ExploreHorizon 20Bar Dual Boiler Espresso Machine | Double Boiler, LCD Touch Panel, Self-Cleaning, Milk Frother, Built-In Grinder, 4 Beverage Options for Home/Office
$452.99
In stock
- Dual boiler system brews espresso and steams milk simultaneously for perfect coffee.
- LCD touch panel lets you easily select from 4 beverage options with one touch.
- Built-in grinder delivers fresh-ground beans for richer, more flavorful espresso.
- Self-cleaning system saves time and effort, keeping your machine pristine.
- Fully automatic operation makes professional-quality espresso simple at home or office.
Our Score
ExploreHorizon Dual Boiler Espresso Machine Review — 20Bar Fully Review
If you want café-quality espresso at home without the wait, the ExploreHorizon Dual Boiler Espresso Machine promises a streamlined experience. This fully automatic model combines a built-in grinder, 20-bar pressure, and a dual-boiler system that lets you brew coffee and steam milk at the same time—ideal for busy mornings when you need a latte and breakfast on the go. It offers four beverage options (espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and hot water) via a simple LCD touch panel. The self-cleaning function reduces after-use scrubbing, and its slim design (though width is debated) aims to fit small countertops. While not a high-end commercial machine, it targets home users who want convenience and fresh-ground coffee without a barista course.
Product Overview
The ExploreHorizon ZL-EspressoMachine-Gold-0715FywY7g is a fully automatic espresso machine that blends convenience with decent build quality. It features a dual-boiler setup: one boiler for brewing at 20 bar and another for steaming, allowing you to pull shots and froth milk simultaneously. The built-in conical burr grinder grinds fresh beans for each drink, and the machine can also use pre-ground coffee via a bypass (though this isn't explicitly mentioned, it's common in this class). The water tank holds 1.5 liters, which is adequate for several drinks before refilling. According to the manufacturer, the machine is only 7.4 inches wide, but the official specifications list dimensions as 10.24 inches wide, 16.14 inches tall, and 21.06 inches deep. This discrepancy may mean the footprint is slightly larger than advertised, so measure your counter space accordingly. The machine weighs 23.62 pounds, so it's not easily moved once placed. Included components are the milk frother (a steam wand with automatic frothing), a reusable filter basket, and a cleaning tool. The exterior is gray plastic and stainless steel, with an LCD touch panel that cycles through drink options. Cleaning is emphasized: the machine has a self-cleaning cycle, but one reviewer notes that cleaning is required often—a common trait for espresso machines with milk systems. The drip tray and water tank are removable for easy rinsing. Overall, this machine is designed for daily use by individuals or small families who value automation and don't want to hand-tamp or monitor every step.
Key Features
Dual Boiler System
- ✓Separate boilers for brewing and steaming let you pull espresso and froth milk at the same time.
- ✓No waiting between drink steps—ideal for making milk-based beverages quickly.
- ✓Temperature stability for consistent extraction and steam power.
Built-In Grinder
- ✓Freshly grinds whole beans before each brew for better flavor and aroma.
- ✓Adjustable grind settings allow fine-tuning for espresso extraction (specific steps not confirmed).
- ✓Saves counter space by eliminating a separate grinder.
One-Touch Beverages
- ✓Four preset drink options: espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato, and hot water.
- ✓Simply select your drink on the LCD touch panel and the machine handles the rest.
- ✓Customizable volume for each drink (though not detailed in materials).
Self-Cleaning System
- ✓Automatic cleaning cycles activate after each use to flush internal lines.
- ✓Reduces manual disassembly and scrubbing—just run the program.
- ✓Milk frother also has a cleaning mode to prevent residue buildup.
Compact Design
- ✓Width listed as 10.24 inches (manufacturer says 7.4 inches—verify before purchase).
- ✓Slim enough to fit between standard kitchen appliances.
- ✓Drip tray is large enough for multiple drinks without frequent emptying.
20-Bar Pressure
- ✓High pressure extracts rich crema and full flavor from coffee grounds.
- ✓Consistent pressure across all drink types.
- ✓Matches the standard for home espresso machines in this price bracket.
Build & Materials
The ExploreHorizon dual boiler espresso machine follows the typical design of modern fully automatic models. It measures roughly 21 inches deep, 10.24 inches wide, and 16.14 inches tall—dimensions that require a dedicated counter space of about 20 inches depth and 12 inches width. The body is primarily constructed from hard plastic with stainless steel accents on the front panel and steam wand. The water tank is translucent plastic, allowing you to check water level at a glance. The bean hopper on top holds a modest amount of beans. The touch panel is backlit LCD, responsive to taps, and switches between drink icons. The steam wand is a manual panarello style (likely plastic) that automatically froths milk when placed in the pitcher. The drip tray is plastic with a stainless steel grate and a float level indicator. Overall build feels sturdy for the price, though plastic components may not withstand heavy commercial use.
Maintenance is straightforward: the self-cleaning cycle uses steam and hot water to purge the brew group and milk system. The drip tray and water tank are easy to remove and wash. However, as one reviewer noted, cleaning is required often—especially the milk frother, which needs rinsing after every use to prevent clogs. The machine also includes a cleaning tool for the grinder burrs, though frequency depends on use. The filter basket is reusable (one included), but you'll need to replace it periodically. The brew group is not removable, which simplifies cleaning but means descaling will be needed every few months (not specified by manufacturer but standard for machines without serviceable brew group).
Pros and Cons
What Works
- ✓Dual boiler allows simultaneous brewing and steaming, saving time.
- ✓Built-in grinder provides fresh-ground coffee for each drink.
- ✓Self-cleaning system reduces manual effort after each use.
- ✓Compact footprint fits smaller kitchens (with width confirmation).
- ✓One-touch operation for espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato.
- ✓Reusable filter is eco-friendly and reduces ongoing costs.
- ✓20-bar pressure extracts good crema from fresh beans.
What Doesn't
- ✗Cleaning required often, especially milk frother and drip tray.
- ✗Width discrepancy between manufacturer claim and official specs may confuse buyers.
- ✗No customizable grind size or water hardness settings (as per available info).
- ✗Only four beverage options; no cold brew or lungo presets.
- ✗Water tank capacity (1.5L) is average; large households may refill often.
- ✗Cannot remove brew group for deep cleaning, potentially affecting long-term maintenance.
The Verdict
The ExploreHorizon Dual Boiler Espresso Machine offers solid value for its price point, especially if you want a fully automatic machine with a built-in grinder and dual boiler capability. The simultaneous brewing and steaming is a genuine time-saver, and the self-cleaning feature reduces daily upkeep. However, the machine isn't perfect: cleaning is still required more often than some competitors, and the width discrepancy between marketing and specs is confusing. For its intended audience—home users who prioritize convenience and drink variety—it performs reliably and produces decent espresso. If you are a purist who wants full control over every variable, a semi-automatic machine might suit you better. But for most households, this machine strikes a good balance between automation and coffee quality.
Is It Worth It?
What You Get
- Dual boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming
- Built-in conical burr grinder for fresh coffee
- Four one-touch beverage options with LCD touch panel
- Self-cleaning cycle reduces manual maintenance
- Reusable filter and milk frother included
What You Pay
$452.99 at time of review
Maintenance Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-ground coffee in this machine?
How often does the machine need descaling?
Does the milk frother produce good foam?
What is the actual width of the machine?
Can I adjust the coffee strength or volume?
Is the machine easy to clean?
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Product Specifications
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