The search for 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 cover the various systems found on the market to help both cappuccino drinkers and espresso purists find their perfect machine.

How a single-boiler espresso machine works

As the name suggests, a single-boiler machine has only one water circuit. This means there is one boiler in which the water is heated to brewing temperature. For an espresso, that is 90° - 96°C. However, if you subsequently want to make milk foam, you need steam at about 120° - 130°C. Therefore, after brewing the espresso, you must heat up the boiler until it can produce steam. After frothing the milk, the machine must then be cooled back down to brewing temperature.

The water temperature plays a crucial role in preparing espresso. Above 100°C, the espresso becomes unpleasantly sour and bitter. The temperature is just as important when frothing. If the steam is too cold, too much liquid water will be released into the milk, resulting in a poor outcome and even watery milk.

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 correct temperature. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:

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

Cons:

• You have to become very familiar with how the machine works
• Temperature management is necessary
• High energy consumption
• Although they are cheap, they are only conditionally suitable for beginners
• The small boiler is not very temperature-stable

For pure espresso drinkers or lovers of milk-based drinks who are truly willing to engage with the subject matter, looking at a single-boiler machine is worth it. Please note that this technology does not provide particularly low energy consumption.

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

How a thermoblock espresso machine works

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

Temperature consistency varies greatly among different manufacturers. The challenge is the flow-through principle; if you pull many espressos in a short time, there is a risk that the instant water heater may not be able to keep the temperature constant due to the volume of cooler water. Conversely, if the water flows too slowly (powder ground too finely), it will be heated too much. With larger thermoblocks, however, this problem is less prevalent or non-existent.

Unfortunately, some thermoblock machines also have poorer milk frothing performance. This means that frothing milk is harder to master with less pressure and steam than with boiler machines.

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

Pros:

• Fast heat-up
• Low energy consumption
• Good espressos are possible with the right settings
• Hardly any limescale
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Temperature fluctuations
• Not as well suited for frothing milk

Anyone focusing on fast heat-up 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 Peagso, ECM Casa V, Lelit Kate PL82T, Ascaso Steel Duo PID, Ascaso Dream PID, Sage Bambino Plus

How a dual-boiler espresso machine works

Dual-boiler machines (heat exchangers) have two separate water circuits. There is a boiler that is constantly heated to 120°-130°C. This is used for milk frothing. A pipe runs through this boiler, through which water is drawn for brewing espresso. It is heated by the heat of the boiler to its target temperature of approx. 90°-96°C.

With a heat exchanger system, frothing milk is fun! Sufficient pressure and no heat-up time after brewing espresso. You can even brew espresso and froth milk at the same time. These machines are also suitable for larger coffee gatherings, as you can prepare several cappuccinos in succession.

The temperature is usually very constant. However, flushing between espresso shots is important so as not to prolong the time the water spends in the small feed tube too much. Otherwise, you risk "burning" the espresso.

Pros:

• Good espresso performance, good frothing behavior
• Frothing and brewing espresso at the same time
• Good temperature consistency

Cons:

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

Espresso lovers who are prepared to spend a little money on their hobby will be happy here, as will cappuccino fans. However, the high energy consumption is a drawback for daily coffee enjoyment and is no longer contemporary for just one espresso a day. Exemplary 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 what is known as PID control (Proportional Integral Differential). This allows you to set the steam and/or brewing temperature precisely. A rotary pump can also be a great update for the machine. It is quieter and more powerful than a vibration pump.

Dual-boiler espresso machine – function and application

Dual-boiler machines have two boilers and thus one for brewing espresso and one for frothing milk. You no longer have to worry about temperature juggling, but rather have the right temperature constantly.

The stability of the temperature, which is regulated by a PID controller inside, becomes apparent when you make many shots in a row. Dual-boiler machines master this discipline brilliantly.

Milk frothing also works well. Even if you want to delight a soccer team with cappuccinos, the pressure remains constant and good. This is why dual-boiler machines are certainly also suitable for semi-professional use. They can be operated with a normal power outlet, but can master small commercial uses or large family celebrations. Machines like the La Marzocco GS 3 can even be operated in cafes.

Pros:

• Precise brewing temperature
• Super milk foam result
• Can be used for semi-professional purposes

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 not go unmentioned here that an espresso machine is only as good as the grinder used to grind the beans. Only homogeneous and perfectly ground coffee can lead to a tasty espresso. An espresso machine for €5000 should not be flanked by a grinder for €300. We recommend planning to spend 1/4, or even 1/3 of the budget on a good and solid grinder!