Finding the Right Portafilter Machine

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In this post, we will help you find the right espresso machine for your needs. We will therefore discuss the various systems you can find on the market to help both cappuccino drinkers and espresso purists find their perfect machine.

How the Single Boiler Espresso Machine Works

As the name suggests, a single boiler machine has only one water circuit. This means there is one boiler where the water is brought to brewing temperature. For espresso, this is 90° - 96°. However, if you want to make milk foam afterwards, you need steam at about 120° - 130°. Therefore, after brewing espresso, you have to heat the boiler until it can produce steam. After frothing milk, the machine then has to be cooled down to brewing temperature again.

The water temperature plays a crucial role in preparing espresso. Above 100°, the espresso becomes unpleasantly sour and bitter. The temperature is just as important for frothing. If the steam is too cold, too much liquid water will get into the milk, and you will not get a good result, and the milk will even be watery.

Does a Single Boiler Make Good Espresso?

Yes! When prepared correctly, an espresso from a single boiler machine tastes just as good as one from a machine costing thousands of euros. For this, you need to know your machine well and know when it has reached the right temperature. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Makes good espresso if the temperature is right
• Already available at a low price
• Small models are available
• Can also be used for milk drinks
• Heats up relatively quickly

Cons:

• You have to be very familiar with how the machine works
• Temperature management required
• High energy consumption
• Although they are inexpensive, they are only conditionally suitable for beginners
• The small boiler is not very consistent in its temperature

For pure espresso drinkers or for milk drink lovers who are really willing to delve into the matter, a single boiler machine is worth considering. Please note that this technology does not come with particularly low energy consumption.

You can, for example, choose the Victoria PL91T, Gaggia New Classic, Bezzera Hobby, Lelit Grace PL81T, Lelit Anna PL41 LEM, ECM Classica PID, Bezzera Unica PID, Quick Mill Carola, Rancilio Silvia.

How the Thermoblock Espresso Machine Works

The thermoblock is a rising alternative in the portafilter machine market. Instead of a heated boiler, the water is heated with a continuous flow heater. Because no large amount of water needs to be heated, the machine is ready for use very quickly and has significantly lower energy consumption.

The temperature consistency varies greatly among different manufacturers. The challenge is the continuous flow principle; if you brew many espressos in a short time, there is a risk that the continuous flow heater may not be able to maintain a constant temperature due to the large amount of cooler water. If, on the other hand, the water flows too slowly (powder ground too finely), it will be overheated. However, with larger thermoblocks, this problem is less or not at all present.

Some thermoblock machines also have poor milk frothing performance. This means that frothing milk can be achieved with less pressure and steam than with boiler machines.

However, there are also positive examples such as the Sage Bambino Plus or the 2022 version of the Ascaso Steel Duo PiD.

Pros:

• Fast heating
• Low energy consumption
• Good espressos possible with correct settings.
• Little limescale
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Temperature fluctuations
• Not as good for frothing milk

Those who focus on fast heating times and low energy consumption should consider a thermoblock machine. Here are some examples: Sage Barista Express, Sage Barista Pro, Lelit Glenda PL41, Quick Mill Pegaso, ECM Casa V, Lelit Kate PL82T, Ascaso Steel Duo PID, Ascaso Dream PID, Sage Bambino Plus

How the Heat Exchanger Espresso Machine Works

Heat exchanger machines have two separate water circuits. There is one boiler that is constantly heated to 120°-130°. This is used for frothing milk. A tube runs through this boiler, through which water for espresso brewing is drawn. It is heated to its target temperature of approx. 90°-96° degrees by the heat of the boiler.

With a heat exchanger system, frothing milk is fun! Sufficient pressure and no heating time after brewing espresso. You can even make espresso and milk foam simultaneously. These machines are also suitable for larger coffee gatherings, as you can prepare several cappuccinos in a row.

The temperature is usually very consistent. However, flushing between espresso shots is important to avoid prolonging the dwell time of the water in the heat exchanger tube too much. Otherwise, you run the risk of "burning" the espresso.

Pros:

• Good espresso performance, good frothing behavior
• Simultaneous frothing and espresso brewing
• Good temperature consistency

Cons:

• More expensive than other systems
• Very high energy consumption
• Home barista machines are not suitable for gastronomy!

Espresso lovers who are willing to spend a little money on their hobby will be happy here, as will cappuccino enthusiasts. However, the high energy consumption is a drawback when enjoying coffee and is no longer up-to-date for one espresso a day. Example machines are: Bezzera BZ10, Quickmill Rubino 0981, Bezzera Magica SMN, Bezzera Strega R AL, Profitec Pro 500, ECM Mechanika V, Elba 1 and 2, Rocket Appartamento, Lelit Mara X, Rocket Cronometro Mozzafiatto, Sanremo Cube

PID Control and Rotary Pump

Some machines are offered with a so-called PID (Proportional Integral Differential) control. This allows you to precisely set the steam and/or brewing temperature. A rotary pump can also be a great upgrade for the machine. It is quieter and more powerful than a vibratory pump.

Dual Boiler Espresso Machine – Function and Application

Dual boilers have two boilers, one for brewing espresso and one for frothing milk. So you no longer have to worry about juggling temperatures, but always have the right temperature.

The consistency of the temperature, regulated by an internal PID control, becomes evident when making many shots in a row. Dual boiler machines master this discipline with flying colors.

Milk frothing also works well. Even if you want to treat a football team to cappuccinos, the pressure remains constant and good. Therefore, dual boiler machines are also suitable for semi-professional use. They can be operated with a normal power outlet but can handle small catering events or large family parties. Machines like the La Marzocco GS 3 can even be operated in cafes.

Pros:

• Precise brewing temperature
• Super milk foam results
• Usable for semi-professional applications

Cons:

• High price
• Very high energy consumption
• Dual boiler does not automatically mean PID and also not rotary pump. Read carefully!

Proven dual boiler machines are: Profitec Pro 300 Dualboiler, La Spaziale Dream, Bezzera Duo Top MN, Quick Mill New Vetrano 2B, Rocket R58/Cinquantotto, Bezzera Matrix, ECM Synchronika Dualboiler, Dalla Corte Mini, La Marzocco GS/3, La Marzocco Linea Mini

Espresso Grinder as a Basic Requirement

It should also be noted here that an espresso machine is only as good as the grinder used to grind the beans. Only a homogeneous and perfectly ground coffee powder can lead to a delicious espresso. An espresso machine for €5000 should not be flanked by a grinder for €300. We recommend allocating 1/4, or even better 1/3, of the budget for a good and solid grinder!