Profitec Pro 500 PID Espresso Machine

Overview

The Profitec Pro 500 PID packs big espresso and steam performance with that signature engineering and build quality that have so quickly set this company apart. To really see the level of care that has been put into these designs, they have to be seen with the side panels removed. You’ll immediately notice that this machine shares similar aesthetics with the bigger Pro 700, but at a totally different price point. The reason for this is the Pro 500’s huge 2 liter stainless steel boiler also actively heats the water for brewing coffee as it passes through a pipe that leads from the water reservoir to the E61 group head. Using this heat exchanger system the Pro 500 can deliver the same massive steam power as the Pro 700 but at a much lower price. This means that steaming milk for multiple lattes or cappuccinos in a row is fast and easy. It also allows it to pull shots and steam milk with no wait with the same convenience as a dual boiler machine. The Pro 500 also uses the same legendary E61 group design because its weight (9.9lb!) and hot water circulation give a huge advantage to shot consistency through thermal stability, while the mechanical preinfusion gently soaks the grounds before ramping up to full brew pressure.

The symmetrical gauges display brew pressure and boiler steam pressure, which provide helpful information for future troubleshooting. Pro 500 also boasts a 3 liter water reservoir with automatic low water shutoff. This should be sufficient to make 20-30 drinks before refilling, and the water is drawn through the bottom of the tank so no need to worry about hoses being in the right place after refilling. Its 1400 watt element is compatible with standard kitchen 15 amp circuit breakers and can heat the 2 liter boiler in about ten minutes. The fully swiveling steam and hot water wands are insulated for easy cleaning and safer operation. The removable cup warming tray on top will keep your cups toasty warm, but the hot water tap on the right is also super helpful for quickly heating a cool cup or making Americanos. At just under 15.5”, it fits easily under kitchen cabinets (just over 14″ tall with the cup rail removed).

With the volume of water and metal that needs to be heated, we recommend using an appliance timer to warm the machine up at the perfect time every morning. Heat exchanger espresso machines do run hotter than dual boilers when they sit idle, so verify that the brew water is flowing smoothly before pulling a shot. We’ve found that first thing in the morning a ten second flush of the group head results in proper, stable brew temperatures. The learning curve for heat exchangers is different than that of temperature controlled single and dual boilers, so we highly recommend you research on our journal and also call our team to make sure which design fits your goals, routine, and budget.