The Profitec Pro 300 joins a group of interesting entry-level dual-boiler espresso machines . We have tested the Profitec Pro 300 extensively and present our results in a review video.*
Price and classification
At around €1,400 (CHF 1,600), the Profitec Pro 300 is one of the most affordable dual-boiler espresso machines on the market . Dual-boiler espresso machines generally have two independent boilers, each with individually adjustable temperatures. Unlike dual-boiler espresso machines, this allows for independent frothing of the milk while simultaneously brewing espresso. There are exceptions to this rule for both dual-boiler and dual-boiler models. The Profitec Pro 300 is not one of them.
We also observed a dependency when heating up the machines. However, this does not affect the frothing performance of the machine. The 0.4 l brewing boiler and the 0.75 l steam boiler are among the smallest boilers we found in dual boilers. Therefore, it remains to be seen how their performance is when frothing and brewing espresso, as well as the important temperature consistency.
Buy Profitec Pro 300
The following specialist retailers sell the Profitec Pro 300, and we recommend purchasing from them. All offer the option of adjusting the machine's offset.
Germany:
Switzerland:
We search for specialist partners for you who we know offer good work and excellent service, and we maintain close contact with the retailers mentioned. The links are so-called commission links. If you order through one of these links, you won't pay a cent more – however, we receive a small commission, which we invest directly in new test equipment.
We are still looking for competent partners for you in the DACH region.
Size, weight and accessories
The Profitec Pro 300 espresso machine is 38.8 cm high and 25.5 cm wide. We measured a depth of 41.5 cm, reaching 47.5 cm with the portafilter in place. The total weight of the machine is 19.0 kg.
The Profitec Pro 300's brewing group is relatively low. There's 7.8 cm of space between the drip tray and the spout. This is very limited, especially if you also want to place a scale under the cups. This is essential for machines with flow meters to adjust the espresso . Only very thin scales fit under the cappuccino cup, and otherwise, the scales would be awkward to thread through. A gap of 3 to 5 millimeters would be invaluable here.
The included Profitec tamper has a fairly thin base, but fits very snugly into the included sieves. There's a gap of 0.4 mm, which is very small. A single-cup and a double-cup portafilter are included. They appear to be of high quality, although the sieves are not precision sieves. The steam boiler's pressure gauge and steam wand also make a good impression.
We found some sharp edges, such as on the drip tray and the side ventilation ducts. Nevertheless, the machine's material thickness and overall appearance are good compared to other machines in the same price range.
The positive exterior appearance is complemented by a 2.7-liter water tank that's easy to remove. A positive feature is that there's no complicated hose threading required. This is a positive feature compared to a similarly priced Lelit Elizabeth .
Heating time and temperature stability
Anyone who likes to drink espresso quickly after turning on an espresso machine will appreciate the quick heat-up time. This is not usually the forefront of dual boilers, as they generally rely on slowness and consistency. However, the Profitec Pro 300 manages to heat up to operating temperature in around 15 minutes. We measured a good 91 to 92 degrees Celsius on the first draw with a brewing temperature set at 93. If several draws are made one minute apart, however, the machine over-regulates somewhat. We measured a standard deviation of 1.32 for the KM protocol and 1.28 for the WBC protocol . This could be better, but it's not a bad value either; it's within the range for the price category. What's particularly nice is that we hardly measured any offset when we use the average brewing temperature of the WBC or KM protocol as a basis. With a brewing temperature set to 93 degrees Celsius, the machine shows 93.26 degrees in the WBC protocol (seconds 4 - 25 of the extraction).
Interestingly, we only achieve this kind of warm-up performance when we switch on the machine's steam boiler. If it's switched off, we only reach the target temperature after more than 25 minutes. The slow warm-up phase isn't easily explained by the design. However, it's clearly important that the steam boiler in the machine's body contributes to the temperature.
We were surprised by the temperature measurement results, due to the heating time (with and without a steam boiler). We therefore asked Profitec whether our measurement results were consistent. Profitec remeasured other Pro300s and largely confirmed our results.
Profitec statement:
The waste heat from the steam boiler influences the temperatures of surrounding components. As a result, the desired brewing temperature is reached a few minutes later when the steam boiler is turned off. A slight increase in the offset, performed by qualified personnel, can compensate for the temperature difference when the steam boiler is turned off.
Without a steam boiler, we recommend a heat-up time of 25 minutes. In the graph above, we started brewing after 20 minutes. It's clear that it takes some time for the brewing temperature to reach its full potential. In the graph below, we made the first brew after 25 minutes. This clearly illustrates that the temperature is essentially at its peak, although a rinse brew to warm up the portafilter is still advisable.
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 is taken at 25 minutes. We also check the manufacturer's specifications. If a manufacturer specifies that an espresso machine should be hot after 8 minutes, we check this using the KM protocol. In a third series of measurements, we work towards the heat-up time by taking a measurement every day and then allowing the espresso machine to cool down for 24 hours. We generally approach the heat-up time in 5-minute increments, for example, using KM protocol curves after 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. The measurement process is as follows:
- Check the water temperature in the water tank. Target: 20 degrees +/- 2
- Heat up for 25 min or a defined time with the measuring sieve carrier clamped in, then
- relax
- Rinse for 5 seconds
- clamp
- Extract 25 s
- Leave clamped for 15 seconds
- relax
- Leave stretched out for 45 seconds
- Rinse for 2 seconds
- Extract 25 s
- This process is repeated 5 times in total.
Energy consumption of the Profitec Pro 300
The Profitec Pro 300 boasts very low energy consumption. Not only is its consumption spectacularly low without the boiler running, but even with the boiler running, we achieved excellent results of just 0.2 kWh, including the heat-up time and five double shots. A double espresso, including the heat-up time, consumes 0.16 kWh.
If we don't turn on the steam boiler, we'll wait longer. However, since the larger 0.75-liter steam boiler doesn't need to be heated, we get an energy consumption of 0.08 kWh for a double espresso. If we add another four double shots, we get into the comparison window with our other performance measurements for other machines. We then measure 0.119 kWh, which is also a remarkably low consumption. This puts the Profitec Pro 300 on par with some thermoblock espresso machines. Great!
We have attached further graphics on energy consumption without steam at the end of this page.
Making espresso
Making espresso with the Profitec Pro 300 is a breeze. With a good grinder at its side, we enjoyed excellent, consistent extractions. The vibration pump ensures a slow pressure buildup, which resulted in the first drops in our espresso after 8 to 10 seconds. Extractions tend to take a bit longer with such a slow pressure buildup, depending, of course, on the coffee and your taste.
As mentioned above, the temperature of the covers is sufficiently constant. With a little knowledge of your machine, you can develop a good sense of where the temperature is at any given time and whether a longer rinse cycle is necessary. If the machine is left standing for a longer period (30 minutes + with steam boiler), we recommend a 6-8 second rinse cycle.
The Profitec Pro 300 lacks features like pre-infusion or a lower flow rate, which we've found on other dual boilers in this price range. But it delivers what we'd expect from a good dual boiler. This includes PID-controlled adjustment of the brewing boiler via the front of the machine.
It also features a welcome "last shot" protection feature. Even if the water in the water tank runs low, the machine doesn't stop mid-brew, but lets the home barista finish brewing. Anyone who's ever stood cursing in front of their machine because the water ran out again in the middle of a brew knows how important such a feature is for the barista's peace of mind.
Foaming with the handbrake on
With the Profitec Pro 300, we can froth milk and then pour a cappuccino, similar to a dual boiler, while making an espresso. The initial froth is decent, but it takes time, and the Profitec Pro 300 is certainly not the fastest frothing machine. Unfortunately, the steam boiler temperature cannot be easily increased via a PID controller. The corresponding temperature control on the front only affects the brewing boiler.
The steam boiler's performance can also be boosted. To do this, remove four screws and remove the top cover. This reveals the pressure switch, which can be carefully raised. Watch the video to learn more. Some home baristas also report positive results by changing the nozzle to a different number of holes.
In the starting position, it takes 58 seconds to heat 300 ml of water to 60 degrees Celsius. That's 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. The extensive network of specialist dealers that sells the machine in many regions is a strong selling point for this dual-boiler.
The Profitec Pro 300 impresses with its overall good performance in many areas. The low power consumption for a dual boiler is outstanding. The machine's build quality is good, and the temperature consistency is solid. The practical control switches for the steam and brewing boiler, as well as the on/off switches and the straightforward design make the Profitec Pro 300 the right choice for home baristas looking for just that. While the steam performance doesn't blow us away out of the box, it can be improved using the pressure switch inside the well-organized machine. The low height of the portafilter holder is a bit of a shame. Larger cups or taller carts don't fit well together under the spouts. We measured a height of just 7.8 cm, which is rather low.
We're confident that anyone who owns the Profitec Pro 300 will also be able to enjoy great espressos and delicious cappuccinos in their home. The dual-boiler Profitec Pro 300 provides everything they need .
*Note: We uploaded the Profitec Pro 300 video twice. In the first version, we incorrectly stated that the Profitec Pro 300 doesn't have insulated boilers. This isn't true. We also didn't include the energy consumption. However, this is actually relatively low for a dual boiler and a key selling point for this espresso machine.
Active power W and active energy kWh without steam
Active power W and active energy kWh with steam
