La Cimbali vs Rancilio

With so many top-notch espresso machine brands on the market, narrowing them down is tough. La Cimbali vs Rancilio are some of the best out there, but which one will suit you?

Espresso machines that complement your business should accomplish several feats at once. Not only should they satisfy your customers, they should also make your baristas’ jobs easier. We’re proud to offer a range of La Cimbali and Rancilio options to help your business run more smoothly. 

For those of you in a hurry, here are our top recommendations:

  • We recommend the La Cimbali for small businesses such as smaller hotels, restaurants, or coffee bars.
  • We recommend the Rancilio for a wide range of businesses from tiny office spaces to large restaurants.

How Are La Cimbali vs Rancilio Similar?

La Cimbali and Rancilio are quite different off the bat. That said, they have a few similarities we can start off with.

These Brands Have Earned Their Positive Reputations

La Cimbali was one of the original pioneers of espresso machines, crafting their first models back in 1930. Rancilio has been around for even longer, starting their reputation in 1926.

As such, both brands have earned their positive reputations as suppliers of long-lasting, high-quality espresso machines. They’ve had several decades to fine tune their machines in accordance with modern business standards, such as conserving energy or reducing strain on baristas.

Both Brands Have a Strong Selection of Espresso Machines and Grinders 

You won’t have to worry about finding a suitable espresso machine match for your business model. Both La Cimbali and Rancilio have an impressive line-up of espresso machines, grinders, and accessories.

Both Brands Offer Very Little Visual Customization

While La Cimbali and Rancilio remain competitive with their durable espresso machines, both brands offer little in the way of visual customization. Their espresso machines and grinders keep to a classic stainless steel or black ensemble.

If you want your equipment to match your in-store’s interior, you may need to look elsewhere.

How Are La Cimabli vs Rancilio Different?

La Cimbali and Rancilio are quite different in many ways. In fact, we think these brands are one of the easiest mainstream espresso machine companies to distinguish from. 

Rancilio Offers All Espresso Machines Types, La Cimbali Doesn’t Offer Semiautomatic

Are you searching for the widest possible variety of espresso machines to stock up your shops? Rancilio offers all types: manual, automatic, and semiautomatic. 

If you would rather narrow down your options a little, La Cimbali only offers manual and automatic. 

Rancilio Has Four Product Ranges, La Cimbali Has One 

Rancilio’s diversity doesn’t end at espresso machine types. Their products come in four line-ups: the Rancilio, the Rancilio Specialty, Egro, and Promac. 

The Rancilio line-up has a blend of cafe staples such as espresso machines, grinders, and individual portafilters. The Rancilio Specialty line-up has multiboiler espresso machines. Their Egro and Promac have fully automatic machines and automatic espresso machines, respectively.

La Cimbali has a smaller portfolio of traditional machines, fully automatic machines, and grinders. They also offer a few accessories such as milk coolers.

Rancilio Has a Lower Price Range, La Cimbali Is Generally Higher-End

Due to the greater diversity in product offerings, Rancilio has a wider price range. Comparatively, La Cimbali leans toward the higher-end of espresso machines.

Side by Side Comparison of La Cimbali vs Rancilio

Narrowing down the ultimate espresso machine to outfit your shop is no small feat. We’ll get you started by comparing similar products in the La Cimbali and Rancilio line-up.

Rancilio Silvia Pro X

Rancilio Silvia Pro X

Do you need a small espresso machine for an office space or a corner bar in your restaurant? The Rancilio Silvia Pro X is a compact machine singularly focused on the occasional, delicious cup of coffee.

This machine has a dual boiler that allows for simultaneous steaming and boiling, a perfect touch for when your business gets a few more coffee customers than usual. The soft pre infusion and PID control ensure the coffee is fine-tuned to the most delicious degree possible.

The Rancilio Silvia Pro X has features such as:

  • Stainless steel portafilter
  • Pre infusion
  • PID control
  • Dual boiler
  • Shot timer

La Cimbali Casa Espresso Machine DT1-JUNIOR

La Cimbali Casa Espresso Machine DT1-JUNIOR - Majesty Coffee

Let’s take a look at what La Cimbali offers in the smaller espresso machine spectrum. The Casa Espresso Machine DT1-JUNIOR has an impressive array of convenient features.

The steam wand’s three-hole tip makes microfoam extra creamy, a detail that will hit a high note with customers or weary employees. Passive pre-infusion improves cup quality without input from the barista, leaving your workers to instead focus on features such as volumetric dosing.

The La Cimbali Casa Espresso Machine DT1-JUNIOR has features such as:

  • Two 58mm portafilters
  • Programmable volumetric dosing
  • Passive pre-infusion
  • Insulated boiler
  • Multidirectional hot water tap

Which Brand is Right For You?

Each brand is bound to delight you with their energy-saving and time-saving features. Depending on your business model, one may be more suited to your purchase than another.

La Cimbali For Small Cafes, Restaurants, and Hotels

La Cimbali is a reliable investment for small cafes as well as smaller restaurants and hotels. Their more limited portfolio doesn’t skimp on quality and, in some cases, may help with choice fatigue.

La Cimbali offers a solid range of manual and automatic espresso machines alongside grinders and milk coolers.

Rancilio For Tiny Office Spaces or Large Businesses Alike

Rancilio’s hefty portfolio spans across several business models. Whether you need a machine to boost morale in your tiny office or want to outfit a large restaurant, you’ll be covered with their line-up.
Rancilio has four product line-ups that tackle different business models, from multi-boiler espresso machines to superautomatic machines.

Wrap Up

La Cimbali and Rancilio are proper investments for businesses that want to step up customer satisfaction, improve employee morale, or reduce strain on workers. Both brands work hard to keep up with shifting business standards toward cup quality and worker convenience.

Check out the La Cimbali and Rancilio models here for the lowest prices. If you still can’t choose between the two, reach out to our live chat and we’ll be happy to help. 

Tony Barlow

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Tony Barlow, with over a decade of experience in the coffee industry, is the go-to technical sales expert at Majesty Coffee. He's passionate about helping businesses find the right espresso equipment for their needs.