People talk about whether you want single or dual boiler and if you make multiple drinks… I have the Profitec Go and though a fantastic machine I predominantly only make milk drinks so I would recommend a dual boiler for sure. After two years of single boiler workflow… just kind of sucks. Not the machines fault but I just ordered a Profitec Ride and cannot wait for it regardless if I only make 2 drinks a day for myself. Also aesthetics are huge for me and though subjective. All that being said when You first pop into the world of Espresso LM always comes up. When I first started my journey that’s what I wanted so bad (beautiful looking and built very well)… but honestly I’m glad I didn’t jump to this right away. Now knowing there’s a lot of machines that are just built with same quality or actually has WAY more features than the LM I would expand your horizon. Here’s a few to look into… if budget isn’t necessarily a thing without spending crazy amount… Profitec Drive, ECM Synchronika II, Lelit Bianca V3 (these are probably the most popular dual boilers at least here in the states and provide flow control if that’s something you want to venture) if you’re looking to spend a little less there are heat exchangers (people hate on these but there’s nothing wrong with them just a flushing work flow) the two I would go for here is ECM Mechanika Max or the Mechanika Slim PID, or Lelit Mara X . If budget isn’t your thing stay away from Single boilers but if you think you’re only going to do espresso the honestly just stick with SB however don’t knock milk drinks… cortados or flat whites is chefs kiss if you ever though lattes were to milky… so yeah double boiler ftw
I was looking for a high end machine and ended up with a Profitec Drive. It just seemed to have better features and to be more user friendly. I also didn't want a machine with any app integration
I’ve owned the Profitec Drive. Small price premium over the Bianca where I live but worth it. There is a difference in build quality IMO. Everything felt a bit more solid and the attention to detail when it comes to the body panels, drip tray, overall machining was noticeable.
Having said that, you will not make better coffee with it. It’s basically the same E61 DB with FC. Both will handle high volumes when hosting parties etc. My choice here would be based on aesthetic + build quality.
I’ve never owned the Bianca myself but it was on my short list. So far I’ve only tested floor models and used a friend’s machine.
For me, things like the side panels, drip tray, cup warmer etc all felt higher quality on the Drive. They’re both stainless steel boxes but the Drive felt heavier and more substantial. The body panels also appeared thicker with smoother edges all around. ECM/Profitec/Rocket all excel in that regard.
I’ve since replaced my Drive with a Linea Mini but I had other reasons for that. From a build quality and workmanship standpoint, the Drive was every bit as good as the La Marzocco.
I was thinking of the Bianca at first but the heat up time was a big negative for me. Plus it seems the build quality is little bit less than the profitec's. For me the drive is a little on the large size, and I was also thinking of the drive plus flow modification but the cost wasn't too big a difference and that leaves a lesser pump on the ride.
Yes. Densly packed plastic is not going to stand up. Everything plastic internal will become brittle, crack, leak etc 3-5 years down the line.
If going high tech but affordable, have the price point something you can do again in 5 years.
If you’re going to make this your one machine… take lessons from history. Look at the refurbished Faema E61 machines from the 60’s still going strong. Metal in and out.
The best examples I see of that in home
Machines are ECM and Profitec. Lots of internal space, easy to work on with simple tools. Stainless steel everything including the boilers.
My other fault with machines like the mentioned Fellows (and I’ll even add Breville into that) besides the plastic is the Ulka vibe pumps. I had a Saeco I Frankenstein modded and nursed along for 10 years until the boiler blew; Then a dual boiler PID Expobar (also died at 10 years with boiler and multiple other issues). But the common theme with both was becoming adept at replacing the ulka vibe pump about every 3 years.
Now with a profitec pro 700, quiet rotary pump, plumbed in and out… I get to stop worrying about parts and repair, or even dealing with water. It just does what it’s supposed to do every day. I walk up and make many many espressos.
The one part I had to replace was a $5 hose T joint because, wait for it… it was made of plastic and turned to dust after 3 years. I replaced it with metal. And I noticed Profitec also changed that part to metal.
You can buy cheap and nifty a number of times. Or buy not cheap and have last the rest of time.
I think that’s challenging at $2000. The synchronika2 or Profitec Drive are more like $3500
But paying $2000 every 5 or 6 years is another takeable path.
Top Espresso Machines on Reddit
1
Breville
Bambino Plus
77% positive of 1,087 users
Fast heat-up, easy for beginners; inconsistent shots, annoying cleaning.
223wylde
