The Profitec Pro 300 joins a group of interesting entry-level dual boiler espresso machines. We have extensively tested the Profitec Pro 300 and present our results in a test video.*
Price and Classification
At around 1400 Euros or CHF 1600, the Profitec Pro 300 is one of the most affordable dual boiler espresso machines on the market. Dual boiler espresso machines typically feature two independent boilers that can be individually set to a desired temperature. Unlike heat exchanger espresso machines, this allows for independent milk frothing while espresso is being brewed simultaneously. There are exceptions to these rules for both heat exchanger and dual boiler machines. The Profitec Pro 300 is not one of them.
While heating up the machines, we do observe a dependency. However, this does not affect the frothing performance of the machine. 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 how the performance in frothing and espresso brewing, and the crucial temperature stability, fare.
Buy Profitec Pro 300
The following specialist shops sell the Profitec Pro 300, and we recommend purchasing from them. All offer the option to adjust the machine's offset.
Germany:
Switzerland:
We actively search for specialist partners known for their excellent work and service, and we maintain close communication with the retailers mentioned. The links provided are commission links. If you order through one of these links, you won't pay a cent more – but we receive a small commission, which we invest directly into new test equipment.
We are still looking for competent partners in the DACH region.
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, extending to 47.5 cm when the portafilter is engaged. The total weight of the machine is 19.0 kg.
The brew group of the Profitec Pro 300 is relatively low. There is 7.8 cm of space between the drip tray grate and the spout. This is very little, especially if a scale also needs to fit under the cups. This is absolutely necessary for machines with flowmeters to adjust for good espresso. Only very thin scales fit under a cappuccino cup, otherwise, it has to be awkwardly threaded in. 3 to 5 millimeters of extra space here would be invaluable.
The included Profitec tamper has a relatively thin base, but it fits very snugly into the supplied baskets. There's a minimal gap of 0.4 mm. A single and a double portafilter are included. They feel high-quality, though the baskets are not precision baskets. The steam boiler's manometer and the steam wand also make a good impression.
We found some sharp edges, for example, on the drip tray and 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 exterior appearance is complemented by a 2.7-liter water tank that is easy to remove. A positive aspect is that we don't have to awkwardly thread hoses into the tank. This is a positive feature compared to a similarly priced Lelit Elizabeth.
Heat-up Time and Temperature Stability
Those who enjoy drinking espresso shortly after turning on an espresso machine will appreciate a quick heat-up time. This is usually not the forte of dual boilers, as they typically excel in inertia and consistency. However, the Profitec Pro 300 manages to reach operating temperature in about 15 minutes. We already measure a good 91 to 92 degrees in the first shot at a set brewing temperature of 93. If several shots are made consecutively at one-minute intervals, the machine then overshoots slightly. We measure a standard deviation of 1.32 with the KM protocol and 1.28 with the WBC protocol. This could be better, but it's not a bad value either; it's within the range for this price class. What's particularly nice is that we hardly measure any offset when using the average brewing temperature of the WBC or KM protocol as a basis. With a set brewing temperature of 93 degrees Celsius, the machine shows 93.26 degrees in the WBC protocol (seconds 4 - 25 of extraction).
Interestingly, we only achieve such warm-up performance if we activate 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 is not well explained by the construction. However, it is obviously important that the steam boiler in the machine's body contributes to the temperature.
The results of the temperature measurements, influenced by the heat-up time (with and without steam boiler), puzzled us from a structural perspective. Therefore, we asked Profitec if our measurement results were plausible. Profitec re-measured on 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 switched off. A slight increase in the offset, carried out 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 brewing after 20 minutes. It is visible that it takes some time for the brewing temperature to stabilize. In the following graphic, we took the first shot after 25 minutes. It clearly illustrates that the temperature is then virtually there, even if a flushing shot to warm up the portafilter is still sensible.
Measurements were taken using both the WBC and KM protocols. The measurements are logged with the Scace 2 58mm portafilter, a K-type sensor, and a PCE-T 330. The initial measurement takes place at 25 minutes. We also verify the manufacturer's specifications. If a manufacturer states 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 our way towards the heat-up time by taking a measurement each day and then allowing the espresso machine to cool down for 24 hours. We generally approach the heat-up time in 5-minute increments and take, for example, KM protocol curves after 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes. The measurement process is as follows:
- Check water temperature in the water tank. Target: 20 degrees +/- 2
- Heat up for 25 min or 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 removed for 45 s
- flush for 2s
- extract for 25 s
- This process is repeated a total of 5 times.
Energy Consumption of the Profitec Pro 300
The Profitec Pro 300 exhibits 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 heat-up time and 5 double shots. The consumption for a double espresso, including heat-up time, is 0.16 kWh.
If we don't switch on the steam boiler, we do wait longer. However, since the larger 0.75-liter steam boiler doesn't need 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 for our other performance measurements with other machines. We then measure 0.119 kWh and thus confirm a remarkably low consumption here as well. This puts the Profitec Pro 300 on par with some thermoblock espresso machines. Excellent!
Further graphics on energy consumption without steam are attached at the end of this page.
Brewing Espresso
Brewing espresso with the Profitec Pro 300 is straightforward. With a good grinder, we enjoyed excellent extractions with high consistency. The vibration pump ensures a slow pressure build-up, which, for our espresso shots, resulted in the first drops in the cup after 8 to 10 seconds. Extractions with such a slow pressure build-up tend to take a bit longer, depending, of course, on the coffee and taste.
As mentioned above, the temperature of the shots is sufficiently consistent. With some knowledge of one's own machine, a good feel can be developed for where the temperature currently stands and whether longer flushing is necessary or not. If the machine stands idle for a longer period (30 minutes + with steam boiler), we recommend flushing for 6 - 8 seconds.
The Profitec Pro 300 lacks features such as pre-infusion or a slower flow rate, which we have found in other dual boilers in this price range. However, it delivers what we can expect from a good dual boiler. This also includes a PID-controlled adjustment of the brew boiler via the front of the machine.
Furthermore, it has a pleasant "last shot" protection. Even if the water in the water tank is running low, the machine does not stop in the middle of the shot, but rather allows the home barista to finish brewing it. Anyone who has ever cursed their machine because the water ran out mid-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, we can froth milk parallel to espresso extraction and then pour cappuccino, as expected from a dual boiler. The frothing in its default state is decent but takes time, and the Profitec Pro 300 is certainly not the fastest frothing machine. Unfortunately, the steam boiler's temperature cannot be easily increased via a PID control. The corresponding temperature control on the front only affects the brew boiler.
The steam boiler's performance can also be enhanced. To do this, four screws must be removed and the top cover taken off. Here hides the pressurestat, which can be carefully increased. More on this in the video. Some home baristas also report good experiences with changing the nozzle to a different hole count.
In its initial setting, it takes us 58 seconds to heat 300 ml of water to 60 degrees. This 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. Not only the extensive network of specialist dealers selling the machine in many regions is a strong pro-argument for this dual boiler.
The Profitec Pro 300 impresses with 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 stability is solid. The functional control switches for the steam and brew boiler, as well as the on/off switch and the simplicity, make the Profitec Pro 300 the right choice for home baristas looking for exactly that. Although the steam performance in its delivered state doesn't blow us away, it can be improved via the pressurestat inside the well-organized machine. The low height of the portafilter mounting is a bit disappointing. Larger cups or taller scales don't fit well together under the spouts. We measure a height of only 7.8 cm, which is rather low.
We are confident that anyone who owns a Profitec Pro 300 will be able to enjoy good espressos and delicious cappuccinos in their home. The Profitec Pro 300 dual boiler provides all the necessary conditions for this.
* Note: We uploaded the video about the Profitec Pro 300 twice. In the first video version, we incorrectly stated that the Profitec Pro 300 does not have isolated boilers. This is not accurate. We also did not detail the energy consumption. However, for a dual boiler, this is actually relatively low and 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
