The Profitec Move is a revised Profitec Pro 300 dual boiler espresso machine. It has been externally redesigned, received an OLED display, and incorporates several smart functions and controls. A fast heat-up procedure is intended to accelerate the heating time and improve energy efficiency.
Quality
The new Move boasts a very high-quality exterior. Internally, we also find proven Profitec quality. We appreciate the new look of our model, featuring powder-coated black stainless steel with American walnut handles. A positive detail is that the drip tray is now black, which was not the case with its predecessor.
The toggle levers for steam and hot water are stylish and functional. The new OLED display and control buttons are elegantly integrated into the front. Together with the new time-volume buttons, they form a cohesive control surface. In terms of design and material quality, the Move is a modern and elegant machine. The new manometer fits well into this picture.
The edges of the machine appear even more rounded, which we particularly notice on the drip tray. Only the perforated grips of the drip tray are still a bit sharp.
Tapping on the machine also reveals that the material chosen is not too thin. The powder coating helps ensure that fingerprints are not as visible as on highly polished stainless steel machines. The slightly rough matte finish of the machine also provides a pleasant grip.
The toggle levers on our model are still a bit stiff, but this should ease with use.
Only at the rear upper corners do the edges of the curved stainless steel body not close flush. But this is criticism at a high level.
The Move weighs 18 kilograms. It is 37.7 cm high, 43 cm deep, and 26.7 cm wide. With the portafilter, it reaches a depth of 51 cm. The distance between the drip tray and the sieve is 7.7 cm.
We give the Profitec Move 7 out of 10 points for workmanship and quality.
Heat-up Time and Temperature
The Profitec Move shines when it's warm. In both the KM protocol and the WBC protocol, we measured high temperature consistency during extraction and from one extraction to the next. Particularly in the WBC protocol and after an hour of operation, we achieved a low standard deviation of only 0.82°. Across all 14 extractions, we measured a maximum temperature deviation of 4.52° Celsius between the highest and lowest temperature points. With a set temperature of 93° Celsius, we achieved an average temperature of 92.11° across all extractions.
WBC Protocol at a target temperature of 93 degrees
KM Protocol Profitec Move after 17 minutes with steam boiler on
Profitec Move Heat-up Time
We disagree with the manufacturer Profitec regarding the heat-up time. Profitec specifies a heat-up time of 10 minutes. However, at this point, we are far from reaching the target temperature. Even with a heat-up time of 17 minutes, the Scace measuring portafilter does not yet measure 92° in the first shot. Since the Scace portafilter has more mass than the new portafilter with a silicone spout, we assume a heat-up time of 17 minutes.
KM Protocol Profitec Move after 10 minutes with steam boiler switched on
It should also be noted that the Profitec Move, just like its predecessor, the Profitec Pro 300, takes longer to heat up without the steam boiler. We measured 21 minutes to reach brewing temperature.
Brewing Temperature Classification
The slow heat-up time of the Profitec Move surprises us. With the ECM Synchronika II and the Profitec Go, the manufacturer has twice successfully demonstrated how a fast heat-up can be beneficial to a machine. With the Profitec Move, this was not achieved in our test series.
We are far from a heat-up time of 10 minutes and find such a claim difficult to comprehend, at least if we assume a brewing temperature of plus 92 degrees. In this context, the new portafilter with silicone spout also seems out of place. In a machine that achieves very fast heat-up times, this could be a supportive element in temperature balance. Silicone is hardly temperature-conductive, therefore does not need to be heated up, and will hardly draw any temperature from the espresso.
Profitec's Statement
Profitec has since responded to our temperature measurements in a blog post, without directly referring to our measurements. Nevertheless, we interpret the series of measurements published four days after our video as a response.
From our point of view, Profitec's own series of measurements confirmed our results and also clearly demonstrated that there are essentially different opinions on what constitutes the heat-up time of an espresso machine.
Definition of Heat-up Time for Profitec
"For the PROFITEC MOVE, we state a heat-up time of approximately 9 minutes," writes Profitec in this blog post. At this point, the machine reaches a temperature of 88 degrees. With further extractions, the Profitec Move then barely reaches a temperature of under 92 degrees Celsius in the third extraction. For these extractions, Profitec uses a portafilter preheated with a second Profitec Move to compensate for the greater mass of the measuring portafilter compared to a portafilter with a silicone spout. The temperature set by Profitec is 92 degrees. Profitec therefore accepts a deviation of 4 degrees from the set temperature as sufficient heating.
Definition of Heat-up Time for Kaffeemacher
To determine the heat-up time, a typical home espresso preparation scenario is crucial for us. The target temperature of each espresso machine is set to 93 degrees Celsius. The first shot after a warm-up shot of the portafilter is decisive for us. The first shot on espresso machines with classic portafilters must reach at least 92 degrees Celsius.
For the warm-up shot, the portafilter is not clamped in, but held directly under the hot brew water. The portafilter is not clamped in because the measuring portafilter simulates the typical resistance of an espresso. However, this does not correspond to your portafilter at home, as it allows a high flow without resistance. Therefore, the portafilter is held under the hot water (also in consultation with Profitec).
For us, it is not the third or fourth shot that is crucial, but the first shot. We find that a flush shot is acceptable. However, it is not realistic that several shots have to be made at home before the desired temperature is reached.
For portafilters like the Profitec Move's portafilter, which have less mass, we apply a larger tolerance window. That's why we specified a heat-up time of 17 minutes. Without this larger temperature tolerance, the Move would not have reached the temperature window after 17, but at approx. 19 to 20 minutes.
We additionally tested our test protocol with a preheated portafilter. We conclude that the low measured temperatures cannot be attributed to the mass of the measuring portafilter, but to the excessively low brewing temperatures of the Profitec Move.
Profitec and we obviously have different opinions on what is sufficiently hot for the Move. In other cases, e.g., with the ECM Synchronika 2 or Profitec Go, we are well calibrated for this, and we can confirm the heat-up times with our measurements.
Energy Consumption and Power Measurement
Michel mentions in the video that we're at 0.095 kWh for preparing an espresso. While that's true for a single espresso, we usually refer to the comparative value with 5 double shots. This is 0.122 kWh, which is still a good value.
Volumetric: Time-Controlled
A time-controlled volumetric system is present. Two buttons can be programmed. The machine dispenses brewing water for a desired time at standard pressure and flow. Depending on the resistance of the coffee puck, more or less water flows through the portafilter. With a fine grind, a few drops trickle through the sieve; with a coarse grind, the brewing water flows quickly through the coffee. The result is different coffee volumes in the cup. Such a time-controlled volumetric system is better than no volume setting at all. However, it is not suitable for precise espresso brewing.
If a time-controlled volumetric system is integrated into a machine, we usually use it as a kind of "emergency shut-off." We program 35 to 40 seconds and manually stop after the desired output volume or time. If we are distracted while brewing espresso, the machine will still turn off after the defined time.
A time-controlled volumetric system receives 3 out of 10 possible points from us by default.
Noise Level and Operation
The Profitec Move purrs on the quieter side. 57 decibels is a quiet value in the field of espresso machines. The machine achieves this thanks to its quiet vibratory pump with clever suspension. We rate a noise level of 57 decibels as very good, giving it 4 out of 5 points.
The new OLED display allows for several smart settings. The on and off times are practical. It can be programmed when the machine starts. An Eco mode can also be switched on, as can a pre-infusion.
Pre-infusion
It can be defined how long brewing water is applied to the coffee and how long a subsequent pause should take place. The line pressure remains. Afterwards, the pump returns to full power. In conjunction with a vibratory pump, we find this type of pre-infusion significantly better than pre-infusion with a rotary pump. The pressure build-up of the vibratory pump is less abrupt than with a rotary pump. If the rotary pump quickly reaches full pressure, there is a risk that the coffee puck will be perforated.
Additional Features
The temperature of the steam and brewing boiler can also be set via the display. The steam boiler can also be switched off if desired. The useful shortcuts, with which the cleaning program or the pre-infusion can be activated, are also very practical. The Profitec Move is also equipped with Last Shot technology. This is a practical function that ensures that the extraction does not suddenly break off when the water tank is almost empty, but can still be completed.
We rate the usability with a good 7 out of 10 points.
Accessories and Equipment
The Profitec Move comes with a good accessory package. We really like the cylindrical 21g basket, even if it can only be used with the bottomless portafilter. The silicone inserts do not fit because the basket sits too deep in the portafilter.
The 17g or 18g basket has a slight internal curvature. Quality is okay, but not perfect. A 1-shot basket and a blind basket are also included. The solid Profitec tamper is also in this set. It closes flush with the side walls of the baskets and is pleasing. The thin base of the tamper is a matter of taste. Our tester Michel Indelicato prefers tampers that finish flush with the rim of the basket when tamping coffee. This makes it easier to touch the rim of the basket and the transition to the tamper with the thumbs and index finger when tamping, thus tamping straight.
The Profitec portafilter is innovative and is designed to accelerate the heat-up process with its lower mass. Furthermore, it is versatile. Thanks to the silicone attachments, the portafilter can be optionally equipped with a 1-shot or 2-shot spout. Without silicone spouts, the portafilter becomes a bottomless portafilter. Three portafilter options in one are not only smart but also practical in everyday life. Once the portafilter is warm, you can still switch between the options. Caution, the portafilter will be hot! Thanks to the silicone, there is no risk of scratching the work surface during tamping. The portafilter is virtually its own tamping mat. That's practical! The portafilter itself is a good and innovative solution and will surely find its place on other Profitec models. In our test, the lower mass of 430g did not prove to be a significant accelerator of the heat-up time. However, this is not due to the portafilter, but to the slow heating of the brew water.
Accessories and Equipment: 3.5 out of 5 points
Frothing Behavior and Pressure
The Profitec Move is anything but a frothing marvel. But it froths reliably. In our benchmark test, we measure 50 seconds to heat the milk, without simultaneously drawing in air. However, the pressure is sufficient to bring all the milk into circulation. The Move takes time – which is actually comfortable for anyone who isn't yet confidently handling high pressure.
The machine is equipped with a cool-touch steam wand. Also on the positive side is the switchable steam boiler. If you don't want to froth, you don't necessarily have to turn on the steam boiler. However, it should be noted that the machine takes about 2 to 4 minutes longer to reach operating temperature without the steam boiler switched on. We measure a heat-up time of 21 minutes without the steam boiler.
It's clear that good latte art-capable foam can be frothed with the Profitec Move. We rate the steam and frothing performance, despite the highest temperature setting, with 5 out of 10 possible points due to the slow heat-up.
Conclusion on the Profitec Move
The Profitec Move is a redesigned Profitec Pro 300. Accordingly, we looked forward to the new machine with anticipation. The advancements made in the display, operation, and aesthetics are only partially successfully implemented in other areas. The heat-up time, in particular, disappoints us. Instead of the 9 minutes heat-up time announced by Profitec, we measure 17 minutes. This is mainly because we expect a brewing temperature of +/- 92 degrees for the first shot after a warm-up shot. Profitec itself considers 88 degrees as a sufficient starting temperature for an espresso machine set to 92 degrees.
When the machine is truly heated up, we observe very consistent brewing temperatures. And otherwise, the machine's performance is good once it's up and running. Over the test weeks, we drank many good espressos from the Profitec Move, and even the cappuccino doesn't have to hide, despite mediocre frothing performance.
For many espressos and a large gathering to be served with coffee, the Profitec would not be our first or second choice. The frothing performance, in particular, is too weak for that, even if the temperature consistency is good even in the WBC protocol. (Volume and Catering Potential: 5/10)
The accessories are pleasing, and the new portafilter, in particular, is smart. In terms of quality, we also find proven Profitec quality. Anyone who owns a Profitec Move at home will enjoy their solid machine for a long time, provided the weaknesses of the machine we mentioned do not play a major role.
