

Comparing portafilters by Lelit, Rancilio, Sage and Co. at around 2000 francs
James Hoffmann is an expert in the coffee industry. On his YouTube channel, the 2007 world barista champion regularly tests coffee equipment. In his latest video, he compares a variety of portafilter machines that cost round 2000 francs.
When James Hoffmann speaks, it’s never empty words. With his wit and calmness, Hoffmann does honest and authentic reviews of coffee machines. His latest, almost 40-minute video, shows him taking a close look at portafilters in the upper entry-level range. He tested the machines Lelit Mara, Rancilio Silvia Pro, Sage Dual Boiler, Profitec Pro 500 and Rocket Appartemento. We do not (yet) offer the last model in our range. In his review, he notices one thing: most coffee machines run at too high a pressure, between 9 and 10 bar. This can usually be adjusted with a screw on the boiler, but doing this will void your warranty.
In general, James liked all the machines he tested. That’s good news. If you already own one of them, there’s no need to change. The Profitec Pro 500 and the Sage Dual Boiler are the test winner, according to James.

Hoffmann likes the design of the Profitec and the PID temperature control. The Sage is one of his favourites because it offers many setting options. However, that comes at the expense of material quality. The Sage has many plastic parts, while the other machines are made of metal.
The Rancilio Silvia Pro is worth mentioning because it's the only machine that achieved the right pressure of 7.5 to 8 bar. However, James Hoffmann criticises the design of the buttons and the size of the machine. The toggle switches are a Rancilio peculiarity. If you don't care or even like it, that's the machine for you. Right now, however, we don't sell it in our shop.The Rancilio is now also available from us.
When I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.