Affordable and Dual Boiler are two things you don’t typically find together. But the Profitec Pro 300 is an exception to the rule. This compact machine packs a punch with double boilers, PID temperature control, and a quality build.
This is an excellent option if you are in the market for a prosumer espresso machine on the cheaper side.
Profitec Pro 300
The Profitec Pro 300 is an espresso machine that offers superb value for money. It has a compact footprint, making it ideal for a small household. Other features include dual boilers, PID temperature control, a commercial-sized portafilter, and a high build quality. If you are looking for an affordable step into good espresso, the Profitec Pro 300 is an excellent option.
Profitec Pro 300 Review
Specs
About Profitec
Profitec was founded in Germany in 1985 and specializes in designing espresso machines, grinders, and other coffee accessories. They have built a reputation for producing high-quality machines with precise attention to detail. Each of their products showcases a modern yet minimalist design.
Perhaps one of their key distinctions is that each of their espresso machines and grinders are assembled by hand.
The Profitec Pro 300 is the most basic espresso machine in their lineup.
Design
The Profitec Pro 300 has a simple yet classic look. Compared to the other machines in the Profitec lineup, the Pro 300 lacks a bit of pizazz, primarily due to the saturated ring group instead of the traditional E61.
The build quality and engineering are superb- both inside and out. Outside, the machine is wrapped in stainless steel with a polished mirror finish and complemented by black resin knobs to control the steam and water wands. Inside, Profitec has used quality copper and braided stainless steel lines for all pressurized plumbing and a top-of-the-line Gicar PID controller. It is clear Profitec hasn’t skimped on the build with this machine which will prove itself in the years to come.
Dual Boiler
As we mentioned above, the Profitec Pro 300 is a dual boiler machine which is a rarity at this price point. The boilers have been scaled back, enabling the machine to have its compact footprint and affordable price. This means that the machine doesn’t cope well with making multiple drinks back on back- it will need time to recover. But on the positive side, it is fast to heat up, taking only 10 minutes.
Another handy feature of the machine is that you can turn the steam boiler off if you aren’t intending on making a milk-based beverage. This speeds up the heat-up time and conserves energy.
The brew boiler has a 0.4L capacity and is controlled by the PID, so offers superb temperature stability during brewing. The steam boiler is 0.75L and is controlled by a pressure stat. The boilers are made of stainless steel, a popular material choice due to its affordability and durability. The boilers are also insulated to conserve heat and reduce energy consumption. The pressure gauge on the front of the machine monitors the steam boiler pressure.
Vibratory Pump
The Profitec Pro 300 has a vibratory pump rather than a rotary pump. This means that the machine cannot be plumbed in but runs on water from the reservoir. Vibratory pumps are a bit noisier when running however they do fare better in the long run when it comes to maintenance; they are easier and cheaper to repair.
PID Temperature Control
The Profitec Pro 300 boasts a Gicar PID controller. This PID controller ensures the brew boiler remains within 1F of the set temperature, offering accuracy and control over extraction temperatures. This is in stark contrast to heat exchange machines which require cooling flushes to achieve stable brew temperatures. Another helpful feature of the PID controller is that it switches to a shot timer during brewing.
Pre-Infusion
It is worth noting that the Profitec Pro 300 does NOT have a pre-infusion function. Pre-infusion is where the coffee grounds are wet before extraction to remove inconsistencies from the puck prep and improve shot quality. Unfortunately, this is not an option with the Pro 300.
Ease of Use
The Profitec Pro 300 is straightforward to use. There are two switches under the PID display- one to turn the machine on/off and the other to turn the steam boiler on/off. Indicator lights at the top of the machine notify you which boilers are on.
The temperature of the brew boiler can be adjusted using the + or – buttons on the PID display. During heat up, the PID displays the current temperature of the brew boiler and the gauge the steam pressure. Once the set temperature has been reached, the machine is ready to use. As a side note, if you are using the steam function, it is recommended to wait until the pressure gauge reads 1.0-1.3 bars before using it.
A third switch at the top of the machine starts brewing, and once this begins, the PID automatically switches to a shot timer to help you time your extraction. You can steam milk simultaneously using the steam wand. The brew switch needs to be flicked off to stop extraction.
While the Profitec Pro 300 is simple to use, it doesn’t have any extra features. There is no ability to set the shot time or program the machine to turn on. It is very rudimentary in terms of features.
Milk Frothing
While the steam performance on the Profitec Pro 300 isn’t its strong suit, it still offers adequate power. The machine is equipped with a no-burn steam wand which is always a nice feature. The wand has a two-hole tip but can be switched to a one-hole tip for those looking to up the steam power. You will find that steaming is slightly slower than other comparable machines, and it requires time to recover between drinks.
There is also a separate tap to dispense hot water. Because of the small steam boiler, there is only enough water for about one americano.
Cleaning and Maintenance
There is nothing really out of the ordinary for cleaning and maintaining the Profitec Pro 300. As with any machine, you need to purge and wipe the steam wand and group head after each use. Rinse the drip tray and portafilter and wipe the body down to keep it shining.
Profitec recommends a deep clean of the brew group after every 150 cups brewed. This involves cleaning it with a blind basket and cleaning tablet. They also recommend regular descaling to prevent the build-up of scale.
Who Is The Profitec Pro 300 For?
The Profitec Pro 300 is an entry-level prosumer machine that offers superb value for money. You won’t find many other dual boilers in this price bracket. It is a good option for someone wanting to upgrade to a double boiler without breaking the bank.
If you intend on making multiple drinks at a time, this may not be the best option for you.
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Alternatives
Rancilio Silvia Pro
The Rancilio Silvia Pro is an icon in the espresso world. Like the Profitec Pro, it has double boilers and excellent temperature stability giving it the ability to make consistently good espresso. It also boasts superior steam power. While it lacks the features and finesse of some other espresso machines, the Rancilio really shines in build quality. These machines are known to be absolute tanks and easy to service. So if you are looking for an espresso machine to stand the test of time, the Rancilio might be for you.
Breville Dual Boiler
The Breville Dual Boiler is a machine that would fall into the same price bracket but is virtually the opposite of the Profitec Pro 300. The Breville favors features over build. And when we say features, we mean features- this baby allows you to adjust brew temperature, pre-infusion time and power, steam wand temperature, and program shot volume. This high level of customization makes it ideal for the espresso enthusiast who wants to play around with different brewing parameters. Oh, and did we mention the Breville Dual Boiler produces a superb espresso!
The Verdict- Profitec Pro 300
The Profitec Pro 300 is a basic machine that offers excellent value for money. It is compact, has double boilers, PID temperature control, and is well-built. However, the small boilers and lack of features really make this only borderline prosumer. All-in-all it is a good option for the beginner brewer or someone wanting to step up to a dual boiler without breaking the bank.
