The Profitec Pro 300 joins a group of interesting dual-boiler espresso machines for beginners. We have tested the Profitec Pro 300 extensively and present our findings in a test video.*
Price and Positioning
At around 1400 euros or 1600 CHF, the Profitec Pro 300 is one of the most affordable dual-boiler espresso machines on the market. Dual-boiler espresso machines feature two generally independent boilers that can be adjusted individually in temperature. Unlike heat exchanger espresso machines, this allows for independent milk frothing while simultaneously pulling shots of espresso. There are exceptions to this rule in both heat exchangers and dual boilers. The Profitec Pro 300 is not one of them.
We do notice a dependency when heating up the machine, though. However, this does not affect the machine's frothing performance. The 0.4 l brew boiler and the 0.75 l steam boiler are among the smallest boilers we have found in dual-boiler machines. So, it remains to be seen what the performance is like when it comes to frothing, pulling espresso shots, and the important temperature stability.
Buying the Profitec Pro 300
The following specialist retailers distribute the Profitec Pro 300, and we can recommend purchasing from these companies. All of them offer the option to adjust the machine's offset.
Germany:
Switzerland:
We look for specialist partners for you whom we know offer good work and good service, and we are in close contact with the mentioned retailers. These links are so-called commission links. If you order via one of these links, you do not pay a cent more – however, we receive a small commission, which we invest directly in new test equipment.
We continue to look for competent partners in the DACH region for you.
Size, Weight, and Accessories
The Profitec Pro 300 espresso machine has a height of 38.8 cm and a width of 25.5 cm. We measure a depth of 41.5 cm, which increases to 47.5 cm when we insert the portafilter. The total weight of the machine is 19.0 kg.
The brew group of the Profitec Pro 300 is positioned relatively low. There is 7.8 cm of space between the drip tray grate and the spout. That is very little, especially if you also want to place a scale under the cups. This is essential for machines and flow meters for the adjustment of a good espresso. Only very thin scales fit under a cappuccino cup, and otherwise, it has to be maneuvered in awkwardly. 3 to 5 millimeters of extra clearance would be worth its weight in gold here.
The included Profitec tamper has a fairly thin base but fits very flush into the provided filter baskets. There is a gap of 0.4 mm, which is very small. A single and a double portafilter are included in the delivery. They appear to be of high quality, although the baskets are not precision baskets. The steam boiler pressure gauge and the steam wand also leave a good impression.
We do find some sharp edges, e.g., on the drip tray or the side ventilation slots. Nevertheless, the material thickness of the machine and the overall impression are good compared to other machines in the same price range.
The positive outward appearance is complemented by a 2.7-liter water tank that is easy to remove. A positive aspect here is that we don't have to awkwardly thread hoses into the tank. A positive feature compared to a price-related Lelit Elizabeth.
Heat-up Time and Temperature Stability
Anyone who likes to drink espresso quickly after turning on an espresso machine will be happy about a fast heat-up time. This is generally not the forte of dual boilers, as they usually derive their strength from thermal mass and stability. However, the Profitec Pro 300 manages to heat up to operating temperature in around 15 minutes. We measure a solid 91 to 92 degrees during the first shot with a set brew temperature of 93. If multiple shots are pulled one after another at one-minute intervals, the machine does tend to overshoot slightly. We measure a standard deviation of 1.32 in the KM protocol and a standard deviation of 1.28 in the WBC protocol. It could be better, but it's not a bad value; it is within the range for this price class. It is particularly nice that we hardly measure any offset if we use the average brew temperature of the WBC or KM protocol as a basis. With a set brew temperature of 93 degrees Celsius, the machine shows 93.26 degrees in the WBC protocol (seconds 4 - 25 of the extraction).
It is interesting that we only achieve such warm-up performance if we switch on the machine's steam boiler. If it is switched off, we only reach the target temperature after more than 25 minutes. The slow warm-up phase is difficult to explain in terms of construction. However, it is obviously important that the steam boiler contributes to the temperature within the machine's body.
We were somewhat puzzled by the results of the temperature measurements due to the heat-up time (with and without steam boiler) because of the construction. We therefore asked Profitec whether our measurement results are reproducible. Profitec measured other Pro 300s and essentially confirmed our results.
Statement from Profitec:
The waste heat from the steam boiler has an influence on the temperatures of surrounding components. As a result, when the steam boiler is switched off, the desired brew temperature is reached a few minutes later. A slight increase in the offset by qualified specialist personnel can compensate for the temperature difference when the steam boiler is switched off.
Without the steam boiler, we recommend a heat-up time of 25 minutes. In the graphic above, we started pulling shots after 20 minutes. It is visible that it takes some time for the brew temperature to get going. In the following graphic, we pulled the first shot after 25 minutes. It is well illustrated that the temperature is then virtually there, even if a flush to heat up the portafilter is still useful.
Measurements were taken using both the WBC protocol and the KM protocol. The measurements are logged using the Scace 2 58mm portafilter, a K-type sensor, and a PCE-T 330. The initial measurement takes place at 25 minutes. We also check the manufacturer's specifications. If a manufacturer states that an espresso machine should be hot after 8 minutes, we check this with the KM protocol. In a third series of measurements, we approach the heat-up time by performing one measurement each day and then allowing the espresso machine to cool down for 24 hours. We usually approach the heat-up time in 5-minute increments and, for example, pull KM protocol curves after 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. The measurement procedure is as follows:
- Check the water temperature in the water tank. Target: 20 degrees +/- 2
- Heat up for 25 minutes or the defined time with the measuring portafilter inserted, then
- remove
- flush for 5 s
- insert
- extract for 25 s
- leave inserted for 15 s
- remove
- leave outside for 45 s
- flush for 2 s
- extract for 25 s
- This process is repeated 5 times in total.
Energy Consumption of the Profitec Pro 300
The Profitec Pro 300 has very low energy consumption. Not only is the consumption without the boiler switched on spectacularly low. Even with the boiler, we achieve very good values of only 0.2 kWh including the heat-up time and 5 double shots. The consumption for pulling a double espresso including heat-up time is 0.16 kWh.
If we do not switch on the steam boiler, we do wait longer. However, since the larger 0.75-liter steam boiler does not have to be heated, the energy consumption for a double espresso is 0.08 kWh. If we pull another 4 double shots, we enter the comparison window to our other performance measurements for other machines. We then measure 0.119 kWh and thus state an remarkably low consumption here as well. This puts the Profitec Pro 300 on the same level as some thermoblock espresso machines. Classy!
We have attached further graphics on energy consumption without steam at the end of this page.
Preparing espresso
Preparing espresso with the Profitec Pro 300 is easy. With a good grinder on the side, we have enjoyed excellent extractions with high consistency. The vibration pump guarantees a slow pressure build-up, which ensured the first drops in the cup appeared after 8 to 10 seconds during our espresso extractions. Extractions tend to take a bit longer with such a slow pressure build-up, depending, of course, on the coffee and personal taste.
As written above, the temperature of the shots is sufficiently constant. With some knowledge of one's own machine, one can develop a good feel for where the temperature is currently and whether or not a longer flush is necessary. If the machine has been standing for a while (30 minutes + with the steam boiler), we recommend a flush of 6 - 8 seconds.
The Profitec Pro 300 lacks features like pre-infusion or a lower flow rate that we have found in other dual boilers in this price range. But it delivers what we can expect from a good dual boiler. This includes PID-controlled adjustment of the brew boiler via the front of the machine.
Furthermore, it has a welcome "Last Shot" protection. Even if the water in the water tank is running low, the machine does not stop in the middle of a shot but lets the home barista finish it. Anyone who has ever stood cursing in front of their machine because the water ran out during a shot knows how important such a function is for a barista's peace of mind.
Frothing with the handbrake on
With the Profitec Pro 300, as is appropriate for a dual boiler, we can froth milk in parallel with pulling an espresso and subsequently pour a cappuccino. Frothing in the factory state works fine but takes time, and the Profitec Pro 300 is certainly not the fastest frothing machine. Unfortunately, the temperature of the steam boiler cannot be easily increased via a PID control. The corresponding temperature control on the front only affects the brew boiler.
The steam boiler can also be supported in terms of performance. To do this, four screws must be removed and the top cover taken off. Hidden here is the pressurestat, which can be carefully adjusted upwards. More on this in the video. Some home baristas also report that they have had good experiences with changing the nozzle to one with a different number of holes.
In the factory setting, we need 58 seconds to heat 300 ml of water to 60 degrees. That is a slow value.
Conclusion on the Profitec Pro 300
The Profitec Pro 300 is an interesting dual-boiler espresso machine from the German manufacturer Profitec. It is not only the broad network of specialist dealers that sells the machine in many regions that is a strong argument in favor of this dual boiler.
The Profitec Pro 300 impresses with an overall good performance in many areas. The low power consumption for a dual boiler is outstanding. The build quality of the machine is good, and the temperature stability is solid. The functional control switches for the steam and brew boiler, as well as the power switch and the no-frills design, make the Profitec Pro 300 the right choice for home baristas who are looking for exactly that. While the steam performance in the factory state doesn't blow us away, it can be improved via the pressurestat inside the well-organized machine. A slight drawback is the low height of the portafilter suspension. Larger cups or higher scales do not fit well under the spouts. We measure a height of only 7.8 cm, which is rather small.
We are certain: anyone who calls the Profitec Pro 300 their own will also be able to welcome good espressos and delicious cappuccinos into their household. The dual-boiler Profitec Pro 300 provides all the necessary prerequisites for this.
* Note: We uploaded the video for the Profitec Pro 300 twice. In the first video version, we incorrectly stated that the Profitec Pro 300 does not have insulated boilers. That is not the case. We also did not detail the energy consumption. However, this is actually relatively low for a dual boiler and is an important argument for the espresso machine.
Active power W and active energy kWh without steam
Active power W and active energy kWh with steam
