The Zuriga E2 has been further developed. Today, if you buy a Zuriga E2, you are buying Generation 2. This applies to both models, the Zuriga E2-S version with steam and the variant without a steam wand. We have thoroughly tested both the old Zuriga model and the new generation.
The first generation was already good! But the second generation sets new standards in many categories. It heats up in just two minutes and then achieves astonishing temperature stability. This is due to advanced heating technology, which only works if it is well executed. The Zurich company has mastered this with this machine built in Switzerland. The Zuriga E2 Generation 2 with thick-film heater is currently the best espresso machine of its kind! We are talking about the model that replaced its predecessor in mid-September 2024.
You can find out what exactly distinguishes the Zuriga E2 Generation 2 in this review and the following video. Our impressions of the previous version can be found at the very bottom of this page. For the Zuriga grinder, we have created a separate test page. However, the review of the new grinder with grind by weight is yet to come.
For the Zuriga E2-S Generation, we offer:
- this review article
- a long video (46:40 minutes)
- a short video (6:32 minutes)
- an English video (21:58 minutes)
There is also a video of the first generation. You can find it on our YouTube channel.
Zuriga Generation 2 – an Espresso Machine Milestone
And then the Zuriga E2 came in its second generation, quietly and almost secretly. I'm honestly not sure if Zuriga itself fully realized what it had actually achieved, or if it's simply brutal understatement. Other manufacturers announce a new color as groundbreaking and invent new model names to extract every last bit of marketing potential from minor changes. The Zurich espresso machine company takes a different approach. The Zuriga E2 simply becomes Generation 2. The machine, packed with advanced technology, replaces its predecessor. If you buy a Zuriga today, you are buying Generation 2, whether with or without a steam wand. This is possible because they work to order and don't have to clear out a full warehouse.
Now, to be specific: what's inside this espresso machine, or rather, what's no longer inside. The mini-boiler has been replaced by a thick-film heater. The thick-film heater consists of heating elements pressed onto a metal plate. This construction allows for very fast and efficient energy transfer from the heating element to the brewing water. Only the brewing water that the machine needs to prepare espresso is heated. While a boiler first has to be brought up to temperature, a thick-film heater is ready in seconds.
Left, the Zuriga E2-S, and right, a thick-film heater from Ferro.
Such thick-film heaters are now found in some machines. The major challenge, however, is to regulate them well. Because what heats up quickly also overshoots the target quickly. To control precisely, the Zuriga measures the temperature many times during brewing and adjusts it. The thick-film heater, which is responsible for steam and brewing water, is operated with up to 1400 watts.
A second innovation and a second thick-film heater is located in the brew group. This is also clever and solves a challenge that espresso machines that want to be ready quickly have to deal with. If the heating source and water are quickly at operating temperature, that's all well and good, but they only work with precision if the brew group and portafilter are also at temperature. The thick-film heater (600 watts) in the group makes exactly that possible.
We tested the Zuriga E2 to its limits. We certify a heat-up time of 2 minutes. If you're in an even greater hurry, you can further accelerate the heat-up time by flushing the portafilter for longer. The subsequent temperature performance deserves its own chapter in this test report. Nevertheless, a word about energy consumption here. In our power log, we measure a usage of 0.058 kWh for five double shots. This puts the Zuriga E2-S in a top position as the most economical espresso machine among high-quality espresso machines.
You can read our enthusiasm from this. We have been advocating the thick-film heater and its potential for many years. And in the Zuriga E2 Generation, we now find much of what we have long wished for. For us, the machine is a beacon in its class and price range, demonstrating the possibilities in terms of energy efficiency, temperature stability, and heating speed.
And if the company itself is sparing with superlatives, we'll make up for it: this machine is almost unbeatable, convinces with its overall performance, and is now a benchmark for what innovation, craftsmanship, and coffee expertise can achieve.
It should be briefly noted here. We have no affiliations with Zuriga, we bought the espresso machine and report independently and neutrally as always. But if something is exceptionally good, then it should be named as such.
Zuriga E2-S Generation 1
Zuriga - the Swiss Espresso Machine
The Zuriga company began its success story on wemakeit in 2016 with crowdfunding. 271 supporters financed the idea of a Swiss espresso machine, reduced to the essentials and manufactured in Switzerland by Swiss SMEs, with CHF 57,075. "Small, fast, affordable, powerful, and above all easy to use" - that's what Zuriga set out to do at the time.
Much of this has indeed been realized by Zuriga, even if the price of the Zuriga E2 today is CHF 1,480 for the variant without steam, thus exceeding the CHF 1,000 cost ceiling targeted in 2016. However, for what the machine delivers, its quality and market positioning, as well as production in Zurich with predominantly Swiss-made components, it is impressively affordable. At this price, the machine is not only very competitive compared to less powerful machines from abroad, but also compared to other Swiss espresso machines – and there are quite a few of those now.
In fact, we are slowly morphing from specialists in the manufacture of automatic coffee machines (Jura, Thermoplan, Schaerer, Franke and Co.) to portafilter and semi-automatic specialists. Olympia Express is a pioneer and has been manufacturing espresso machines in Glarus since 1928. We have already dedicated a review to the Olympia Express Maximatic. The Cremina costs CHF 3,680 and the Maximatic demands a proud CHF 3,980 from the wallet.
The Gilda coffee machine is also produced in Switzerland, and according to the manufacturer, 90% of its components come from Switzerland. The price for the Gilda: CHF 3,995.
For completeness, Unica and the Leva machine from Manument should also be mentioned. Both are innovative and play in a completely different price league. The price for Unica will be CHF 7,499, and a pre-order for the Leva comes to CHF 18,000.
So, we should also view the CHF 1,480 for the Zuriga E2 in this context. Incidentally, in terms of performance, I would even prefer the Zuriga to four of the other five machines – but then I'd rather save CHF 6,000.
The Zuriga E2 and E2-S Models
The original Zuriga model has evolved over the years. Today, we're discussing the Zuriga E2-S, which is the latest model, specifically the one with the frothing function. For many years, the basic Zuriga variant, the Zuriga E2, did not offer the ability to froth milk and thus prepare cappuccinos.
The E2-S differs from the E2 by a dual function of the large thick-film heater. While the predecessor model had a boiler responsible for frothing milk, in the new model, everything is controlled by the thick-film heater. As soon as the steam wand is swiveled forward, the machine switches to a pre-frothing mode and reaches boiling point. The espresso shot button becomes the steam button, and frothing begins at the push of a button. The machine first expels residual water from the steam wand and then approaches the target and steam temperature. We frothed a 600 ml pitcher in 45 to 50 seconds. The rolling phase was always sufficient. The temperature rise was slow.
The 17cm wide, 23cm deep, and 31cm high stainless steel casing is otherwise identical for both the E2 and E2-S models. Both also rely on the same vibratory pump.
We still need to measure the weight of the E2-S. According to the manufacturer, it is 9.5 kg. However, thanks to suction cups under the feet, the machine stands stably on the countertop.
The E2-S comes with a 0.35ml milk pitcher, in addition to a flush-fitting 58mm tamper, a portafilter with a walnut handle, a black cleaning cloth, the blind filter for cleaning, and a 1-shot and 2-shot espresso basket.
Moderate Noise Level and Low Power Consumption
A lot has happened in the market regarding noise levels. There are now espresso machines that are truly quiet. The peak values were only 53 decibels. The Zuriga E2 currently reaches 64 decibels. It is therefore not as quiet as it looks. One might expect the delicate machine to perform very quietly. Here, we see the machine in the mid-range.
In terms of energy consumption, the machine has taken another step forward. Its predecessor already performed very well here. The new Generation 2 model improves even further and achieves a top value of 0.058 kWh in our power consumption log for 5 double espresso shots, including heating time. This is phenomenal, and it's hard to get much lower.
For comparison: classic heat exchanger machines typically require 0.25 kWh and upwards, and for dual boilers where the steam boiler cannot be switched off, we quickly reach 0.35 kWh and more for 5 double shots. This is mainly because a lot of water and a lot of sluggish material have to be heated up laboriously and slowly. This is where the Zuriga E2's fast heat-up time comes in handy.
2 Minutes Heat-Up Time!
We already mentioned it in the introduction, yet the heat-up time deserves its own chapter. Because 2 minutes is simply incredibly fast. Those accustomed to a capsule machine or a fully automatic coffee maker might say: that's nothing special. In the world of espresso machines, however, heat-up times of over 25 minutes were standard for decades. Some manufacturers broke the 20-minute barrier 5 years ago. And few now get under 10 minutes. For high-quality and precise espresso machines, we can count the fast heaters under five minutes on one hand.
The Zuriga E2 masters this with flying colors thanks to its thick-film heater. And after 2 minutes, it's not just approximately at operating temperature, but precisely there.
Temperature Stability as a Core Competency
When evaluating temperature stability, we examine typical usage scenarios for espresso machines and base our assessment on best practice values that we have verified in test series. To determine the heating time, we check when a machine is able to reach an average brewing temperature of 92 degrees (measured from the 5th to the 25th second of extraction).
Our target temperature and test temperature is generally 93 degrees. If possible, we set machines to 93 degrees and check the deviation from this temperature. 93 degrees is a very good brewing temperature that produces good flavor results for the widest range of coffees.
Zuriga also aims for a brewing temperature of 93 degrees. The machine's temperature cannot be adjusted.
KM Temperature Protocol
To test the temperature, after 2 minutes we flush hot water through the portafilter and then extract the brewing water for 5 double shots at one-minute intervals (KM protocol).
In the first shot, we achieve an average temperature of 93.07. Over five shots, the average temperature is 92.85 degrees. The standard deviation across all shots was 0.93. These are very good and precise values. They are currently the best values we have measured in an espresso machine with a vibratory pump in our current test protocol.
The KM protocol simulates user behavior that is modeled after typical home use. It also aims to check whether the machine would be suitable for serving espresso to additional guests or family members. This is the case from the first shot, with shots 2 to 5 being even more precise.
WBC Temperature Protocol
In the second step, we subjected the machine to the World Barista Championship temperature protocol. In this, 14 shots are measured at an increasingly rapid frequency. The Zuriga E2 also delivers in this test scenario. The standard deviation is 1.15 degrees. In the WBC protocol, measurements are taken from the fourth second of the shot. Since the Zuriga is equipped with a vibratory pump, which delivers less water at the beginning of the shot, it takes about 9 seconds for the machine to be at full power and temperature. All vibratory pumps share this characteristic. Therefore, the measurement with the WBC protocol is only conditionally meaningful compared to espresso machines with rotary pumps. However, if we take the point in time when the pump and machine are at full power – i.e., 8 seconds – as a benchmark, we arrive at a standard deviation between all shots of only 0.41 degrees. This would even make the Zuriga WBC-compliant. That is truly remarkable!
A quick note: I really like the slow pressure build-up. Unlike with a rotary pump, the full water pressure is not immediately pressed onto the coffee puck. For entry-level espresso machines, I often consider vibratory pumps to be the better choice.
The Zuriga is Smart and Functional
Two buttons and a milk wand, that's all the Zuriga needs to receive commands. Admittedly, the range of functions is also reduced. Espresso can be brewed using the start and stop button - there is no volumetric control or programmable time for extraction. There is also no digital display or water volume control.
To brew good espresso, an espresso scale is therefore necessary. This not only shows the amount extracted but also the brewing time. This makes it easy to implement espresso recipes. For example, we dosed 18 grams of coffee into the portafilter and extracted two 22.5 gram shots in 25 seconds. We have written more about the preparation and adjustment of good espresso here.
Equally simple and even smarter is the start and stop function for milk steaming. The steam wand is moved forward, and at that moment, the heating process of the steam module begins. The two LED button rings now glow orange instead of white. The machine is ready for frothing when it switches from blinking to solid yellow.
Exterior Details
The small machine naturally also affects the drip tray and water tank. While the 700 ml water tank lasts for a while and fresh water is generally a good idea, the drip tray can fill up annoyingly quickly. This happens especially when the portafilter is warmed and the shower screen is cleaned between shots. Emptying it daily should become part of the routine, otherwise the trip to the sink becomes an odyssey.
The water tank, made of laboratory glass, is not only super robust but also truly beautiful. It would also make a good flower vase. However, removing and replacing it in the espresso machine is not quite so easy, as there is no handle. But this is once again criticism at a high level.
The machine's stability is a positive standout. At 9.5 kg, it's not so heavy that it would stand perfectly on its own. Especially when clamping and unclamping, many lighter espresso machines tend to shift. However, the Zuriga stands solidly, even without holding it in place. We can report good stable feet.
The lid over the water tank, which is made of walnut wood like the tamper and portafilter handle, is also high-quality and beautiful.
Conclusion and Summary Zuriga E2-S
The Zuriga gets many things right, and not just because it delivers good espresso and, in the E2-S version, also milk steam. Above all, it is a modern espresso machine that breaks with existing concepts. Instead of a large boiler, it only heats what you need. The company demonstrates what a thick-film heater can do: precision, speed, and low energy consumption. In combination with very good control and measurement technology, this results in nothing more and nothing less than the best espresso machine in the price range under 2000 Euros.
As if that weren't enough, the machine is built in Switzerland and primarily uses components also manufactured by SMEs in Switzerland. The company is accessible and has a progressive approach to sustainability, transparency, and customer proximity.
The quality of the Zuriga is evident both externally and internally. Nevertheless, despite an expensive production location, it manages to offer a product that is not only affordable by Swiss standards but also competitive in price with imported products.
The Zuriga E2 is an espresso machine that we can recommend without reservation. We can imagine the machine in numerous scenarios. It looks stylish in the living room or kitchen at home. But it also performs well in the office or even when traveling. The new grinder with Grind by Weight technology also cuts a fine figure, but we will discuss it in a separate test report and video.
Of course, in an office or with frequent use, the small water tank and small drip tray become an issue. But these are problems that can be managed if the quality of the espresso is right.
There is little room for criticism. However, we still have something on our wish list: a volumetric system, meaning programmable shot volume, would significantly improve the Zuriga. But perhaps Zuriga decided here that other manufacturers also need arguments for their machines if the new generation is unbeatable in terms of temperature stability, power consumption, and heating time.
Appendix and Archive
The operating principle of the first generation E2 and E2-S
The E2-S differs from the E2 by a second heating element for steam production and the forward-swiveling milk wand. The 17cm wide, 23cm deep, and 31cm high stainless steel housing is otherwise identical, as is the 700 ml water tank or the 70ml titanium-coated aluminum main boiler. The weight of the E2-S is about 500 grams heavier due to the additional components, bringing it to 9.5 kg.
Note: This machine is no longer built this way. However, we are making this information available as an appendix to the article for anyone who bought a Zuriga before mid-September 2024 or is buying an older model used.
The operating principle of the classic Zuriga E2 is that of a single-boiler espresso machine, reminiscent of the Gaggia Classic. The boiler does nothing more than aim for a target temperature of 93 degrees Celsius. However, the Zuriga with the E2 model does not make the single-boiler compromise of offering a switch function for milk frothing; instead, it consistently omits it (similar to Quickmill Carola). The compromise with single-boilers usually means that the brewing temperature is not constant and the frothing capability is, in any case, unsatisfactory.
Instead, there is no milk foam with the E2. The E2-S now introduces a second heating element. This "steam module" is activated when the steam wand is moved forward. Now, the water in the boiler feeds the steam module, and this delivers enough steam for clean frothing.
Here, the Zuriga E2-S now functions more like a dual boiler, but without the possibility of frothing and extracting espresso simultaneously. The big advantage of this system: The brew boiler remains at brewing temperature and is not affected by the frothing process. Therefore, the next espresso can be drawn immediately after frothing.
Only after further shots did the brewing temperature settle at around 91°C. In our opinion, this temperature is too low for many espressos, especially considering that the temperature drops by up to two degrees during extraction. We were able to confirm this result even when we preheated the Zuriga for a longer period.
The lower set temperature can be explained by Zuriga measuring the temperature with a probe below the boiler and controlling the temperature in the boiler based on that. Our measurements are taken directly above the coffee bed with the Scace measuring module. This location also corresponds to the measurement location we used in our research for a perfect espresso temperature.
In summary, it must be stated that the Zuriga cannot compete with any of the heat-exchanger espresso machines we tested in terms of temperature consistency during extraction. However, it performs well in the test over 5 shots regarding the drop from extraction to extraction. If we give the machine one minute between shots, as defined in our test protocol and applied to the heat exchangers, it repeats exactly the same curve. Many heat exchangers, on the other hand, had significantly lost temperature and started the fifth shot in a row with a 3-degree temperature loss.
Notes from Zuriga, March 2023
Since this week, we have been delivering our ZURIGA E2 and E2-S with slightly adjusted control parameters. Prompted by your measurements @Kaffeemacher, we also conducted our own measurements in our development lab. Based on these, we have adjusted the control parameters of the electronic system. The result is an even more precise and slightly higher temperature in the brew group. Then we invited our neighbors from Vicafé and made a direct comparison with different roasts. The adjustments are noticeable for individual varieties and roasts - but it takes a trained sensory nose and a direct comparison of two different machines.
We are grateful for your feedback @Kaffeemacher:innen. It has stimulated a small but relevant further development. And for that, we thank you!
P.S.: We also incorporate the changes into all existing devices that are with us in the manufactory for service and repairs. If you want a temperature adjustment, it's best to book a workshop service.
Do you have experience with the Zuriga?
We would be very happy to hear about your experiences with the Zuriga to supplement or correct our picture. This is very helpful for anyone interested in the machine. We look forward to your comments. Thank you.
