Profitec - Pro 500 PID

There are many recommendations here for some of the most expensive machines, but you don't have to go an spend that much money in order to get a good espresso machine. It also depends on what you want. A Decent machine will let you experiment with many variables, while machines like a Linea Micra or Linea Mini are notorious for being very reliable and looking aesthetically good, but they lack flow/pressure control. Other E61 machines such like a Lelot Bianca or a Profitec Pro 500 offer flow control, but it's manual (not auto like the Decent). However, for ultimate manual (pressure) control you should look at a lever style espresso machine. You should start coming up with a whish list, and go from there. Do you want a dual boiler? How important is a quick warm up for you? PID? (most likely yes), flow/pressure control? E61 group head? Lever? Automatic or manual flow control? Volumetric shots?

I picked up an LP from 1996 for $400 and now I use it way more than my $2k Profitec.

I always recommend used off marketplace. I’ve yet to purchase a lemon of any type of machine. 50% off new is such a great way purchase a machine that otherwise would be out of price range. As far as coffee goes, I’ve picked up a 1996 La Pavoni and a Profitec Pro 500 with PID, all at great bargains.

Yep, very similar setup. How much do you use your 600? Now that I have the lever machine I only use my 500 when I want a milk drink. I would like to find a deal on an Olympia Cremina. If I had that I would probably sell both my current machines.

I’ve also got a smart plug on my 500, but I’ve found I get a flavor I enjoy more out of the Pavoni than the 500. The steaming and the shot size are better though on the 500. So for me, straight shots are always on the Pavoni and my cappuccinos are on the 500

My parents'rocket is going on 20 years and they barely maintain it. Still does great coffee. Our profitec pro 500 is going on 6 strong

Was in a similar circumstance. Had previously owned a profitec 500 for years and wanted an upgrade. Was between the sync and mini. Ultimtely went mini as price wasnt a factor and I love the fact that almost anywhere they can be serviced. Profitec/ECM I could not find anyone to touch it locally. I have 0 regrets, love the mini. Happy to not have an e61 machine anymore, the burns from the brew group and super long heat up time are super nice not have anymore. I say go mini dont look back.

I guess I haven't really kept up since I bought my Pro 500... that naming scheme is certainly something.

I got my (barely) used Profitec Pro 700 for a bit more than that. You should be able to find used PP 500s within your budget. It has the looks you’re looking for and makes tasty espresso. It’s a heat exchange machine (unlike 600 and above, which are dual boilers). It’s got E61 grouphead, great steam power, optional PID. Could be a good option for you

Profitec Pro 500 with flow control. Cost around $2000 and it is well worth the money.

It’s becoming a dead horse to beat in this thread already, but I was in your exactly same position. Did a few drinks a day but we host a lot and I wanted capacity to handle what everyone wanted. The Profitec Go was the one I thought I was going to go with but realized it wouldn’t be able to handle the work load. I came from a small Casabrews so the Go would certainly be better, but I ultimately went with the Profitec Pro 500 with PID and flow control. Greatly increased the cost, but I knew I’d want something with those features at some point in my journey so I bit the bullet now instead of stepping up gradually with multiple machines. Couldn’t be happier with the choice and the Pro 500 is a beast. I’d vote saving more and throwing down on something like that to help future proof your setup. It will likely be less cost in the long term as well.

La Marzocco are awesome machines and I was very tempted when I was looking to upgrade. Ultimately couldn’t justify the price. I ended up going with the Profitec Pro 500 and it’s been amazing. I added the flow control and wood knobs and the price was still half of the La Marzocco. Has everything I think I’ll ever want over the next decade. Has a timer, PID, and I’ve had a lot of fun playing with the flow control. Curious to see what you think if you take a look at it.

Sorry for the delay! Yes, the machine is very consistent and has almost all the features that you could ever want or need. The biggest complaint I have is a time it takes to warm up and get to the right steam pressure. But I have it on a smart outlet with an automation that turns it on before I wake up so it’s ready to go when I need it.

1. That's a personal preference. But for me it makes no sense to get an HX when you can a DB for the same price. 2. The "61" in E61 refers to its invention in 1961. So it is 60+ year old technology. It has poor temperature stability and wastes energy by radiating heat. It requires frequent lubrication and other maintenance. The main justification for getting an E61 is that it supports flow control. And it looks beautiful. 3. Only if you will be getting into light roasts. 4. Yes. I know from experience with my PP 500.

Those temperature measurements you see on this sub were made by people who don't understand how to measure brew temperature. Brew temperature is measured between the top of the coffee puck and bottom of the shower screen when brewing under pressure. Doing this requires a Scace Thermofilter or similar instrument. Any other method is going to result in a low temperature reading. Ignore any temperature measurement you see online that wasn't done with a Scace. I started my home espresso journey with a Barista Express. When I got a good grinder to use with it, it was like getting a whole new and better setup. I happily used it for 3 more years before upgraditis finally took its toll on me. When I switched to a Profitec, I couldn't detect any difference in taste. Start your upgrade journey with the best grinder you can afford.

I used to have a Profitec 500 and a Eureka Silenzio grinder. They are in the same league and are both solid performers. Synch is in another league. If you’re going to go with Synch ii you should get your hands on a top quality grinder. Something that guarantees burr alignment of the highest order. Unless you’re looking at the Mignon as a temporary choice until you’re more solvent and can afford the real thing. and btw, no quirks with Synch pid screen. it’s wonderful and engineeringly perfect.