Semi-automatic and prosumer machines

What Does a Prosumer Espresso Machine Add, and What Does It Cost You?

Published · By the Espresso Shortlist editors · Prices and specs as of that date, from the pages under Sources

Summary

Makers don't use "professional" as a class of machine. The word turns up on parts, as in Breville's "Professional 58mm stainless steel portafilter." On the machines people mean by prosumer, the real addition is a second boiler: one holds brewing temperature while the other makes steam, so milk drinks can be made one after another. The price is paid in weight and power as well as dollars, from 18 kg and 1,600 W for a Profitec Pro 300 to 66 lb and 14 amps for a La Marzocco Linea Mini.

Three dual-boiler machines by the numbers

Profitec Pro 300La Marzocco Linea MicraLa Marzocco Linea Mini
PriceNot listed on Profitec's site$4,500$6,600
Coffee boiler0.3 L brass0.25 LNot listed
Steam boiler0.75 L stainless steel1.6 L3 L
Weight18 kg (about 40 lb)42 lb66 lb
US power115 V, 1,600 W1,600 W at 110 V1,620 W, 14 A at 115 V
Water2.8 L tank2 L reservoir, plumbing optional2.5 L reservoir, hybrid mode for plumbed machines

All three pair their boilers with PID temperature control. For comparison, Profitec's own single-boiler GO weighs 12.9 kg and draws 900 W on US power.

When the second boiler earns its space

Breville describes the idea plainly on its Dual Boiler ($1,599.95, out of stock on Breville's US store) and Oracle Dual Boiler ($2,999.95): the espresso boiler is PID controlled while a separate steam boiler lets you steam milk at the same time as the shot runs. Picture four cappuccinos for a weekend breakfast. On a dual boiler, each shot and each pitcher of milk happen together instead of waiting for one boiler to switch between the two jobs.

Profitec builds in a way out for lighter mornings. The Pro 300's steam boiler can be switched off at any time, and run as a single boiler the machine reaches brewing temperature in about 5 minutes.

Plumbing, cleaning, and service

The Linea Mini has automatic backflushing and a customizable standby. The Linea Micra's 2-liter reservoir makes plumbing optional, and La Marzocco publishes a separate plumb-in manual for home machines. For service, La Marzocco Home asks owners to send the machine's serial number along with a short video of the problem, and its maintenance page lists a preventive maintenance checklist for the Linea Micra.

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Sources

  1. Profitec — Pro 300
  2. Profitec — GO
  3. La Marzocco Home — Linea Micra
  4. La Marzocco Home — Linea Mini
  5. La Marzocco Home — Maintenance & Service
  6. Breville — the Dual Boiler
  7. Breville — the Oracle Dual Boiler

We have not tested these products. Specs, prices, stock and terms are as published on these pages on the date above and can change; check the manufacturer or retailer before you buy.

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