WBC temperature measurement protocol for espresso machines

For the World Barista Championships, professional espresso machines are used that have been tested according to the Specialty Coffee Association protocol.

You can find the protocol here: Competition Espresso Machines: Specifications & Test Methods (2021 Edition)

We use this protocol in our dual boiler espresso machine test series. Our more detailed espresso machine test protocol is documented here and further specified.

We first applied the WBC temperature protocol when testing the La Marzocco Linea Micra. The protocol is only partially suitable for testing espresso machines for home use, as it queries high frequencies. However, it is well suited to show at what point an espresso machine falters.

In addition to the WBC protocol, we use our own protocol, which is better suited to the use of an espresso machine for home. With this protocol, we also try to find out how a machine can be used in the best possible way to get everything out of it. An example of such an adapted protocol is our test of the Quickmill Orione 3000 or the Gaggia Classic.