Key takeaways
- Best double head espresso machines explained: what double means, double boiler picks, double-shot presets and 58mm options compared by specs.
The Chefman Crema Deluxe is the best match for anyone searching for a “double head” machine at home, because its double boiler lets you brew espresso and steam milk at the same time, and it adds a built-in grinder and a 58mm portafilter. Be clear about the term first: a true double-head machine has two group heads and is a commercial cafe tool, and none of the six machines here has two. Home shoppers who use the phrase usually mean one of three things: two shots at once through a double spout, a double boiler, or a machine that makes two drinks quickly. We cover all three and are plain about what each model does and does not offer.
Quick List
- CHULUX Slim – best for a slim machine with a pressure gauge and a milk frother
- Chefman Crema Deluxe – best for brewing and steaming at the same time, with a grinder built in
- CASABREWS CM5418 – best for double-shot presets in a narrow body
- BYESHOP 20 Bar – best for a touchscreen with temperature and pressure displays
- Espresso Machine with Grinder and Frother (30 settings) – best for a grinder-equipped machine that offers hot and cold brew modes
- Gemilai Owl G3006 – best for a 58mm group and PID temperature control
Which One Is Right for You?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| want to pull a shot while the milk is steaming | Chefman Crema Deluxe |
| want a 58mm portafilter and PID control in a prosumer-style body | Gemilai Owl G3006 |
| want a grinder plus cold brew in one appliance | Espresso Machine with Grinder and Frother |
| need the narrowest machine with double-shot presets | CASABREWS CM5418 |
| like a slim body with a gauge and frother | CHULUX Slim |
| like a touchscreen and live readouts | BYESHOP 20 Bar |
Choose the Chefman when “double” means doing two jobs at once, and the Gemilai when it means serious extraction hardware in a home-sized body. Everyone else should treat the double part as a basket size or preset, not as two group heads.
All 6 Picks in Detail
1. CHULUX Slim – Best for a Slim Body With a Gauge and Frother
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The listing describes a slim espresso machine with a milk frother, a precise pressure gauge, food-grade materials and a 20-bar Italian pump. It suits small kitchens and shoppers who want a classic latte and cappuccino machine without a large footprint. The title does not mention a double boiler, so treat “double” as a double-shot basket here.
- 20-bar Italian pump rating, per the listing
- Pressure gauge for watching the shot
- Milk frother for lattes and cappuccinos
- Food-grade materials, per the listing
- Tank size, wattage, dimensions and portafilter diameter: confirm on listing
Pros
- Slim format for tight counters
- Gauge helps beginners understand pressure
Cons
- Sparse title; many specs need verifying
- Single heating system is likely, so back-to-back drinks need waiting
Against the CASABREWS, it appears similar in concept, with less documentation behind it.
Because the title leaves out the portafilter size, look at the listing photos for a 51mm or 58mm basket and check whether double-shot baskets are included. A machine that ships with only a single pressurized basket will make the double shots you want harder to pull.
If you mostly drink lattes, the frother and gauge are the useful parts. Add a small stainless pitcher of about 12 ounces, because oversized pitchers do not fit under slim wands, and give the frother a wipe after each use so milk does not bake onto the tip. Check the water tank for a lid and a handle you can grip with wet hands.
2. Chefman Crema Deluxe – Best for Brewing and Steaming at Once
This semi-automatic machine pairs a double boiler with a conical burr grinder and a steam wand. The double boiler is the closest thing in this list to a “double” machine because the brew and steam functions have separate heat sources, so you can froth while a shot pours. It suits home users who want a one-box setup and make milk drinks often.
- Double boiler for simultaneous brewing and steaming, per the maker
- 15-bar pump and 58mm portafilter, per the maker and retailers
- Built-in conical burr grinder with 30 settings
- 3-liter removable water reservoir
- 1500W at 120V; about 13.7 in by 12.7 in by 13.1 in
- Boiler capacity and material: confirm on listing
Pros
- Grinder plus double boiler in one appliance
- Large tank means fewer refills
Cons
- Larger than the slim machines
- Built-in grinders limit upgrade options
Compared with the Gemilai, it adds a grinder and a double boiler, but we could not confirm PID control.
Shot temperature and volume are described as customizable, and the package includes shot baskets, a tamper, a milk pitcher and cleaning tools. The 58mm size is commonly used in cafe-grade equipment, which means a wider range of baskets and accessories exists for it. Make sure the counter can handle a machine with a footprint close to 14 inches on each side.
With a machine that grinds, doses and steams, the learning curve shifts from equipment to technique. Start by setting the grinder so a double shot takes about 25 to 30 seconds, then adjust finer or coarser by a click or two at a time. Purge the steam wand before frothing so the first burst of water does not dilute the milk, and wipe the wand right after.
3. CASABREWS CM5418 – Best for Double-Shot Presets in a Narrow Body
This slim stainless machine offers single and double shot presets, a pressure gauge and a manual steam wand. The “double” here is the volume of the shot, not a second group head. It suits couples and small households that want a straightforward double espresso on demand and have only a narrow strip of counter.
- 20-bar pump rating and 1350W, per manufacturer and retailer pages
- Single and double shot presets
- 51mm portafilter and about 34 oz tank
- Footprint about 12.3 in deep and 5.9 in wide
- Thermoblock-style heating reported by independent write-ups
Pros
- Very slim for the features
- Presets simplify double shots
Cons
- Pressurized baskets reported
- Wait between brewing and steaming
It trades the Chefman’s simultaneous brewing and steaming for a much smaller body.
The sister 3700 Essential lists preset volumes of about 30 ml for a single and 60 ml for a double; the CM5418 manual should state its own figures, so confirm there. If you pull one shot after another for guests, plan to wait for the thermoblock to recover.
One more practical point: slim machines often have a drip tray that fills quickly, so check how easily it slides out and whether it has a level indicator. A narrow body also means the tank sits behind or to the side, and you may need to pull the machine forward to refill, which is easier on a counter with a clear front edge.
4. BYESHOP 20 Bar – Best for a Touchscreen With Live Readouts
The BYESHOP listing emphasizes a compact 20-bar build with a milk frother, a dual display for pressure and temperature, and an LED touchscreen. It suits shoppers who like to see numbers during extraction and prefer touch controls to knobs.
- 20-bar pump rating, per the listing
- Dual display for pressure and temperature
- LED touchscreen for cappuccino and espresso selections
- Milk frother attachment or wand
- Tank size, wattage and portafilter size: confirm on listing
Pros
- Live readouts help you learn
- Touch controls speed up routine drinks
Cons
- More electronics to fail on a budget-class unit
- Limited published detail
Next to the Gemilai, it offers a screen but less hardware heft.
The “double” benefit here is informational: seeing pressure and temperature lets you notice a cold start or a clogged basket. Ask the seller about warranty coverage on the screen, since it is the component most exposed to steam and splashes.
Screen-based machines can also include automatic rinse or descaling prompts, which help with maintenance. Read the manual to learn how to calibrate the displays, because a gauge that reads off-zero can mislead you, and note whether the temperature figure refers to the heater or the water at the group.
5. Espresso Machine with Grinder and Frother (30 Settings) – Best for Grinder Plus Hot and Cold Brew
This listing promises a built-in grinder with 30 grind settings, a 20-bar pump, hot and cold brew modes, a steam wand, a latte and cappuccino maker and temperature control. The brand is not named in the title we have, so confirm the maker. It suits those who want a single appliance that covers grinding, espresso and cold coffee.
- 20-bar pump rating and 30 grind settings, per the listing
- Hot and cold brew modes
- Steam wand for milk drinks
- Temperature control named in the title
- Brand, tank size, power and portafilter: confirm on listing
Pros
- Grinder, espresso and cold brew in one unit
- Steam wand and temperature control
Cons
- Brand and key specs are unclear from the title
- Combined appliances can be harder to repair
Compared with the Chefman, it adds cold brew but is less clearly documented.
Check how the grinder is integrated, since some designs place it beside the group head and others feed grounds into the portafilter automatically. Look for a removable hopper and a cleanout brush, because built-in grinders need regular cleaning to prevent stale grounds from affecting flavor.
Cold brew mode on a machine like this usually means a slow, low-temperature cycle, not true multi-hour steeping, so read the listing description before expecting café-style cold brew. If you plan to use it, learn how the machine switches between hot and cold, and rinse the water path between modes to avoid flavor carryover.
6. Gemilai Owl G3006 – Best for a 58mm Group and PID Control
The Owl G3006 is a home machine with a 58mm commercial-size portafilter and PID temperature control. Retail descriptions list a 15-bar Italian pump, 1500W heating from a thermoblock, a dual display with an analog gauge and a 1.7 L tank. It suits enthusiasts who want a bigger basket and temperature control without moving to a boiler machine.
- 58mm portafilter and PID temperature control, per the listing
- 15-bar ULKA-type pump and 1500W thermoblock, per retailer pages
- 1.7 L removable tank
- Dual display with an analog pressure gauge
- Footprint about 370 mm by 247 mm by 393 mm; roughly 7.8 kg
- Steam wand with a two-hole tip
Pros
- 58mm basket opens up more accessory choices
- PID helps hold the set temperature
Cons
- Thermoblock, not a double boiler
- A sister model, the G3006A, adds features, so check the variant
Against the Chefman, it gives you a PID and a more cafe-style group, but no built-in grinder and no simultaneous steam boiler.
Retailers describe adjustable pre-infusion and a brew temperature range, but sources conflict on the exact numbers, so check the manual. Gemilai also sells the G3006A, which lists extra features such as dual PID and an overpressure valve, so confirm that your listing is the model you intend to buy.
Pre-infusion, the brief low-pressure soak before full pressure, helps wet the puck evenly and can reduce channeling, which is when water carves a path through the coffee bed. A PID controller keeps the heater near a target temperature using feedback instead of a simple on-off thermostat. Together they make shots easier to repeat, though you still need a good grinder and a consistent dose to benefit.
Specs Compared
| Model | What “double” means here | Pump rating | Portafilter | Heating | Grinder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHULUX Slim | Double-shot basket likely; confirm on listing | 20 bar | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing | No |
| Chefman Crema Deluxe | Double boiler | 15 bar | 58mm | Double boiler | Built in, 30 settings |
| CASABREWS CM5418 | Double-shot preset | 20 bar | 51mm | Thermoblock-style, per independent write-ups | No |
| BYESHOP 20 Bar | Double-shot basket likely; confirm on listing | 20 bar | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing | No |
| Espresso Machine with Grinder and Frother | Double-shot basket likely; confirm on listing | 20 bar | Confirm on listing | Confirm on listing | Built in, 30 settings |
| Gemilai Owl G3006 | 58mm basket | 15 bar | 58mm | Thermoblock with PID | No |
How We Chose These
We gathered listings that match the search term and then separated the three meanings of “double”: two group heads, a double boiler and a double-shot basket. Specifications come from listing titles, manufacturer pages and retailer data. None of the six has two group heads, and we say so openly. Machines were ranked by how closely they match a reasonable reading of the phrase and by how much verifiable detail exists. We do not claim any personal use of these machines.
What to Look For
The Three Meanings of Double
A double-head or two-group machine has two brew groups that can pull shots at once, and it needs commercial power and plumbing. A double boiler has separate boilers for brewing and steaming, so one function does not wait for the other. A double shot is simply a larger basket, commonly in the range of 14 to 20 grams of coffee, producing about 2 ounces of espresso. Decide which one you actually need, because they solve different problems.
Why Two Group Heads Are Not Home Gear
Two-group machines usually need a dedicated high-amperage circuit and a water line with a drain. They are large and heavy, and the cost and installation put them outside the range of normal home kitchens. If you want to make two drinks quickly at home, a double-boiler machine or a double-spout portafilter is the realistic answer.
Double Boiler Versus Thermoblock
A double boiler holds two bodies of water at set temperatures, so you can steam without losing brew temperature. A thermoblock heats water as it passes through a metal block, which is compact and fast but can require a pause when switching from brewing to steaming. PID control on a thermoblock, like the Gemilai, can improve stability but does not add a second boiler.
Portafilter Size and Baskets
A 58mm portafilter is a common cafe standard and has the widest selection of baskets, tampers and accessories. A 51mm portafilter, as on the CASABREWS models, is smaller and often paired with pressurized baskets. For a double shot, check that the machine includes a double basket and that it fits the dose you plan to use. A worked example: a double basket holding 18 grams of coffee and producing about 36 grams of liquid in roughly 25 to 35 seconds is a common starting recipe, adjusted to taste.
Built-In Grinder Trade-Offs
A built-in grinder saves space and ensures fresh grounds, but a weak grinder limits quality and cannot be upgraded. Separate grinders are easier to replace and often more consistent. If you buy an all-in-one, look for adjustable settings, a removable hopper and a path for cleaning.
Matching Machine to Household Size
A household of one or two usually needs only a single-boiler or thermoblock machine, because drinks are made one after another with natural pauses. Three or four coffee drinkers who each want milk drinks in the morning benefit from a double boiler, since waiting for steam heat-up for each cup adds up. Plan roughly three to four minutes per milk drink on a thermoblock machine, and closer to two minutes when brewing and steaming can overlap.
Dose, Yield and Time
Because the word double is tied to basket size, learn the recipe language. Dose is the weight of dry coffee in the basket, yield is the weight of liquid in the cup, and time is how long the shot takes. A ratio near 1 to 2 (for example 18 grams in, about 36 grams out) is a common starting point for a double. If the shot runs fast and sour, grind finer; if it crawls and tastes bitter, grind coarser. Change one variable at a time.
Safety and Care
Never open the portafilter under pressure, keep the steam wand clean and purge it before and after use, and use the machine on a stable, grounded outlet. Descale on the maker’s schedule. A 1500W machine pulls a high current, so avoid sharing a circuit with other heating appliances.
Questions
Does any machine here have two group heads?
No. All six are single-group home machines. The word “double” in this guide refers to a double boiler, a double-shot basket or a double-shot preset.
Can I pull two shots at once?
With a double basket and a double spout you can fill two small cups from one shot cycle, though it is a single extraction. A two-group commercial machine is needed for two independent shots.
Is a double boiler worth it?
If you make milk drinks often, yes, since it removes the wait between brewing and steaming. If you drink straight espresso, a thermoblock with PID is enough.
What is the difference between 15 bar and 20 bar?
Both are pump ratings, not the pressure at the coffee. Espresso is commonly brewed near 9 bar at the puck, so the higher number is mostly marketing. Compare baskets and temperature control instead.
Is the Chefman or the Gemilai better?
The Chefman suits those who want a grinder and a double boiler in one box. The Gemilai suits those who want PID and a 58mm group and who will pair it with a separate grinder.
How often should I clean a built-in grinder?
Brush out grounds regularly and follow the maker’s cleaning schedule, since old coffee oils can taste stale. Empty the hopper if you will be away for a while.
Update History
- October 21, 2026 – Initial publication; product set drawn from current catalog listings.
- Check the product page for current specifications and availability before buying.
Sources
- Manufacturer and retailer product pages for Chefman, CASABREWS and Gemilai models
- Retailer listing titles and specification fields for all six machines
- Independent published write-ups of the CM5418 for heating-system details
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