We were so excited to have a Sanremo espresso machine for our home. But the Sanremo Cube is anything but a small Sanremo racer. Instead, it's a dual-boiler espresso machine , which is also the most expensive we've tested so far. What justifies this price?
You can find out our thoughts on the Sanremo Cube in two videos (short and long version) and this review.
Buy Sanremo Cube R
The following specialist retailers sell the Sanremo Cube R, and we recommend purchasing a machine from them. They all offer offset adjustment.
Germany: [Partner links] Stoll Espresso
We're looking for specialist partners for you who we know offer good work and excellent service. We maintain close contact with the dealers. These are commission links. If you order through these links, it won't cost you any extra, but we receive a small commission, which we invest in new test equipment. We're still working on it and are looking for competent partners for you in the DACH region.
Dual-circuit boiler at a dual boiler price
Why does Sanremo build a dual-circuit boiler at the price of a dual boiler? And what exactly could justify this price? We're standing in front of the Sanremo Cube with this question, and we're a bit perplexed.
Without a doubt, the Sanremo Cube is a very good dual-circuit machine! It makes good espresso. It froths milk more intelligently than other dual-circuit machines. The temperature consistency is good, and so is the workmanship. And yet, we're not really sure what Sanremo is actually trying to do with this Cube.
Sanremo is rightly popular worldwide with its boiler-operated espresso machines for the catering industry and is a major player in the specialty espresso segment. However, instead of building a home-based espresso machine like other market leaders La Marzocco with the GS3, Victoria Arduino with the Prima, and Slayer with the single-group V3, Sanremo is launching a dual-boiler machine.
The competitors are Rocket, ECM, Lelit, and Bezzera. With a starting price of CHF 4,200 and a starting price of €2,999—the model with a colored side costs a whopping €500 more—the Sanremo Cube takes the top spot in terms of price.
Faema E61 with design appeal
It's primarily the design that makes the Cube special. Solid, time-honored technology runs under the hood, as with almost all dual-circuit machines. The Faema E61 principle is just as much at home in the Sanremo Cube as it is in the old Sanremo Treviso, which doesn't differ all that much in terms of specifications.
The dual boiler has a 1.9-liter insulated stainless steel boiler and a 1.8-liter water tank. This water tank is smaller than many others in the same segment. Frankly, most water tanks are oversized if an espresso machine is primarily used to make espresso.
The power consumption of our model with a rotary pump is 0.32 kWh, which is in the middle range of dual-circuit espresso machines.
Those who want to own the most affordable version of the Sanremo Cub can choose from seven color options. We pay a hefty €500 surcharge for color patches on the side panels.
Considering the Cube's other features, the design is probably the most important distinguishing feature. And we actually like the idea. Instead of another dual-circuit unit with a stainless steel look, something completely different—but why the price?
The strengths of the Sanremo Cube
- The Sanremo Cube is the quietest dual-boiler espresso machine we've tested so far. It's almost inaudible, even when used in conjunction with a coffee machine. We were very impressed! It's truly excellent and a strong argument for anyone who needs a truly quiet machine for acoustic reasons.
- The special shape of the milk tap allows the jug to be placed on the drip tray for frothing. This allows the machine to froth itself if the lance is positioned correctly. This shape is a unique selling point among dual-circuit machines.
- The app is generally good. Its range of functions is a useful addition for dual-boiler espresso machines. Unfortunately, it doesn't work reliably yet, so we'll start with the weaknesses here.
Top view opened.
The weaknesses of the Sanremo Cube
- The app isn't yet fully developed. Constant connection drops are frustrating, and the complicated registration process is annoying.
- The machine's workmanship is good overall. Unfortunately, the drip tray falls off and has rather sharp edges. The water tank lid doesn't fit flush either. Annoying.
- The steam wand gets very hot, and even with the rubber guard, it's uncomfortable. Sanremo has promised to improve this. The new Cubes will be equipped with a double-walled steam wand.
- The Sanremo Cube needs at least 30 minutes, preferably 35 minutes, to really reach temperature.
How does the espresso taste?
The Sanremo Cube is a good dual-circuit machine with high temperature consistency. The espresso tastes just as good. There's absolutely nothing to complain about. The machine is precise both within and between shots. However, for particularly precise temperature settings, a warm-up time of 35 minutes should be allowed.
After 25 minutes the target temperature has not yet been reached.
Afterwards, however, the Sanremo delivers very consistent results even over many consecutive uses.
Gruß