Profitec PRO 500 Espresso Machine

Although all the machines in this category are good contenders and will arguably make identical coffees with all parameters set equal, Caffe Tech Canada recommends the Profitec Pro 500 as the number one choice for your next in-home espresso machine.

Benefits of a PID Controller in your Prosumer Espresso Machine

Undoubtedly one of the most desirable features in any coffee machine is the ability to control temperature. The Profitec Pro 500 uses a PID (proportional integral derivative) controller to ensure the machine can effectively set and maintain the desired espresso temperature. This temperature control feature is why Profitec is able to increase the retail selling price, relative to its competitors in this category, but it is only slight and worth the investment. For example, the Rocket Appartamento Nera Copper is only $300 less than the Profitec Pro 500.

A Stainless Steel Boiler for High Efficiency Espresso

In addition to a PID controller, the Profitec Pro 500 features a stainless steel boiler under the chassis, utilizing very simple and well-designed electronic and electrical controls to support the mechanical design of the machine. The Profitec Pro 500 meets the mark with effective temperature control, reliability, and great build quality.

Key Features Of The Profitec Pro 500 PID:

• E-61 grouphead for temperature stability, durability and ease of use
• A sizable 2-liter, stainless steel heat exchanging boiler for simultaneous coffee brewing and milk frothing
• PID: proportional integral derivative controller
• Vibratory pump
  
• Two professional gauges
• Dual-walled steam and hot water wands to prevent scalding the hands
• A water sensor that cuts the power circuit if the machine’s water reservoir is low

Profitec Pro 500 Accessories Include: 

• Two Portafilters
• Tamper
• Blind Basket
• Brush
  
• Cleaning Cloth
• Operations Manual

Rocket Appartamento White Stainless Espresso Machine

Available for just over $2,500, the Rocket Appartamento is a solid contender for the entry-level espresso machine enthusiast to consider in their search for an in-home, commercial quality model. While it may not feature stainless steel boilers or PID control, no one can deny a Rocket espresso machine’s attention to detail, high-quality build and sturdy frame.

Perks of Copper Boilers for In-home Espresso Machines

The Rocket Appartamento utilizes copper boilers rather than stainless steel, which would theoretically turn buyers away, but the heat exchanger value to maintain a constant temperature at the group is actually far greater in a copper boiler than it is in a stainless steel boiler. Because espresso machine boilers are made with various materials, there are pros and cons to each, but you can still expect the Rocket’s copper HX boiler to produce great quality espresso at a reasonable price. 

A Tried and True Entry-level Prosumer Espresso Machine

Rocket has been building impressive prosumer espresso machines for over 20 years, which is evident in the integrity and longevity of their products. Our Caffe Tech Canada team recommends the Rocket Appartamento as our second choice because of its incredible build quality and price-to-value ratio. It’s a solid contender and lives up to its long-standing reputation as an industry-leading, in-home espresso machine.

Key Features of the Rocket Appartamento:

• E-61 grouphead for temperature stability, durability and ease of use
• A sizable 1.8 liter, brass and copper-plated HX boiler
• A dual professional gauge
• Vibratory pump
  
• Pressure control switch
• Dual-walled steam and hot water wands to prevent scalding the hands
• A water sensor that cuts the power circuit if the machine’s water reservoir is low
• AISI 304 stainless steel body

Rocket Appartamento espresso machine accessories include: 

• Two Portafilters
• Tamper
• Blind Basket
• Brush
  
• Cleaning Cloth
• Operations Manual

ECM Mechanika V Slim Espresso Machine

Coming in at third place is the ECM Mechanika V Slim! Although this model does not feature PID temperature control, it does offer an excellent ratio of boiler size to heating capacity and a satisfactory unit for generating incredible steam pressure. This in-home espresso machine is equipped with ergonomically appointed portafilter handles, a full 2.2 L stainless steel boiler and an easily accessible expansion valve, which allows you to adjust its pressure for particular coffees at varying degrees and roast levels.

Purposefully Designed for DIY Espresso Machine Maintenance

The steam pressure generated from the ECM Mechanika’s 2.2 L boiler is by far the best in the category of entry-level heat exchanger machines with vibratory pumps. It is super compact in its design, yet easily accessible thanks to the internal layout of the machine’s critical components, which makes servicing this machine very easy for a DIY espresso aficionado.

Value on a Budget for Your First At-home Espresso Machine

Even at a lower price point than our Profitec and Rocket models, the ECM Mechanika still provides high quality manufacturing and craftsmanship that will stand the test of time. At Caffe Tech Canada, we put this prosumer espresso machine at third place only because of the price-to-value ratio as compared to the Rocket’s build quality and heating elements.

Key Features of the ECM Mechanika V Slim:

• E-61 grouphead for temperature stability, durability and ease of use
• Very compact design
• High-end ECM brew group with innovative stainless steel bell
• 2.2 L stainless steel heat exchange boiler
  
• Removable cup-warming tray for easy access to the water tank
• Two ergonomic ECM portafilters with a weight-balanced shape and angled grip
• Easy access to the expansion valve for an individual brew pressure adjustment
• 1400-watt element for a consistent brew temperature of approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit
• Professional gauges
• Vibratory pump
• Easily adjustable and durable expansion valve to adjust pump pressure
• Large 2.8-liter water tank
• Large drip tray
• Dual-walled steam and hot water wands to prevent scalding the hands
• Stainless steel housing

ECM Mechanika V Slim  espresso machine accessories include: 

• Two Portafilters
• Tamper
• Blind Basket
• Brush
  
• Cleaning Cloth
• Operations Manual

Lelit MaraX PL62X Espresso Machine - Stainless - Latest Version

At Caffe Tech Canada, we are very impressed with the features of Lelit’s 1.5 L stainless steel boiler considering that the build quality is similar to their PID model.

The Price-to-value Ratio for an Entry-level Prosumer Espresso Machine

One thing you cannot argue about the Lelit Mara X is the price for value which, at the lower end of all the machines in this category, is very high for a price point. Lelit does use a clever three-position switch in order to orchestrate a three-position temperature mode for the machine, which makes it appealing for a first-time, budget-conscious barista at home. With no PID controller, though, this basic Lelit Mara X is fifth on Caffe Tech Canada’s list simply because you sacrifice quality and ease of use for a lower price point.

Key Features of the Lelit Mara X:

• E61 Brewgroup
• Ready-to-brew functionality
• AISI 316L stainless steel boiler
• Compact design at only 22 cm wide and 36 cm high
  
• Three-position toggle switch for three separate set operating temperatures
• Dual pressure gauge
• Easily accessible water tank

 Lelit Mara X   espresso machine accessories include: 

• LELIT58 portafilter with an inclined shape handle
• Coffee slide spout
• Three LELIT58 filter baskets holding 9-11 grams, 14-18 grams and 18-21 grams
• LELIT58 blind filter basket
  
• Riser for espresso cups
• Water softener resin filter
• Drain tray with self-cleaning grate
• LELIT58 stainless steel tamper with a red wooden handle
• Plastic spoon for coffee powder
• Small brush for group cleaning
• First cleaning kit