In this guide, we're doing a side-by-side comparison of the Rocket R58 vs Breville Dual Boiler. You'll find all the details right here to help you make an informed decision about a home or office espresso machine.
We're going to cover...
- How the Rocket R58 V2 and the Breville Dual Boiler are similar.
- Key differences between these models and what they mean for you.
- Which machine works best for your individual needs.
Quick Summary
Rocket R58
This handcrafted Italian espresso machine equips semiautomatic lever brewing, pre-infusion, PID temperature control, and other advanced features for intermediate or expert baristas. It's the ideal choice for a home or office setting if you need a convertible pour-over to direct-connect machine.
Breville Dual Boiler
Also built with pre-infusion and a PID controller, this prosumer model will support a home or small office looking for quality espresso. With manual and volumetric controls, this machine is good for beginners but can also appeal to knowledgeable baristas.
Similarities
1 Group
Like other prosumer models, the Rocket R58 and the Breville Dual Boiler come with a single brew group.
While they're perfect for home setups, they're also capable of accommodating a busy small office.
When assessing an espresso machine, consider volume. For a home kitchen or low-volume location, multiple groups are not only more costly, but also typically unnecessary.
Double Boiler
The Rocket R58 comes with two copper boilers to allow you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously—no waiting in between functions to reach the right brew or steam temperature like with a single boiler unit.
As an antimicrobial material and a natural heat conductor, copper adds to the sanitation and energy efficiency of the Rocket's boiler system.
Constructed with independent stainless steel brew and steam boilers, the Breville Dual Boiler is also built for fast action and optimal temperature stability.
Both double boiler systems are known for their reliability and will bring some serious commercial power to your home kitchen.
Pre-Infusion
Designed with pre-infusion technology, these machines will make a better tasting espresso.
Pre-infusion is an initial stage of extraction before the pump applies full pressure. The coffee bed is immersed in water to draw all of the subtle flavors out evenly.
Built with an E-61 commercial group, the Rocket R58 will perform automatic pre-infusion on its own.
The pre-infusion feature on the Breville is a programmable function.
PID Temperature Controller
A PID controller lends incredible thermal stability. Based on an algorith, the PID system continuously regulates temperature by calculating and controlling for a number of variables.
Like the pre-infusion feature, PID temperature adjustment on the Breville is done via the LCD screen.
You'll receive a separate PID control box complete with language settings with the Rocket for quick and easy brew and steam boiler adjustments.
Large Reservoir
The manually refillable water tanks in these pour-over espresso machines are made for heavy-duty use.
Both hold approximately 2.5 liters of water. For home users, you won't need to worry about running out of water after making a few drinks like with some other models.
A larger reservoir is also ideal for an office where there are several employees making espresso drinks throughout the day.
Low Water Sensor
When the reservoir gets low, you'll receive a message on the Breville's LCD screen. This easy-to-use feature makes passing a water tank status update along unnecessary.
Similarly, the Rocket tells you when the water tank is low with a flashing light on the front of the machine.
It will also automatically cut power if the water level is too low, saving the machine from potential damage.
Brew Pressure Gauge
For all baristas, the brew pressure gauge is a practical tool. It shows you how much pressure the pump is generating during extraction.
Ideally, the pump will build nine bars of pressure, the standard for proper extraction to allow the espresso to reach its potential.
If the pressure gauge is showing that you're not getting adequate pressure, it'll help you assess changes you'll need to make to your brew ratio.
Cup Warmer
Do you wish your lattes would stay hot for longer? Preheating the cup is the secret.
Whereas cold cups instantly start drawing heat from a hot drink, warm cups help to maintain the temperature so that you don't have to rush to enjoy your beverage.
You don't need to do anything special to preheat cups with the Rocket and Breville machines. Just store the cups on the warming trays and they'll be perfectly toasty when you're ready to make a cappuccino.
Key Differences
Manual and Volumetric Controls
Brewing is very different on these machines. While both produce quality espresso, you may have a preference for manual or programmable controls.
The Rocket creates the ultimate traditional experience with a lever E-61 group. You'll decide how long the brew cycle lasts, gaining full control of every extraction.
With combined volumetric and manual controls, the Breville Dual Boiler provides programmable brewing (by volume) and manual operation. But while the manual button performs the same function as the Rocket's lever, it's a more modern approach.
Each machine allows you to fully control the brew process, but only the Breville comes with volumetric single and double espresso buttons. They're like hitting "cruise control" where the machine will dispense a programmed measure of water every time.
Style
What's your espresso machine style? If you're not sure, consider your home decor or the look you want to curate.
The polished 304 stainless steel Rocket is somewhere between classic and modern. With its twist-turn steam valves, lever-operated E-61 group, and sleek steam and hot water arms, it combines vintage and contemporary looks into one sleek package.
The Breville is more of a modern style espresso machine with push-button controls, a push-pull steam trigger, and an LCD screen. Encased in brushed stainless steel, it has a soft gleam as opposed to the Rocket's shinier surface.
Each machine has its own distinct personality and will mesh well with a wide variety of aesthetics.
Steam Power and Triggers
Containing a 1.8 liter steam boiler, the Rocket has considerable steam power that will have smooth cappuccino milk ready in a flash.
The Breville's .95 liter steam boiler produces less steam power, but this may be helpful for brand new baristas just getting their bearings on the machine.
A traditional turning steam valve on the Rocket goes along with its classic construction. Meanwhile, the push-pull steam trigger on the Breville adds an ergonomic element to steaming.
Pump Type
The Rocket is designed with a rotary pump known to be incredibly consistent and quiet, which many home baristas appreciate.
The Breville's vibratory pump has a different design and will create more noise. However, it can deliver the same quality results.
In terms of maintenance, the advantage that the vibratory pump has over the rotary pump is that it's cheaper to replace if you ever need to. On the other hand, the rotary pump generally has the longer lifetime.
Tampers
It's common for baristas to have a favorite tamper. When baristas favor metal tampers like the one the Rocket comes with, it's often not only for the elegant style, but also for what the material does for tamping.
Metal tampers are weightier than plastic ones. The weight is balancing when tamping, assisting in achieving the correct amount of pressure necessary for proper extraction.
Though it's a plastic tamper that comes with the Breville, it's integrated into the machine for easy storage. An integrated tamper will be harder to lose track of and may help to reduce countertop sprawl.
Rocket R58 Plumbing Options
Not sure if you need a pour-over or direct-connect espresso machine? You don't have to choose between them if you buy a machine that's capable of both functions like the Rocket R58.
While a pour-over machine works in any location since you're not relying on a water line to supply the water, it does have its drawbacks. For one thing, keeping up with refilling the water tank often proves challenging.
Since the Rocket can be plumbed into a water line, you can switch to the automatic water feed over the manual reservoir when it's convenient. Typically, any environment where more than one person operates the machine will benefit from this function.
Rocket R58 E-61 Group
The Rocket's high-end E-61 group lends more than automatic pre-infusion to the machine's functionality.
This group utilizes a thermosiphon for improved temperature stability, keeping warm water circulating on a continuous cycle.
Hot water runs from the boiler to the group even while the machine is idling, creating a thermally stable brewing environment to increase consistency in your espresso.
Rocket R58 Boiler Pressure Gauge
Gauges provide guidance for using an espresso machine, like built-in manuals.
While the brew gauge on the R58 helps you find the optimum brew ratio, the boiler gauge will show you when brewing and steaming temperatures have been reached.
This is nice to have when you're just starting the machine for the day and you're waiting for it to come up to temperature.
Breville Dual Boiler Auto Start
You can skip waiting on the machine to warm up in the morning if you program the auto start time to align with your schedule.
If you want the machine to be ready at 7 a.m., simply set the auto start time for fifteen to twenty minutes to 7.
This is a great feature when you have limited time before heading off to work.
Breville Dual Boiler Automated Cleanings
Regular and thorough cleanings will keep your espresso machine working properly and ensure the best espresso flavor.
The Breville's automated cleaning cycles perform some of the machine's routine maintenance tasks for you, helping you to keep everything in working order.
Price Considerations
The Rocket R58 and the Breville Dual Boiler are very different machines with prices that reflect their different capabilities.
We offer the Rocket R58 at Majesty Coffee in elegant stainless steel for $3,000.
So Which Should You Buy?
As home espresso machines, the Rocket and Breville share many features geared toward espresso enthusiasts, including flavor-enhancing pre-infusion and PID temperature control for serious customization.
Where the machines differ is where you'll want to pay attention to your skill level and preference.
As a lever-operated machine, the Rocket is not difficult to use, but it's created for experienced users who want to determine the brew process from beginning to end. For motivated beginners, it offers quick mastery of the craft.
Because the Breville comes with both manual and volumetric dosing buttons, it's easier to use for total beginners, but experienced baristas can still control extraction.
With stronger steaming, automatic pre-infusion, and a plumb-in option, the Rocket is ideal for a small office where employees will enjoy some basic barista training.
It will support even a small restaurant with back-to-back drink making, and the connection to the water line will eliminate the need for employees to refill the tank.
On the other hand, the volumetric buttons on the Breville might be what a small office of employees with no experience making espresso drinks needs. It comes down to a matter of which functions are going to be convenient in your location.
The bottom line is that functionality, skill, budget, and style will guide you toward the right machine.
If you want a more vintage-type espresso machine with strong steam capacity and direct-connect conversion for breezy maintenance, the Rocket is perfect.
But if greater automation (or a smaller budget) is key, especially for beginner baristas, the Breville is an excellent alternative.
For the best price online, check out the Rocket R58 here on Majesty Coffee...