BEST LA CIMBALI ESPRESSO MACHINES: EXPERT PICKS FOR 2026
Are you in the market for a user-friendly commercial espresso machine? La Cimbali has some great options!
La Cimbali delivers an impressive line-up of commercial espresso machines. Whether you’re starting a business or looking for a prosumer-grade espresso maker for your home, La Cimbali should be on your radar. They’ve been making espresso machines for almost a hundred years, and their current models blend the best of modern technology with long tradition.
In this round-up of the top La Cimbali espresso machines, I’ll review five different options, one of which is sure to be perfect for your home or business.
At A Glance:
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OUR TOP PICK:
La Cimbali S30 CS10 -
BEST FOR HOME:
La Cimbali Junior Casa DT1 -
GREAT VALUE:
La Cimbali M26 BE
The 5 Best La Cimbali Espresso Machines in 2026
La Cimbali makes primarily commercial espresso machines that fall into two categories. They’re either traditional semi-automatic and automatic machines or more modern super-automatic models. The right equipment for you depends on your business and budget.
Here are my top five La Cimbali espresso machines, including my favorite options in both styles.
| Image | Product | Details | |
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S30 CS10 |
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S20 Super Automatic |
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M26 BE Full Size |
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Junior Casa DT1 |
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M26 TE Compact 2-Group |
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Here we review five top La Cimbali espresso machines, including our favorite options in both styles. One of them is sure to be the right fit for you.
1. S30 CS10
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Type: Super Automatic
- Number of groups: 1
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 30” x 14.6” x 24.4”
- Boiler size: 0.7 L and 1.25 L
The S30 is the perfect La Cimbali machine for a business that wants to prioritize reliability and ease of use without sacrificing coffee quality. It looks fantastic – sleek and modern. In fact, the design was awarded the coveted Red Dot Design award in 2016 for its clean lines, innovative technology, and environmental friendliness.
As a super-automatic espresso maker, it isn’t necessarily the best choice for a specialty coffee shop, but it’s ideal for a restaurant, bakery, or any business looking to offer coffee without keeping a dedicated barista on staff.
Using the massive 10” touchscreen, you can choose between 96 different drinks, each of which can be customized to taste. I was particularly impressed with the cold milk froth it offered for iced beverages.
The biggest advantage of these automated coffee machines is their consistency. Once you’ve programmed a recipe, you know you’re going to get the same drink every time (1).
In most culinary fields you create a recipe, refine it, perfect it; after that, you want to replicate it. Automation, to some degree, can take care of that part.
The La Cimbali CS30 can prepare up to 300 drinks a day. It has two integrated burr grinders – not just two hoppers – so you can offer guests their choice of beans. Perhaps regular and decaf? Or a light and dark roast? There is also a separate hopper for hot chocolate.
It’s WiFi-enabled, so you can monitor the machine from afar while you tend to your business. It reports on the current supply of beans, chocolate, and milk; how many drinks have been made; and whether cleaning or maintenance is required.
2. S20 Super Automatic
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Type: Super Automatic
- Number of groups: 1
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 14.6” x 24.4” x 30”
- Boiler size: 2.6 L
The La Cimbali S20 is a slightly older version of the upgraded S30, and it’s a great option if you want to save a bit of cash. Like the S30, it prepares barista-style drinks from start to finish using a built-in grinder and automatic frother.
The major differences between the two are that the S20 has a lower capacity and only a single boiler. The S20 also lacks the upgraded Perfect Grinding System of the S30, so you’ll need to take the time to dial in the ideal grind size, but I thought the process was quite straightforward.
Having sampled both, I found the drink quality identical, so the right machine for you depends mainly on the size of your business. The S20 outputs roughly 200 drinks per day compared to the 300 drinks of the S30.
Aside from that, the S20 is impressively well-equipped. It includes the same dual grinders, Wifi connectivity, and user-friendly touchscreen as its successor, as well as the same classy design.
3. M26 BE Full Size
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Type: Semi Automatic
- Number of groups: 2
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 24” x 32” x 21”
- Boiler size: 10 L
The La Cimbali M26 heat exchanger espresso machine is one of the brand’s flagship models. It comes in several versions, but the 2-group semi-automatic BE model is my pick for a great value. It perfectly balances features with the price.
By offering this base model without too many bells and whistles, La Cimbali has created one of the most affordable 2-group machines on the market, perfect for a mid-sized cafe.
It’s a semi-automatic machine, so it requires some barista skill, but its operation is very intuitive, and I found the M26 to be well-designed from an ergonomic standpoint.
Notably, while it doesn’t have many extra features, it does have the La Cimbali thermal system. This patented design is the foundation of the finest machines the company produces. It allows you to control the brew temperature for each group independently, and a cold water mixing valve means you can quickly cool the boiler without using long cooling flushes (3). This model can easily keep up with busy rushes.
4. Junior Casa DT1
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Type: Automatic
- Number of groups: 1
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 17” x 12” x 18”
- Boiler size: 2.5 L
The Junior Casa DT1 is the best La Cimbali model for your home, both in terms of its reasonable price point and small footprint.
I’d be lying if I said it was the most attractive prosumer espresso machine, but boy, is this thing built to last! It’s essentially one of their commercial models shrunk to a domestic size, with many of the same components. You can pull shot after shot for decades.
It has a stainless steel 2.5-liter heat-exchange boiler and a quiet rotary pump. While it may have a bit of a retro look, it has some thoroughly modern new features, including programmable volumetric dosing, passive pre-infusion, gauges for pump and steam pressure, and an improved three-hole steam tip.
One thing to keep in mind with this machine is that it is plumb-in only; it doesn’t have a water reservoir. This is in keeping with its commercial roots. Plumbing in an espresso machine makes it a treat to use, but it could be a deal-breaker if you don’t have the right place in your home.
5. M26 TE Compact 2-Group
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Type: Automatic
- Number of groups: 2
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 23.4” x 21.6” x 20.8”
- Boiler size: 5 L
This is the second La Cimbali M26 on the list, but now I’m talking about the compact model. If you have a steady stream of customers demanding top-quality drinks but only minimal counter space, this machine offers the ideal blend of large capacity and a small footprint.
This model has two groups, two steam wands, and a hot water tap, and to my surprise, it’s actually wide enough for two baristas to work side by side comfortably.
Its heat exchange boiler has a 5-liter capacity– plenty large enough to keep up with high demand during rush hour – and it has the unique thermal system the M26 models are known for.
The TE distinguishes itself from the BE model with its user-friendliness. It’s automatic rather than semi-automatic so that you can pre-program shot volumes. And the backlit button panel is ergonomic and intuitive to use (4).
The TE models are also equipped with the patented Turbosteam milk system. You can program up to four automatic frothing recipes with different milk temperatures and textures. In a busy rush, this is a significant time-saver for baristas.
How to Choose the Right La Cimbali Espresso Machine
A commercial-grade espresso machine is a big investment. If you’re starting up a cafe, it may be the most important investment you make. It’s crucial to choose your La Cimbali model wisely.
A few simple questions can narrow your options, and this buyer’s guide will show you the way.
Is it for home or business?
La Cimbali espresso machines are typically destined for commercial use. If you’re shopping for a home machine, the Junior Casa DT1 is your best option. If you’re looking for a home machine, I’d recommend broadening your search to include brands like Profitec, ECM, Rocket, Lelit, and Vibiemme espresso machines.
On the other hand, if you’re running a cafe, coffee cart, catering company, or any other business where you’d like to serve quality coffee, La Cimbali has a variety of excellent options. Let’s keep going to find out which one meets your needs.
How much capacity do you need?
The capacity you need comes down to the number of people you plan to serve, both daily and per hour.
A busy cafe requires a large capacity machine. That means multiple group heads and a bigger boiler. These features allow baristas to make multiple drinks at once and make many drinks back to back without letting the machine recover. Of course, higher-capacity espresso coffee machines are more expensive and take up more space, so be sure to measure your countertop and bank account carefully.
As a general guideline, only the busiest cafes require a machine with three groups. Average to large cafes typically get by with a machine with two groups. Small cafes, coffee carts, or home users should look at single-group machines.
How much control do you want?
La Cimbali makes prosumer and commercial espresso machines with all levels of automation, and there are pros and cons for each style of machine.
A super-automatic espresso machine does everything, from grinding the coffee beans to frothing the milk. You program what you want, push a button, and await the results. They are great in businesses where coffee isn’t the focus and barista training isn’t a priority (5).
Thanks to this increased convenience and the capacity for self-service, super-automatics have understandably become popular in non-café settings.
The drink quality from a super-automatic can’t match that of a professional barista, but it is getting closer with modern technology. These espresso machines are usually larger and more expensive, but remember to consider the cost and space savings of not buying a separate grinder – or hiring a skilled barista.
An automatic espresso machine strikes a nice balance between drink quality and ease of use. It requires some skill but can be programmed to deliver specific shot volumes. This frees the barista for other tasks like steaming milk or interacting with a customer. It’s an excellent option in a busy cafe as it facilitates multitasking.
A semi-automatic espresso machine requires the barista’s full attention. However, there is a reason these machines are so popular. With skilled users, they deliver the most impressive results. Additionally, they are the least expensive style, perfect for small businesses with lower volume.
The Verdict
La Cimbali is unusual because it produces traditional semi-automatic espresso makers and thoroughly modern super-automatic models. But no matter which style appeals to you, you get a beautifully engineered machine and delicious coffee.
This year, my top pick is the super-automatic S30 CS10, which stands out for its user-friendliness, large capacity, and huge drink selection.
FAQs
Where are La Cimbali espresso machines made?
La Cimbali is headquartered near Milan, in northern Italy. But they have four major production facilities throughout the country. Along with La Cimbali, they also make Faema and Casadio branded coffee makers and grinders.
What other brands are known for commercial espresso machines?
Other brands known for commercial espresso machines include La Marzocco, La Spaziale espresso machines, Nuova Simonelli, and La Pavoni. You might notice a common theme: they’re all Italian!
What certifications does an espresso maker need to be used in a business?
To be used in a business, an espresso maker must be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and the Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL). These certifications have nothing to do with the taste of the espresso and everything to do with the safety aspects of using the equipment (6).
References
- Grant, T. (2021, July 22). How is automation shaping the coffee industry? Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/07/how-is-automation-shaping-the-coffee-industry/
- Uusilehto, J. (n.d.). History and Basics of Latte Art. Retrieved from https://www.baristainstitute.com/inspiration/history-and-basics-latte-art
- Millard, C. (2022, August 15). What is the correct temperature for brewing coffee? Retrieved from https://www.redber.co.uk/blogs/blog/what-is-the-correct-temperature-for-brewing-coffee
- Bernson, A. (2014, August 12). New Study Suggests That Baristas Are At A Significant Risk For Injury. Retrieved from https://sprudge.com/barista-injury-study-ergonomics-dainty-gregory-60680.html
- Vittitow, D. (2021, June 24). How are super-automatic espresso machines evolving? Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2021/06/how-are-super-automatic-espresso-machines-evolving/
- Clive Coffee. (n.d.). Commercial Safety Certification Guide. Retrieved from https://clivecoffee.com/blogs/learn/commercial-safety-certification-guide
