BEZZERA ESPRESSO MACHINES: 5 TOP PICKS AND REVIEWS

The Bezzera Matrix DE or MN models are nearly identical to the Duo DE or MN on the inside but have an eye-catching exterior that I can’t help but award for its unique style.

Both Matrix models feature LED-lit glass panels on the side that you can program to any color you desire using the stunning 3.5” touchscreen display. You can adjust the look of your espresso maker to suit your decor or even your mood! This is paired with rich rosewood detailing and a mirror-finish stainless steel case for an overall gorgeous design.

Of course, style alone isn’t enough to win me over; the espresso is no less impressive. 

The Matrix MN is a dual boiler machine with PID temperature control and a classic E61 group head. The MN model relies on a traditional semi-automatic operation, with a lever on the side of the group head to start and stop the shot, but you can upgrade to the automatic DE if you have the budget.

Best Manual Espresso Machine

3. Bezzera Strega

• Boiler: Heat Exchanger

• Pump: Vibration
• Water capacity: 4 liters
• Dimensions  (HxWxD): 29” x 13” x 17.7”

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The Bezzera Strega is an espresso maker unlike any other. I love how it pairs modern and traditional elements to deliver something more than the sum of its parts.

This extra level of control means you can really fine-tune extractions. I found it particularly useful when brewing lighter roasts or single origins.

The Strega has a 2-liter heat exchange boiler, so you can pull a shot and steam milk at the same time — and access some really impressive steam power. It only takes about 10 seconds to froth enough for a cappuccino, and the joystick control is very responsive.

If you’re considering buying the Strega, do account for its size. It measures a whopping 29 inches high with the lever fully extended, so be sure you have space in your kitchen.

Best Heat Exchanger Espresso Machine

4. Bezzera BZ10

• Boiler: Heat Exchanger

• Pump: Vibration
• Water capacity: 3 liters
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 15” x 10” x 17”

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I regularly recommend the Bezzera BZ10 as one of the best-value heat exchanger machines on the market – not just from Bezzera. Though It’s not the fanciest model, few others deliver this level of performance and and quality at such a low price.

The standout feature is that it uses the same electronically heated brew group found on the higher-end models.

This gives the Bezzera BZ10 improved temperature stability compared to most heat exchangers and means it can be hot and ready to brew in as little as 10 minutes.

The nickel-plated copper boiler measures 1.5 liters. It provides ample steam pressure, which you can monitor via the pressure gauge. And the vibration pump is one of the quietest I’ve tested.

The Bezzera BZ10 espresso machine is also known for its durability, thanks to its 3-in-1 Mater pressure stat and heavy-duty stainless steel casing. At this price, you’re getting your money’s worth.

Budget Pick

5. Bezzera New Hobby

• Boiler: Single

• Pump: Vibration
• Water capacity: 3 liters
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 13.5” x 8” x 9.25”

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The Bezzera New Hobby espresso machine is the smallest and least expensive model, but rest assured that it is still firmly a prosumer espresso machine. If you’re getting into espresso brewing, this is a fantastic entry point – and a good foundation on which to build your barista skills (1).

New Hobby is a single-boiler dual-use machine, meaning you can’t steam and brew simultaneously. But if you’re not a frequent latte drinker, this is only a minor inconvenience, and it comes with substantial cost savings.

Keeping it at prosumer quality are the stainless steel casing, chrome-plated brass group, a standard 58 mm portafilter, and a commercial-style steam wand. The 8.4-ounce brass boiler produces serious steam power, and conveniently, there’s a dedicated button for refilling the boiler after extended steaming.

All this is packed into a minimal footprint, making the New Hobby great for small kitchens or offices. And despite its small size, it still includes a larger-than-average 3-liter water tank, so you won’t need to refill constantly.

Choosing The Best Bezzera Coffee Machine

All the brand’s products are well-designed and built. So the best one for you comes down to your needs (2). Do you make a lot of milky drinks? Do you have a small kitchen? How hands-on do you want to be? Keep reading for everything you need to consider. 

All About Boilers

When buying prosumer espresso makers, the type of boiler is probably the most critical decision. If you don’t make many milk-based drinks, a single boiler dual-use machine is your best bet: for example, the Bezzera Unica or New Hobby. You can’t brew and steam at the same time, but they are smaller and less expensive.

On the other hand, if you make many milky drinks, you’ll need a heat exchanger boiler or a double boiler. Double boilers generally have better temperature accuracy and control, especially with a PID, and they’re more intuitive to operate (3).

However, espresso machines with heat-exchange boilers are usually smaller and less expensive and tend to have better steaming power for the price.

Why Pump Type Matters

There are two types of pumps used in these machines – rotary or vibration – and both easily generate the pressure needed for espresso. Vibration pumps are smaller, easier to repair, and less expensive. Rotary pumps are quieter and allow you to plumb your machine directly to a water line.

Style of Operation

Bezzera offers three styles of espresso maker: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual. Like the pumps, all are equally capable but have unique pros and cons.

• Manual machines use a lever to apply pressure when pulling the shot. This takes practice to master, but the resultant drink quality is unmatched.
• Semi-automatic machines use a pump for pressure, but the barista needs to time the shot and start and stop the pump.
• Automatic machines use a pump to apply pressure AND use a flowmeter to stop the shot automatically at a particular volume. They are the most hands-off style.

Size and Features

The final thing to consider is the space available for your espresso maker. Prosumer machines tend to be big, especially the double boilers, and often, the more features you want, the more space you need.

If you’re a heavy user (or considering a commercial application), look for a model with a larger boiler, water tank, and drip tray – all of which facilitate consecutive drinks without delay. This is especially true of heat exchangers because you use additional water doing cooling flushes. 

One of the first features abandoned on more compact machines is separate wands for steam and hot water. So, evaluate the importance of this if you’re shopping for a smaller model.

The Verdict

As one of the few companies to keep all their manufacturing in-house, you can trust every Bezzera coffee machine to be remarkably well-made. The key is to find the right combination of functionality and price to meet your needs. If you can afford it, my favorite this year is the top-of-the-line Duo DE, which is packed with exclusive features.

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