How the Pro brews and steams at the same time
The Pro has two boilers, one for coffee and one for steam, so it can pull a shot and steam milk at once. Here is what that changes in the morning.
Sep 8, 2026 · 2 min read
Coffee and steam need different temperatures. Water for espresso should be a little under boiling. Steam needs water well above it. A machine with one boiler has to switch between the two, so you brew first, then wait for it to heat up for steam. The Pro has a boiler for each, so both are ready at once.
What one boiler means on the Duo
The Duo has one boiler. You pull the shot, then switch to steam and wait a few seconds while the boiler gets hotter. For one or two drinks that is no trouble. For a household making four milk drinks in a row, the waiting adds up.
What two boilers change on the Pro
On the Pro you start the shot and open the steam wand at the same moment. The milk is ready when the shot is, and the next shot can start straight away. That is how it makes four drinks in five minutes.
When the Duo is enough
- The Pro takes 90 seconds to warm up, against 45 for the Duo, because there are two boilers to heat.
- The Pro is wider, with a second gauge for the steam boiler.
- The Pro costs $1,450, against $950 for the Duo. If one or two of you drink milk drinks, the Duo is enough.
Written by The engineer, co-founder of Nove
