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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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Victoria Arduino E1 Prima Single Group Espresso Machine is a versatile and eclectic coffee machine that opens up a new way of living and perceiving the coffee experience. It is dedicated to baristas planning their coffee business, to roasters that would like to search and offer a serene coffee experience for their clients, to professionals that desire a high-quality espresso even at home, and to all the international community of coffee lovers.
The E1 Prima is designed to be compact and efficient, minimizing its environmental impact. It comes with features like rear and interior lights, a cool-touch steam wand, and boiler insulation. The machine can be connected directly to a water source or can be used with a water tank. The included economizer helps to save energy and reduce costs.
The E1 Prima features a stainless steel portafilter and a group height of 3.75 inches, making it easy to use and clean. The machine has a width of 16.9 inches, a depth of 20 inches, and a height of 14.9 inches. It runs on 110 volts and has a wattage of 2800 with an amp draw of 15. The machine comes in three standard colors: matte white, matte black, and shiny silver.
Victoria Arduino is offering a limited time free gold warranty for the E1 Prima, which includes a 2-year parts warranty, a 1-year labor warranty, free Nuova Simonelli support, and automatic warranty claim processing. The machine also comes with a preventive maintenance plan for traditionals and supers.
Overall, the Victoria Arduino E1 Prima Single Group Espresso Machine is a great choice for those who want a high-quality espresso machine that is compact, efficient, and environmentally friendly. Its versatile features make it ideal for baristas, roasters, professionals, and coffee lovers alike.
The Slayer Espresso One Group is a high-end machine that is perfect for those who want to have complete control over their espresso extraction process. It features the same commercial group, brew actuator, needle valve assembly, and steam valves as the 2-group and 3-group models, but with a smaller footprint. The machine is designed for low volume of customers, such as at a farmers market, coffee cart, or roastery.
One of the key components of the Slayer Espresso One Group is the flavor profiling manual operation of 3-position actuator that allows total control over the extraction process. The patented needle valve meters the introduction of water to the coffee bed for ultimate sweetness and syrupy body. The pre-heat coil stabilizes the brew tank temperature, ensuring consistent extraction every time.
The machine also features a touchscreen menu, which provides a modern, digital readout for brewing and programming. The menu assists in flavor profiling and temperature control, giving the user unprecedented capabilities. Additionally, the machine has a power saver schedule that automatically powers on and off, making it energy-efficient.
The Slayer Espresso One Group is customizable with distinct body panel colors, metal finishes, and wood sets (actuators, handles, and cup rails). The machine also includes a shot mirror that improves visibility during extraction. It has a dual tank system with steam or brew tank priority, PID temperature control adjustable in 0.1° increments, and an electronic V3 grouphead rated to 1 million cycles.
The machine has a commercial portafilter with 58-millimeter, 18-gram basket, nanotech-coated precision shower screens, wood handles and actuators, hot water tap, non-slip feet, and an internal gear pump. It is direct plumb only and has the following specifications: width 18.5 inches / 47 centimeters, length 23 inches / 58 centimeters, height 13 inches / 33 centimeters, weight 110 pounds / 50 kilograms (tanks filled), brew tank 1.1 liters, 600 watts, pre-heat coil 60 milliliters, steam tank 3.3 liters, 1,300 watts, voltage OR 2,000 watts, amperage 12 amps OR 9 amps, wattage 1,500 watts OR 2,000 watts.
Through MajestyCoffee, all Slayer machines receive free installation through a local, Slayer-trained service provider and 15 months of parts & labor warranty. The installation process is hassle-free, and customers are given a direct number to call for any service/warranty needs.
The Sanremo You Espresso Machine is a dual-boiler espresso machine that offers a high level of control over the coffee extraction process. With six standard profiles and 12 customizable profiles, users can intervene in all three extraction phases and disable pre-infusion and post-infusion as desired. The extraction profiles can be customized and stored for later use.
The machine features both coffee and service boilers made of AISI 316 stainless steel for durability and longevity. Electronic control of pressure and temperature ensures constant stability even after prolonged dispensing. The volumetric pump is a new generation of 70 liters which allows for profiling.
The Sanremo You Espresso Machine is available in three configurations: with a tank, with a connection to the water mains, or with both possibilities. It also offers energy efficiency with two eco/on-off modes: automatic and manual.
The machine is designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring start/stop levers that activate water and steam with just one click. The steam and water wands are also Cold Touch for added safety.
Overall, the Sanremo You Espresso Machine is a high-end option for those looking for precise control over their espresso extraction process. Its customizable profiles and dual boilers make it a versatile and reliable choice for both home and commercial use.
The Lelit Bianca Dual Boiler Espresso Machine is a luxury prosumer espresso machine that has disrupted the global market with its advanced technology and unique features. Designed and built in Italy, the Bianca is the newest addition to Lelit's range of prosumer espresso machines. It was built from the ground up and designed for flow control through the brew pressure paddle, after over two years of studying with a well-known espresso academy in Italy, many baristas and professionals.
The Bianca is a beginner-friendly dual boiler espresso machine that packs some of the best technology that will make any barista jump for joy. It features a manual brew pressure via flow control as well as an external reservoir. The needle for the flow control is made of stainless steel, and the gicleur is made of brass, preventing galling between same metals under intense heat.
The Lelit Bianca Dual Boiler Espresso Machine features a PID controlled dual boiler that allows the user to experiment with pressure profiling and flow control, seeking the perfect flavor profile. The machine has a wooden paddle that sits on top of the legendary E61 group head, allowing the user to manually adjust the brew pressure as the espresso shot is extracting. The machine also features a brew pressure readout at the group, giving the user complete control over the brewing process.
The Lelit Bianca Dual Boiler Espresso Machine is beautiful in design, with a clean design inside and out. The machine has a single easy wraparound body panel that affords access to the inside. The wiring and layout are superbly placed for performance and easy repair, with even two bottom port holes for access to both heating elements in the powerful boilers.
The Bianca has an external and movable reservoir that does not heat when the machine operates for hours like other machines do. The water reservoir can re-position on either side of the machine to suit your needs and your counter-top. The Bianca is directly plumb-able too, making it a versatile machine for any home barista.
The Lelit Bianca Dual Boiler Espresso Machine was selected as one of the top 12 most innovative products at the 2019 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, against not only espresso machines, but also various food and drink recipes and equipment as well. The Bianca's game-changing manual brew pressure profiling produces espresso shots that are as perfect as they can get.
In terms of technical specifications, the Lelit Bianca Dual Boiler Espresso Machine features a flow control paddle, group head pressure gauge, PID temperature control, built-in shot timer, 'no-burn' stainless steel steam and hot water arms, pump pressure gauge, steam pressure gauge, and walnut steam and hot water knobs. The brew boiler is stainless steel with a capacity of 0.8L, and the steam boiler is stainless steel with a capacity of 1.5L. The machine comes with a 2.5L reservoir with a low water sensor and is BPA free.
The Lelit Bianca Dual Boiler Espresso Machine comes with a bottomless walnut portafilter, double spouted walnut portafilter, Lelit stainless steel and aluminum tamper, Lelit in-tank water softener, single basket, double basket, triple basket, 2-hole and 4-hole steam tip, microfiber towel, braided plumb-in line, drip tray drain attachment, and group head brush. The machine has a warranty of 3 years for labor and parts.
In conclusion, the Lelit Bianca Dual Boiler Espresso Machine is a luxury prosumer espresso machine that has disrupted the global market with its advanced technology and unique features. It is a versatile machine that can produce amazing espresso shots with complete control over the brewing process. The machine is beautiful in design, with a clean design inside and out, making it easy to use and maintain.
The Rocket Espresso R Nine One is a top-of-the-line espresso machine that combines the latest technology with the design of Rocket Espresso's commercial machines. It is built for home use, with a full-stainless case and frame that brings a premium look to your kitchen or bar setup.
One of the standout features of the R Nine One is its dual boilers, which include a 1.9-liter brew boiler and a 3.6-liter steam boiler. Both boilers feature stainless steel construction and boiler insulation for excellent temperature management. The R Nine One also has a fully-circulated water path that keeps the group head temperature in sync with the brew boiler, ensuring added consistency to your shots.
Another key feature of the R Nine One is its pressure profiling system. This allows you to design shot profiles for long pre-infusions or declining pressure, among other options. The R Nine One can be programmed for up to 5 pressure profiles, which can be set through the machine's color touchscreen or by hand with the group-mounted control knob.
The R Nine One also features a PID controller that provides electronic control over temperature, allowing for easy adjustments for different coffees and intrashot stability. The machine also has volumetric dosing, which allows you to program shot length by the milliliter for each pressure profile. Additionally, the R Nine One has an auto-on timer that can be programmed for up to 2 heat cycles every day of the week.
Overall, the Rocket Espresso R Nine One is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-end espresso machine for home use. Its combination of advanced features, including dual boilers, pressure profiling, and a PID controller, make it a top contender in the market.
The Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto is a high-quality dual boiler espresso machine that is perfect for espresso lovers who want a delicious taste, captivating aroma, and a smooth and rich body. With its stainless steel build, it's not only a great addition to any coffee lover's kitchen, but it's also a beautiful machine to look at.
One of the standout features of the Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto is its dual boiler operation, which allows for precise temperature control and optimal extraction of any coffee type or roast style. The machine can either be direct plumbed or use its large 2.5-liter water reservoir, so there's no fear of running out of water. The machine is also equipped with low water sensors and an easy to lift top cover, making it effortless to check and fill the water tank.
The Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto has a number of features that make it stand out from other espresso machines on the market. It has a new redesigned angled feet, an E61 commercial group, and a dual pre-infusion system. The machine is also equipped with stainless steel removable cup guard, non-compression hot water and steam valves, and stainless steel hot water and steam wands. The two-hole steam tip has 1.7 mm and 1.2 mm holes, which allows for optimal frothing of milk.
The machine has easy access to the water tank and boiler and group pressure gauges. It also has a PID controller for the group boiler and the steam boiler temperature, a rotary pump, and a large 2.5-liter water reservoir. The Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto comes with two complete 58 mm portafilters (one single and one double), a stainless steel backflush disk, an informative DVD that explains how to make great espresso, and a user manual.
The Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto has the following specifications: height of 15 inches, width of 12 inches, depth of 17 inches, and a weight of 64 lbs. It has a voltage of 110 V, amperage of 15 A, and wattage of 1400 W. The machine has a boiler size of .58/2.38 L and a reservoir size of 2.5 L. It also comes with a three-year warranty for parts and labor support.
Overall, the Rocket Espresso R58 Cinquantotto is a beautifully designed, high-quality espresso machine that offers precise temperature control, optimal extraction, and a number of features that make it stand out from other espresso machines on the market.
The Quick Mill Vetrano 2B Evo is a high-quality espresso machine that is well-suited for home use. It is designed for traditionalists who love the features of a modern home machine. This machine is built to last, with large stainless steel boilers that add even more longevity to your investment.
One of the standout features of the Vetrano 2B Evo is its dual boilers, which make temperature control between your coffee and steam nearly perfect. This eliminates the need for cooling flushes or compromising espresso quality. You can steam milk while you brew your espresso for ultimate efficiency.
The Vetrano 2B Evo also features a PID display with shot timer, which allows for precise temperature control. The stainless steel mushroom and gigleur valve ensure that your espresso shots are consistently delicious.
This machine is also highly customizable, with an accessory kit that includes a single and double spout portafilter with insert baskets, a matching tamper, and a brew lever knob, steam knob, and hot water knob in the color of your choice.
Overall, the Quick Mill Vetrano 2B Evo is a top-of-the-line espresso machine that is perfect for the home barista who wants the best of both worlds: traditional craftsmanship and modern features.
The Quick Mill QM67 Evo is a dual boiler espresso machine that is designed to produce top-quality espresso drinks. With its fully insulated stainless steel boilers, this machine is capable of making back-to-back drinks with a snappy rebound. The QM67 Evo is a compact machine that is perfect for home use, but it is also suitable for use in small offices or cafes.
The QM67 Evo features a modern PID with both shot timer and individual steam and coffee boiler temperature monitoring. The LED indicator lights and eco-friendly standby mode make it an environmentally conscious machine. The sleek and modern cup rail adds to the machine's aesthetic appeal, making it a functional piece of art in your kitchen that is sure to draw endless compliments.
This espresso machine is constructed with high-quality stainless steel, and it features a #304 E-61 commercial group, a 2-hole steam tip, and a 58mm portafilter. The QM67 Evo also has a cup warmer, a hinged cover, and an easy access expansion valve. The PID controller controls both the steam boiler temperature and the group boiler temperature, making it a versatile machine.
The QM67 Evo has a 3-liter water reservoir, and it comes with two portafilters (a single and a double) and a blank for backflushing. The machine is also equipped with a large pull-out stainless drip tray, a stainless steel hot water spigot, and a low water sensor.
In terms of dimensions, the QM67 Evo is 16.50 inches in height, 11.00 inches in width, and 17.00 inches in depth. It weighs 50 pounds, and it operates on 15 amps and 110 volts. The machine has a 1400-watt steam boiler and an 800-watt group boiler.
Overall, the Quick Mill QM67 Evo is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality espresso machine that is versatile, easy to use, and aesthetically pleasing. Its dual boiler system ensures that you can make back-to-back drinks with ease, and its modern PID with shot timer and individual temperature monitoring make it a top-of-the-line machine.
The La Spaziale S1 Dream is a single group dual boiler espresso machine that has been updated several times, with the latest iteration being one of the best in the market. This machine features a newly designed programmable touchpad that is similar to other popular electronic screens and displays.
One of the unique features of the La Spaziale S1 Dream is that it can be run in 15 or 20 amps. During the selection process, customers can choose one of the two options, and the machine will be set accordingly during the bench testing process. The convertor cord is included free of charge if the customer selects 15 amps.
The La Spaziale S1 Dream has several features that make it stand out in the market. It has a dual boiler, programmable passive pre-infusion, and programmable offset differential. The steam arm is swivel stainless steel, and the steam tip has exclusive 4 smaller 0.9 mm holes. The hot water spigot is adjustable and programmable, and the machine comes with two 53 mm portafilters: a single and a double.
The La Spaziale S1 Dream also has a PID controlled adjustable to one degree Fahrenheit, and the group and steam temperature can be adjusted through the touchpad. It has a built-in clock with programmable timer, shot counter and timer, and memory card reader and writer included, built-in port on the front of the machine. The machine allows for four programmable profiles, and it has an electronic boiler refill.
The La Spaziale S1 Dream has a 2.5" clearance between the drip tray and the portafilter, and it has a 5 ft braided water line with 3/8" John Guest fitting (accepts 3/8" JG tubing). The machine functions in either 15 amp or 20 amp, changeable through the touchpad.
In terms of dimensions, the La Spaziale S1 Dream has a height of 15.00 inches, a width of 16.50 inches, and a depth of 16.50 inches. It weighs 65 pounds.
Overall, the La Spaziale S1 Dream is a great option for those looking for a high-quality espresso machine with a range of features. Its dual boiler system, programmable touchpad, and adjustable temperature control make it a top choice for coffee enthusiasts.
The La Spaziale S1 Dream T is a technologically advanced espresso machine that is perfect for home use. With its newly designed programmable touchpad and stainless steel front and back panels, the S1 Dream T is the future of home espresso machines.
This dual boiler espresso machine features a swivel stainless steel steam arm and hot water spigot, as well as two 53mm portafilters - a single and a double. The S1 Dream T has a manual fill, 3-liter water tank, and barista lights next to the group. The vibratory pump is extremely quiet, and the volumetric dosing is adjustable through the touchpad.
The La Spaziale S1 Dream T is equipped with a PID controlled system that is adjustable to one degree Fahrenheit, and the group temperature is adjustable through the touchpad. It also features a built-in clock with a programmable timer, shot counter, and shot timer. The memory card reader and writer are included, and the port is built into the front of the machine. The S1 Dream T allows for four programmable profiles and electronic boiler refill.
The Spaziale Dream T can be run in either 15 or 20 amps, and during the selection process, the buyer can select one of the two options. The machine will be set to whichever is the choice during the bench testing process, and the convertor cord will be included free of charge if the buyer selects 15 amps. If the buyer is unsure of which to select, they can pop into the live chat in the bottom right corner of the screen for more information.
The La Spaziale S1 Dream T has a height of 15 inches, a width of 16.5 inches, and a depth of 16.5 inches. It weighs 62 pounds and has a dual boiler (0.45 liter coffee boiler, 1.2 liter steam boiler, and 1.65 liter total). The machine has an output capacity of 5 espressos per hour and features a PID temperature controller.
In conclusion, the La Spaziale S1 Dream T is an excellent choice for home espresso enthusiasts who want a high-quality machine with advanced features. Its dual boiler system, programmable touchpad, and adjustable PID temperature control make it a top-of-the-line espresso machine.
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.
