Head-to-Head Comparison
How It Works
Single Boiler: Large metal tank holds heated water, switches between brew and steam temps
Thermoblock: Water flows through heated metal block, instant heating on-demand
Winner: Different approaches
Heat Up Time
Single Boiler: 15-25 minutes to full stability
Thermoblock: 30 seconds to 3 minutes
Winner: Thermoblock
Temperature Stability
Single Boiler: Excellent once heated - large thermal mass
Thermoblock: Good with PID, can fluctuate more
Winner: Single Boiler
Steam Power
Single Boiler: Powerful - dedicated steam mode
Thermoblock: Varies - often weaker
Winner: Single Boiler
Workflow
Single Boiler: Wait between espresso and steam (temp surfing)
Thermoblock: Usually quicker transitions
Winner: Thermoblock
Longevity
Single Boiler: 15-25+ years with brass/copper boilers
Thermoblock: 5-10 years typical
Winner: Single Boiler
Repairability
Single Boiler: Highly repairable, standard parts
Thermoblock: Often proprietary, harder to service
Winner: Single Boiler
Single Boiler Details
✓ Pros
- • Superior temperature stability
- • Powerful steam for microfoam
- • Longer lifespan (15-25+ years)
- • More repairable with standard parts
- • Better for serious enthusiasts
- • Commercial heritage and proven design
✗ Cons
- • Long heat up time (15-25 min)
- • Must wait between brew and steam
- • Temperature surfing learning curve
- • Higher energy consumption when left on
- • Usually larger footprint
Examples: Rancilio Silvia, Gaggia Classic Pro, La Pavoni
Thermoblock Details
✓ Pros
- • Fast heat up (30 sec - 3 min)
- • Energy efficient - heats on demand
- • Compact designs possible
- • Good for quick morning routines
- • Often includes modern features
- • Lower entry price point
✗ Cons
- • Less temperature stability
- • Weaker steam power typically
- • Shorter lifespan (5-10 years)
- • Harder to repair
- • More plastic components often
- • Scale buildup in narrow channels
Examples: Breville Bambino Plus, DeLonghi Dedica, many budget machines
Other Heating Systems
Dual Boiler
Dual boiler machines have separate boilers for brew and steam - best of both worlds but more expensive
Examples: Breville Dual Boiler, Profitec Pro 300, Rocket Appartamento
Price: $1,200-3,000+
Heat Exchanger (HX)
Heat exchanger machines use one large steam boiler with a tube running through it for brew water
Examples: Profitec Pro 500, Rocket Giotto, ECM Classika
Price: $1,000-2,500
Which Should You Choose?
Quick Morning Espresso
Recommendation: Thermoblock
Why: Fast heat up fits busy mornings
Multiple Milk Drinks Back-to-Back
Recommendation: Single Boiler (or upgrade to HX/Dual)
Why: Better steam power, temp surfing works with practice
Espresso Quality Priority
Recommendation: Single Boiler
Why: Better temperature stability for extraction
Long-Term Investment
Recommendation: Single Boiler
Why: 15-25 year lifespan vs 5-10 years
Budget Under $400
Recommendation: Either - depends on model
Why: Both types available at this price
Small Kitchen
Recommendation: Thermoblock
Why: Often more compact designs
Temperature Surfing Explained
What is it? Technique for managing single boiler temperature between brewing (200°F) and steaming (250°F)
Steps:
- Pull espresso shot at brew temperature
- Switch to steam mode, wait for boiler to heat
- Steam milk once temp reaches steam range
- Or: Steam first, then flush and pull shot
Time added: 1-3 minutes between espresso and milk
Learning curve: Takes a few weeks to master
