BEST PID ESPRESSO MACHINES 2023 (SUPERIOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL)

When it comes to making espresso, there are a numerous factors that contribute to a quality drink. Of course, the coffee beans you use and the duration of the extraction matter, but temperature also plays a key role.

This is why it’s important for baristas to have control over the temperature on an espresso machine. While most espresso machines will offer you some kind of temperature controls, PID espresso machines have undeniably superior temperature control.

In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best PID espresso machines for both businesses and home users. This is what we’ll be covering:

• An explanation of PID temperature control
• Whether or not it’s necessary
• How to choose the best PID espresso machine for your needs
• Our picks for the top PID espresso machines

Quick Summary

In a rush? If you don’t have time to read, we’ll recommend a few of our favorite machines on this list and explain why we’re recommending them.

• Top PID Espresso Machine for Commercial Use: La Marzocco GB5 - With the double the groups, boilers, and steam wands, it has more than enough power to meet even the most rigorous levels of demand.
• Top PID Espresso Machine for Home Use: Rancilio Silvia Pro Dual Boiler  - Available at an extremely affordable price and designed to be user-friendly, this machine is perfect for home users of all skill levels.
• Top PID Espresso Machine for Entry-Level: Rocket Espresso R Nine One  - Sleek-looking, sturdy, and flexible, this compact machine can fit in just about anywhere.

What is PID Temperature Control on an Espresso Machine? 

You may know based on the phrase “PID temperature control” alone that it has something to do with the temperature inside an espresso machine. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?

PID actually stands for Proportional Integral Derivative. In terms of coffee, it simply means that the espresso machine is capable of constantly monitoring the water temperature and making small adjustments to keep it at the set temperature.

Without a PID controller, an espresso machine works a lot like a thermostat. Once the temperature drops to a certain threshold, the water will heat back up to the set temperature. This makes fluctuations in water temperature much more constant.

Do I need PID on My Espresso Machine? 

You don’t technically need a PID temperature controller on your espresso machine for it to function. After all, espresso machines have existed for years without using them.

However, PID does make it much easier for baristas to ensure temperatures in an espresso machine are consistent. With greater consistency in temperature comes greater overall consistency in the quality of the espresso, from texture to taste.

What to Consider When Buying

There’s no such thing as an espresso machine that’s perfect for everyone. This is why there are several factors you should consider to ensure you choose the best PID espresso machine:

• Dimensions
• Ease of Use
• Aesthetics
• Budget
• Drink Volume

Dimensions 

Whether you’re a business or a home barista, you still only have so much space to work with. It’s true that those looking for a home espresso machine will be much more limited on available room, but this doesn’t mean businesses don’t also need to make the same consideration.

Unless you’re willing to completely revamp your kitchen or workspace, be sure to pay attention to the overall dimensions of an espresso machine. Their size and weight will influence where you’re able to put them.

We always say that one of the best starting points is to look at where you’d put an espresso machine. Whether it’s on your front counter by the checkout or on a table in your kitchen, measure that space. You can then compare those measurements with that of the espresso machine to be certain it will fit in.

Ease of Use

Of course, you shouldn’t just think about the espresso machine itself – you should be considering the people who will be using it regularly. How much experience do they have with espresso machines? What would make them most comfortable?

Large businesses with a high rate of turnover and homes should look for espresso machines that are easiest to use. In both situations, the people involved likely won’t have as much experience operating an espresso machine.

There are a couple things to look for when it comes to ease of use, but the easiest thing to keep an eye on is the basic machine type. Super automatic and automatic espresso machines are naturally simpler to use than semiautomatic or manual ones. This is because they both handle the duration of the brew cycle for you to varying degrees, freeing you or your employees to focus on other things while the machine extracts your espresso.

But if your business is a specialty coffee shop or restaurant, you want your employees to have much more control over what goes into the making of each drink. In that case, we’d recommend a semiautomatic espresso machine, which puts control over the length of the brew cycle directly into the user’s hands. These machines are more challenging to learn, but they’re also rewarding once you master them due to the flexibility they offer to baristas.

Aesthetics 

It might feel superficial thinking about the way an espresso machine looks, but there’s nothing wrong with doing so. Whether you’re adding a machine to your business or your home, looks are important.

In a home setup, you’ll want an espresso machine that complements your décor. If you’ve carefully cultivated the perfect atmosphere in your home, you wouldn’t want an appliance to disrupt that.

In businesses, the aesthetics are arguably even more important. When customers walk in your door for the first time, you can be sure they’re looking around and assessing your establishment based on its look. You need to make a good first impression to boost the chances of them coming back, and that includes having an attractive interior design.

Both these situations can be enhanced by the right espresso machine. Don’t be afraid to look at the color, material, and shape of the machine to determine if it has the right look for your home or company.

Budget

When you decide to buy something new, what’s one of the first qualities you look at? Chances are, it’s the price.

We’ll be the first ones to tell you that you shouldn’t let yourself get hung up on the price tag of an espresso machine alone. Even if it seems like a little much now, you never know if your business could grow into that higher-end model, after all.

But that doesn’t mean you should unnecessarily strain your budget to get a machine. This is particularly true for home baristas who are usually operating on a much smaller budget than a business.

The best espresso machine for you should be one that won’t break the bank. Fortunately, we included a range of price points in this list. There are tons of espresso machines out there that a fit a huge variety of needs, including various price ranges.

Drink Volume

This factor is much more important for businesses, but it matters for homes, too. You should absolutely think about how many shots of espresso you’ll need to prepare regularly.

Larger establishments will want espresso machines that can output a larger number of shots. Some things to look for here include multiple group heads, larger boilers, and the boiler type. Dual boilers and heat exchange boilers, for instance, are great for businesses because they allow you to steam and brew at the same time.

Whether or not the machine is plumbed-in is another important consideration in terms of speed. If the machine’s water tank is plumbed-in, it’s connected to a water line, so you don’t need to worry about refilling it. This saves employees time and makes the machine user-friendly.

On the other hand, you may not need to be as concerned about these things if you’re just looking for a machine to put in a small business or home. In fact, it may even be more affordable for you to look at machines with fewer groups and smaller boilers.

Top 8 PID Espresso Machines

Rocket Espresso R Nine One

 

The impressive Rocket Espresso R Nine One is one of the latest on the Rocket team of espresso machines. Despite being fairly new, it utilizes a lot of the classic looks that made Rocket famous, including a chic, polished stainless steel exterior and straight side panels.

This is the kind of espresso machine that has both the power to work in a professional setting and the compact size to work in a home environment. It has robust dual boilers that make it a cinch to simultaneously steam and brew. Additionally, it has a pressure profiling system that lets baristas design up to five different pressure profiles for various recipes.

In short, we think the R Nine One has a great future ahead of it. We wouldn’t be surprised if this one became another household name or name well-known in coffee shops around the world.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $6,850
• Machine Type: Automatic
• Dimensions: 17 inches tall, 16.2 inches wide, and 20 inches long
• Plumbing: Pour-over or Plumbed-In
• Groups: 1
• Dual Boiler Design: With one boiler dedicated to steaming and the other dedicated to brewing, the R Nine One can effortless steam and brew at the same time.
• Auto-On Timer: You have the option to program the machine to turn on at specific times, which means it can be warmed up and ready to go when you need it to be.
• Stainless Steel Case: This machine uses the classic Rocket design of a stainless steel case. It both looks good and ensures the machine’s long lifespan.

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La Spaziale S1 Dream-T

 

Available in race-car red, elegant black, or homey wood, the La Spaziale S1 Dream-T is a machine that lives up to its name in a myriad of ways. To start with, its multiple color options make it somewhat of a chameleon that can blend into a range of decorating styles.

There’s much more to the Dream-T than meets the eye, though. For instance, it has built-in barista lights that provide ample lighting for the immediate workspace. Whether your home or business is dimly lit, you’ll still be able to carefully monitor the development of each espresso shot.

Plus, the machine comes with an integrated shot counter and timer. Being able to quickly access information on how many shots you make will help you monitor your expenses and determine how much espresso you need when it’s time to buy more.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $2,095
• Machine Type: Automatic + Manual Dosing Button
• Dimensions: 15 inches tall, 16.50 inches wide, 16.50 inches long
• Plumbing: Pour-Over
• Groups: 1
• Barista Lights: Integrated lighting ensures users can monitor espresso at all times, regardless of the lighting in the area.
• Memory Card Reader: A built-in memory card makes it possible to program the profiles of up to four different recipes into the machine.
• Manual Brewing Button: Want more flexibility with the brew cycle? Use the manual button to operate the Dream-T just like a semiautomatic machine.
• Shot Counter: The machine keeps track of the number of shots you make, so you can keep tabs on your espresso expenses.

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La Marzocco GB5

 

One of the most legendary names in the business is La Marzocco. These espresso machines have a well-earned reputation for being veritable workhorses that last for years and years.

This is at least one of the reasons why we’re proud to include the La Marzocco GB5 on this list. Aside from the famous name behind its creation, though, there are plenty of reasons to love it.

It’s a machine designed for speed. Thanks to its dual boiler, dual group head, and dual steam wand design, the GB5 is made for supporting two baristas at once. That’s twice the productivity in one sleek package.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $15,100
• Machine Type: Semiautomatic
• Dimensions: 22 inches tall, 30 inches wide, 25 inches long
• Plumbing: Plumbed-in
• Groups: 2
• Personalized Color: You have the option of ordering the GB5 in a custom color of your choosing. Talk about aesthetics!
• Thermal Stability System: It doesn’t just have a dual PID design – it also has a whole system dedicated to ensuring temperatures remain consistent inside the machine.
• Barista Lights: Dim lighting? That’s no problem for the GB5, which has lights built right into it.
• Hot Water Economizer: You can finely adjust the temperature of the hot water produced by the machine, which is ideal for customizing teas and Americanos.

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Slayer Espresso

 

If what you want is a truly unique-looking espresso machine, we’d have to recommend the Slayer Espresso. With its cross-shaped legs and wooden handles, the Slayer Espresso really does have a look it can call all its own.

Don’t let its name intimidate you. This is a fine-tuned espresso machine that’s a match made in heaven for espresso experts. Its three-position actuator and needle valve will give you the ultimate control over the brew cycle, allowing you to experiment with flavor profiles.

To give it a nice modern touch, the machine has a touchscreen menu. You can use it to easily navigate through settings and program them accordingly.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $9,450
• Machine Type: Automatic + Manual Dosing Option
• Dimensions: 13 inches tall, 18.5 inches wide, 23 inches long
• Plumbing: Plumbed-in
• Groups: 1
• Wood Handles and Actuators: The handles and actuators on the machine are made from actual wood, which both feels pleasant to the touch and gives the machine a unique aesthetic.
• Non-Slip Feet: If you’re in a rush and accidentally bump into the machine, it’s less likely to slide around, thanks to its non-slip feet.
• Shot Mirror: Reflective surfaces on the Slayer Espresso make it possible for you to monitor the development of each shot from all angles.
• Customization: You can contact us to order the machine in a custom color of your choosing so it’s a perfect visual fit for your home or business.

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Rocket R58 Cinquantotto

 

The Rocket R58 Cinquantotto might just be a barista’s dream. It embodies everything that a Rocket espresso machine typically strives to be, with its shining stainless steel exterior and ultimate thermal stability.

It’s also a surprisingly flexible machine. You can use it in both pour-over or plumbed-in configurations. Businesses can enjoy the convenience of an automatically refilling plumbed-in machine, while homes or mobile companies can take advantage of the portability of a pour-over version.

Furthermore, it’s designed to be accommodating. It will notify you when it needs more water, and its rotary pump was built to be long-lasting.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $3,200
• Machine Type: Semiautomatic
• Dimensions: 15 inches tall, 12 inches wide, 17 inches long
• Plumbing: Plumbed-in or pour-over convertibility
• Groups: 1
• 304 Grade Stainless Steel Case: The case is both beautiful and durable, thanks to its construction of 304-grade stainless steel.
• Rotary Pump: Not only is the rotary pump long-lasting, but it operates quietly.
• E61 Commercial Brew Group: To increase thermal stability, water is continuously circulated form the brew group to the boiler.
• Cup Shelf: The top of the espresso machine is designed to function as a cup shelf with a removable guard to hold cups in place.

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La Marzocco Linea 2 Group

 

If you want to go for a more classical espresso machine look, check out the La Marzocco Linea 2 Group. Its angled side panels, square top, and pillar-like legs make it resemble an old-fashioned espresso machine.

But don’t assume that, just because of its classic design, it’s slow. This is another speedy model clearly created for medium to large businesses.

Its dual boiler design makes it easy for the machine to keep up with high espresso demand. Additionally, with two steam arms, two baristas can work on the machine comfortably.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $13,500
• Machine Type: Automatic
• Dimensions: 21 inches tall, 28 inches wide, 22 inches long
• Plumbing: Plumbed-in
• Groups: 2
• Dual Steam Arms: Since it has a steam arm on either side, two baristas can prepare milk-based drinks on it at the same time.
• Barista Lights: Integrated lighting promotes workplace safety in places with otherwise poor lighting.
• Stainless Steel Case: No flimsy plastic parts here – the case is made from stainless steel.
• Two Boilers: Because it has two boilers, it can quickly steam and brew at the same time.

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Victoria Arduino Theresia

 

Want an espresso machine that just screams luxury when you look at it? What you’re likely looking for, then, is an espresso machine like the Victoria Arduino Theresia.

Victoria Arduino is another brand that’s legendary in the world of espresso machines. They’re well-known for crafting luxury models with artistic designs that make each one resemble a work of art. This particular model was created to look like a diamond.

It doesn’t just look good, though – it can make amazing espresso. It has a soft infusion system that eliminates irregularities in the tamp of the espresso, which leads to a balanced extraction. The result is a bold flavor you or your customers won’t be sure to forget anytime soon.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $8,091
• Machine Type: Automatic
• Dimensions: 23 inches tall, 18 inches wide, 17 inches long
• Plumbing: Plumbed-in
• Groups: 1
• Unique Design: The graceful eagle on top and the faceted, gemstone-like exterior of the Theresia make it truly a sight to behold.
• Soft Infusion System: By gently soaking each portafilter of espresso before brewing, the Theresia helps guarantee a balanced extraction.
• High Efficiency Extraction System: Draws out the best aromas from each shot, so all your drinks are a multi-sensational experience.
• Cool Touch Wand: Milk won’t crust onto the end of the want because it stays cool to the touch, meaning you don’t need to struggle to keep it clean.

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Rancilio Silvia Pro Dual Boiler

 

For those with more restrictive budgets, we recommend the Rancilio Silvia Pro Dual Boiler. It comes with a bevy of features you usually only see in high-end espresso machines.

For example, it has two boilers inside it. That means simultaneous steaming and brewing is possible, so you can whip drinks up quickly.

It also has a shot timer so you can keep a close eye on the duration of the brew cycle. This takes a lot of the guesswork out of making drinks and keeps you from having to time cycles on your phone.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $1,690
• Machine Type: Semiautomatic
• Dimensions: 30 inches tall, 9.80 inches wide, 16.50 inches long
• Plumbing: Pour-Over
• Groups: 1
• Wake Up Mode: Set the time the machine turns on and preheats in advance to cut down on your wait time.
• Auto Off: To save energy, the machine will automatically turn itself off after 30 minutes.
• Adjustable Drip Tray: You can adjust the height of the drip tray to accommodate cups of various sizes.
• Large Capacity Water Tank: Able to hold up to two liters of water, so you can make several drinks in a row before it needs a refill.

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Wrap Up

The point of a PID controller is to give you full ability to make even the finest adjustments to temperature. That way, you can experiment with various flavor profiles or even just ensure temperatures are as unwavering as possible.

While the machines on this list are all excellent, we understand that different people have different needs. If you didn’t find a good fit for you here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 888-978-5224.