The battle for the best dual boiler under $2000 is heating up with the Profitec Pro 300, LUCCA A53 Mini and Quick Mill QM67 Evo! While there are some similarities, these machines are different enough that they fit very different preferences.
The Profitec Pro 300 is a great fit for people that are challenged with counter space, and enjoy smaller drinks (its $1549 price doesn't hurt either). Smaller boilers mean the fastest possible warm up time at 10 minutes. The PID controlled brew boiler also has a built-in shot timer, which simplifies the learning curve and eases consistency. Even on a standard kitchen outlet and 15 amp circuit breaker, the Pro 300's .75 liter stainless steel boiler can maintain steady, manageable steam power. But fans of drinks 6 ounce or larger may want to consider one of the more powerful steamers below.
People frequently ask, "Which gives more bang for the buck, the Profitec Pro 300 or the LUCCA A53 Mini?" Although you spend a bit more for the A53, you gain a lot. The commercial DNA is obvious in the construction as well as the performance. For reference, I compared the A53 side-by-side with the La Marzocco Linea Mini in our espresso machine buyer's guide. The front loading water reservoir and 15.25 inch height make it one of the most convenient under cabinets options. Shot volume can also be programmed for easy repeatability. Flip the joystick up and the 1.2 liter boiler belts out a serious punch through the 4 hole steam tip. A 6-12 ounce latte or cappuccino steams in less than half the time of the Pro 300, and the extra power can help improve milk texture. The larger saturated style boiler offers improved temperature stability and the deeper 53mm portafilters (double spout and bottomless are included) are more forgiving of channeling. Switching the machine from 15 to 20 amp mode reduces warm up and reheat time.
If the restrained aesthetics of the Pro 300 or A53 don’t quite work for you, then the Quick Mill QM67 Evo's classic e61 group head and stainless steel body might. This machine will pull comparable shots to higher-end, flagship e61 machines, because it shares the same .75 liter temperature- controlled brew boiler and lever operated grouphead. Unlike the Pro 300 or A53, the Evo’s one liter steam boiler can't heat at the same time as its brew boiler, so you'll either need to steam the milk before pulling your shot or be patient with its pace. An awesome benefit of the smaller boiler is that the machine is only 11 inches wide.
If you need clarification or have additional questions, just let us know.
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