni Europiccola is more than 40 years old.I did a gasket change and a good descaler twice since,best part I have a mechanical background,I did it myself.Use it almost every day and has become like an old friend

I honestly liked the Breville dual boiler over the apartamento. Being an ex-barista programmatic volumetric flow control comes standard on pretty much all commercial machines in cafe's (well, here at least) so I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for the same from a home machine. Once I'm dialled in, I do want to just press a button and focus on steaming milk, or perhaps cleaning up and not have to worry about pulling a lever back down (or does it come back down on its own?). My only gripe with the dual boiler is how slow the steaming is an it took me a little while to adjust but it's fantastic for my partner though.

I've had the Breville Express for 3+ years now running daily and it's still going strong. While the Apartmento uses higher quality materials on the outside, I don't think it's fair to completely judge the build quality just on that. What ultimately matters is the quality of the shot, and how reliable it is over the long run, and you'd only be able to do that if you tore it down and compared their performance over time IMO.

I’ve heard the analogy of cars and engagement before and it makes sense, moreso from a mechanical or analog perspective. The bdb can be very hands off when desired or also have the ability to really control and dial in variables, making it very engaging when you have the time/desire to play or a difficult to extract coffee.

Finally I found a coffee machine that fits my Porsche 😄 Nice comparison, spot on!

I had a Rocket Mozzafiato R for 15 days and returned it. Purchased a Breville Dual Boiler and I couldn’t be happier. The Rocket is built for looks and it sure was pretty but once you start digging into it you’ll find cost cutting all over the place. The last straw for me finding a rusted frame when I looked underneath. A Breville with the slayer mode beats any heat exchanger machine. You’d have to spend 3k to match it.

I don't think you should ignore the reliability or servicing aspect of these machines. The Rocket uses industry standard parts and although many Breville users may have had them for a long time with no issue, there are plenty of users of both of these machines that found the need to repair them. If you are a novice and just want to step up and pull a shot, the Breville is probably easier and more repeatable. I chose the Appartamento because I wanted a machine that I could easily have serviced. Mine actually did have the pressure stat fail, and my local espresso service shop could easily fix it. They also confirmed that they would not touch a Breville. Spending over $1,500 on a machine that is basically disposable made no sense to me. It is probably impossible to know how long either machine will last before they need service, that data is not easily found. But I took that approach that both machines will eventually fail. Just depends how lucky you feel.

I think you should mention also that the appartamento takes significantly longer to heat up than the BDB. I've heard 20-30mins and that's just way too long for me. Also if the BDB gives me 5 years, I'm happy. Not looking for a decade machine.

being able to empty the 2 boilers during the descaling is a big advantage on Breville

Any recommendations on baskets, tamps, distributors, aftermarket group handles all for the BDB? (I have a 19-22g Pullman basket at the moment, which have very squared edges, but thinking of trying others and possibly smaller double shot baskets like the 17-18g)

Thank you for the review. I was going to upgrade my Breville to a rocket since it had to be serviced 2 times in 3 years. But I can't do it for the price difference. It's over 3 times the price of my breville and I don't think it taste 3 times better. I'm thinking I'd take my chances and throw out 3 Brevilles to 1 Rocket. I guess some of us will settle with a Honda vs an entry level Mercedes.

I’ve got the Appartamento and love it. I did consider the breville dual initially but decided the rocket. Pros. If things break in it. Most of it is easily repairable, kinda like a Toyota Landcruisers. Basic, yet indestructible, reliable and high quality. Performs amazingly and holds its value :)

My first machine was the appartamento, and I upgraded to the Decent after only 6 months because I felt I “outgrew” it. Sounds like it would have been different with the breville.

Which one will last longer? Which one could you repair yourself? Easy choice for me.

Dude such a good video.. Love your opinions of these machines and the car analogy.

Bought a refurbished Oracle Touch in 2019 for less than 1000$ with 1 year warranty. Run ever since without issues. I think the PID dual boiler in oracle touch and heated group head produces superior results to the Rocket. IF i use my separate grinder (Fiorenzato F64e). When it comes to my wife, using the built-in grinder/tamp in the oracle enables her to actually use the machine, otherwise she would never bother using it.

Amazing review abd comparison!

My dual boiler lasted a couple years then the water valve stopped turning on. Talked to breville and they sent me a brand new one. So far so good. If it broke again I might consider Italian but if Breville keeps supporting my dual boiler then might just keep sticking with the dual boiler.

I’ve been using the Breville for 5 years in my small Café : build quality has never been an issue and coffee quality is second to none (once you learn the machine). Also, hasn’t it been established that Teslas are faster than Porsches?

La marzocco: Ferrari Synesso & Slayer: Bugatti Decent: F1

Fantastic presentation! Thank you!

Many thanks...great work as always. Any chance of assessing the ECM Classika PID Espresso Machine vs the Appartamento? Upgrading from Brev Barista Express, trying to decide.....

Interesting vid thanks. If you were entertaining and had to make eg 10 espresso shots in succession, do you think the E61 group machine would fare better than the more thermal on demand Breville design?

Amazing video and comparison!

Excellent presentation and unbiased

What about who has the best customer service in case of breakdowns and repairs and maintenance?

Such a great comparison!!

Just to be clear, the group on the Breville is not saturated. It's electrically heated. Different system.

Can I use this for a 20+ coffee per day?? (is for the office)

Excellent review. Finally.

Great informative over view review 👏

Using a BBE (almost a year)... love to have the BDB as my next upgrade. But as you stated the BDB, appliance look, keeps me leaning to the Rocket. I like to save a little more and get the Rocket Mozzafiato Cronometro since it has PID. Is really PID that important or just get the Appartamento?

Great comparison helping me choosing … thx

I have a Flair 58 and a BDB. I have a Niche and I have a Lido OG. Very different things. Very different drinks. I like both groupings. A lot. I find E61 machines to be in a weird middle ground, which I don’t love.

Repairability differences? Please include this in future videos.

I have the Infuser - great machine. The big plus for me is the super fast heat up time. Has anyone upgraded or use an Italian machine that doesn't need a 20-30 minutes heat up time prior?

where can I find the Cranberry Red dual boiler from Breville

In Australia the rocket is twice the price of the breville - and the breville includes a very good grinder in that price. It’s a no-contest. While I’ve never owned a rocket, I’ve owned my current breville espresso machine for 10 years and it hasn’t skipped a beat.

I had a Breville Infuser and I liked it. Now I have an Italian E61 and I love it. It’s absolutely beautiful, fun to use and I love waking up every morning to these drinks.

Ahhh the ‘a word’. ‘Analog’. I’m sold. 👍🏼

The Apartamento is very well built, but it's competitors have left it in the dust, if only because they have PID's and adjustable temperature control. Breville offers a lot of programming conveniences, but IMO takes the art, and to my way of thinking some fun, out of espresso making. An E61 with a flow control device can be loads of fun experimenting with different "recipes" without having to go into "programming".

Interesting vid thank you. 🙂 Great analogy with the Tesla / Porsche too. After 2 Breville DB machines (900, then 920) I recently upgraded to an ECM Mechanika E61, primarily for a more reliable long term machine. Coffee quality and usability of the Brevilles was awesome, just found them too unreliable. Unfortunately the electronics inside make them vulnerable to the inevitable leaks in a consumer grade machine, resulting in expensive repairs. If still under warranty this might be OK, and extended warranties might be a consideration (read the fine print tho), but at some stage these will run out. What tipped me over was a $470 (AUD) repair bill after the machine died following the descaling procedure *to the letter*. Following this I considered annual professional servicing to hopefully prevent issues in future, however this was quoted at $150-200 each time, which would obviously add up quickly over time. As you said in the vid, the E61 machines are fairly scant for features (I miss the shot timer for one), however the large initial outlay will hopefully be offset by a longer lifespan with less visits to the serviceman (with some being done by myself). The extra steam power is great too.

As an ECM E-61 owner, (on my second machine, a quieter upgrade from a 2001 Giotto), I couldn't imagine owning a plasticy, auto-everything machine. It just doesnt appeal to me and looks and feels like a beginner's kit. The E-61s are easy to fix if you can work a screwdriver and a wrench. I sold the old machine for $1200 on EBAY, paid $1500 new, so the resale value is strong if you maintain them.

The breville does catch my eye a bit more, is there a difference in the pump and does it matter. Can either machine allow me to control pump pressure?

Love the video Comparison. 👍👍

Fantastic overview! Perhaps you have other vids, new subby here, what other machines are better or rival the Appartamento for similar price (or a little more but worth it)?

Fantastic comparison. I ‘m yet to understand how a steel coffee machine can be worth $3500 - $7000. Italian manufacturers appear to have a knack for selling 40 year old analogue technology at extravagant prices.

Build quality seems to be a big reason to go for the rocket. The thing is my barista express has been super reliable for over 4 years. If one is simply better but the other is still good enough I would not put too much thought on build quality. Maybe if you plan to keep for 10+ years and we all know apartomanto is not end game machine.

An important Question I missed is the heating time. I'm sure The appartamento is a better machine, but for morning routines I wonder what the heating time is. Any thoughts? Thx

I have a Porche so I will go with Appartamento. Thanks for the review!

The question is, which machine makes the better tasting espresso shot consistently? Pls reply..ty

Really great video comparison

Does the dual Boiler cups warmer really work or like the other breville models

I know this is and old video but would like to ask is there a big difference between espresso form the machines? I would like to get the Breville Duel Boiler but my counter space is limited, I have been looking at the Profitec 400 because of small foot print, any advice, I have also looked at Lelit Elizabeth.

Great review. And you pronounced Porsche correctly so an extra bonus 👍

So true! The Breville Dual Boiler is my go to machine as well. The features are simply way way more functional and consistent. Now, when is there going be a thermojet version.... 😄

An interesting comparison as I currently own a 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range and a 1996 Porsche 993. Having owned Porsches for many years, I have loved them, but it is now for sale. I am at the stage of life where I embrace a bit more automation and therefore would favour the Breville machine.

The BDB may be more modern but the RA just simply a work of art ❤

I have a breville barista express. What would be a good upgrade but also endgame type of machine? Like a cafe type quality of espresso bit machine for home

Have you tried the Slayer mod on the Breville?

After only a quick look search, Appartamento is DOUBLE the price of the Dual with Grinder in Aus.

awesome video ....cheers

Dual boiler vs Bambino? Actual speed comparison and actual quality of finished product. Is dual boiler worth 5x the price? One could even get two bambinos and still be less than half the price if one wants steaming and brewing at the same time and do it with on demand heating. In which case I'm not sure the point of the dual boiler. Is it's espresso that much better?

Can you review the Ascaso Steel Duo PID vs Rocket Appartamento

I have had my Appartamento for 5 months now....recently upgraded the shower screen and gasket....so now it is a Super Saiyan Appartamento. It would have been nice to have a PID though.

and can't you upgrade the e61 to have flow control

you know my answer ;)

Question we all wanted answered is " which machine makes the superior espresso shot?" After all, that's the main reason one is spending so much money on the first place. I do hope I hear back from you. thank you

If you are married I will go with the Breville For it's ease of use and consistent performance. My wife is not messing with the Apartmento. Ever.

Drinking only espresso i never need a steam wand so rocket for the 58mm and classiness

Whichever quieter I'll pick but I can only afford Oscar ii. Appartamento for me it's a bit overpriced.

The Breville is literally half the cost of the Apartmento! Other than that, really good job in the comparison video and the Tesla/Porsche analogy!

Breville/Sage ftw!

ECM or the Profitec with the flow control, over the Rocket though

Love the Tesla vs Porsche metaphor. BTW I own a Porsche and the Rocket Apartamento!

You forgot to mention the heating time of each. I don't want to wait half an hour to have a coffee in the morning!!

which tastes better?

One is a consumer appliance, one is a coffee machine One will last a long time, one won't - you only have to prescribe to coffee forums (home barista or coffeesnobs) to find out which one One has cafe machine componentry and gives you a more cafe style experience (taste), one doesn't One uses a standard and reputable E61 group head and one uses its own One has access to a whole pile of accessories like baskets, group handles including naked group handles, gaskets, filter paper, puck screens, flow control, etc, one doesn't One is repairable with easy to obtain parts, one has to be returned to the manufacturer and replaced which could take weeks etc etc etc etc

Watch lance Henrick, modify breville pipe to allow controlled flow, really interesting.

If you consider adding the flow control for the Rocket, that will completely change the game between these two.

Breville for the win.

Can I ask where your coffee cup is from? P.s. team Porsche!

Realistically do you really need 300 adjustments to make a coffee, just so, and tweaking it to death. Surely the idea is to make a coffee and enjoy it, not spend a month trying to work out what adjustment you got wrong? Horses for courses! But so many things to go wrong and stop working. No mention of start up and warm up times to coffee brew,or are you supposed to keep these machines powered on all day? Don't get me wrong, the BDB is probably a really good machine, involved but probably good but I wouldn't go nuts over a chrome plated piece of art out of Italy either, they aren't exactly known for build quality but there are less things to go wrong.

We had a Rocket Giotto and it proved to be rather unreliable the revelled we have had since have been much better on that front.

Rocket over Breville, Tesla over Porche. I had a Breville and it lasted 5 years and ceased working and was not worth repairing so it went to landfill. Get the Rocket, you will be able to repair it and get far more joy out of making your coffee. I now own an E61 machine and it is so much better in every way than the Breville. Buy something that is going to last and not end up as rubbish.

The rocket being Italian pedigree I was waiting for “Ferrari” instead of Porsche….but a Ferrari would probably be a pro-level espresso machine ….

The appartmento is nearly $1200 AUD more than the Breville. Hard to compare the two with that price difference.

Rocket Appartamento is VERY bad for home usage. All E61 group head is made for shops that have specific production rate. Btw it is also very bad for time of orders rush, as it likes to overheat and do nasty stuff. BDB is undoubted king for real world home usage. But on their place I'll make it smaller and will reduce and change both boilers. First - need to make them repairable like on Delonghi. Second - need to stop using steam boiler as heat exchanger as it is stupid and reduce it's size to something like 400ml, perfect for home machine. Third - stop doing fully useless expensive heated group, as the way it is made it make little to no sense.

I choose "Porsche":)

Espresso nerd AND super hot? Marry me!? My dual boiler and sette 270 are in the mail, and my barista express is going to live at the office! Ha! A must have feature for me is the auto-on for at home. I’ll be doing the “slayer” mod for flow control. Can’t wait to play. Love your vids… Stay cute and caffeinated ❤️

In EU the Breville is called a SAGE