What’s A PID Controller In An Espresso Machine? Worth It?
Who benefits from a PID controlled espresso machine?
Pulling the perfect shot of espresso or ristretto is equal parts science and art. The ideal grind size, brew ratio, time, and water temperature all play a part in the flavor of the final cup.
A high-quality burr grinder and scale deliver the perfect granularity and dose, but how do you precisely control the brew temperature? Many modern professional and home baristas turn to PID temperature control.
In this article, I’ll explain what a PID is, how it works, and how it compares to other thermostats, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What’s A PID Controller?
Understanding a PID is the first step to understanding its value in the coffee industry. But don’t worry, this isn’t an electrical engineering article. We’ll keep it basic.
PID stands for Proportional Integral Derivative. A PID uses continuous control loop feedback to automatically maintain a set value. It constantly evaluates a machine’s current status, compares it to the desired value, and takes corrective action to eliminate any deviation. These devices are widely used, not just in coffee machines.
What Does A PID Controller Do In An Espresso Machine?
The set value of interest in an espresso machine is the brew water temperature – a key variable in brewing perfect espresso (1).
“Brew temperature should be used mainly as a way to adjust the flavor of espresso in a machine that keeps temperatures extremely consistent.”
To achieve the best espresso extraction, an espresso maker must have the correct brewing temperature (around 200 degrees F) and maintain that set temperature with minimal fluctuations as the shot is pulled (2). A PID helps with both aspects, which is why it is a feature in many of the of best home espresso machines.
Other Temperature Controllers
The alternative to a PID is a pressurestat, which is essentially a pressure sensor connected to a switch. It monitors the pressure in the steam boiler, and when it increases above a certain threshold, the switch is activated and cuts power to the heating element. As the pressure drops, the heating element comes back on. This feedback loop is substantially less accurate and responsive than a PID, resulting in roughly 10 times larger temperature fluctuations.
Do I Really Need A PID For Espresso?
My honest opinion is that, no, many of us do not need a PID controller. Yes, it undeniably improves the overall espresso quality, but it also increases the cost of the espresso machine. So it comes down to whether you can taste the difference in that better temperature control.
A PID is worthwhile if you’re a keen espresso enthusiast or aspiring espresso enthusiast, especially if you like brewing high-quality specialty coffee beans.
That is particularly true if you like to experiment with different roast levels and single origins.
One option if you’re not sure about the PID is to buy a machine without a PID that is easy to upgrade. For example, the popular Rancilio Silvia and Gaggia Classic Pro can both be modded with an aftermarket PID kit, and there are plenty of instructions online to help.
Lastly, I should mention a less commonly cited advantage of PIDs: their durability. A solid-state digital PID will outlast a mechanical pressurestat, which has moving parts that can break.
What About Heat Exchanger Espresso Machines
The case for a PID in a single or double boiler espresso machine is well established. You set the brew boiler’s temperature, and the PID does a better job maintaining it than any other method. But a heat exchanger boiler is different because you don’t set the brew water temperature directly.
So is a PID still worthwhile? Perhaps.
Heat exchanger machines with PIDs are relatively rare, though there are some popular examples, like the ECM Mechanika or the Profitec Pro 500. The main benefit of a PID in a heat exchanger is improved temperature stability.
Final Thoughts
An espresso machine with PID control is a great way to take your espresso game to the next level, especially if you’re a specialty coffee fan. It enables precise control of the brew temperature, eliminating any guesswork and ensuring consistency.
The trade-off is a higher price tag, so it’s not the right choice for everyone. If you love to wake up and pull espresso shots with the same dark roast Italian coffee blend every morning, a PID might be more technology than you need.
FAQs
The ideal brew temperature for high-quality espresso falls between about 195 and 205 F (3). The precise temperature depends on the type of coffee and roast level, which is why a PID system is so valuable for coffee enthusiasts who like to experiment with different beans.
The best espresso machine for home use depends on your needs and budget. Two of the top-rated machines in our testing were the Rancilio Silvia M and the Breville Bambino Plus. More serious coffee lovers might favor a double boiler like the Lelit Bianca, whereas novices on a budget might prefer the Delonghi Stilosa.
Many prosumer espresso machines are equipped with a PID to control the temperature, including those from major brands like Profitec, ECM, Lelit, Rancilio, La Marzocco, Ascaso, Rocket, and Quick Mill. There are also a few more affordable modern espresso machines with a PID temperature adjuster, like the Breville Barista Express.
References
- La Marzocco. (2019, May 30). Basic Espresso Theory. Retrieved from https://home.lamarzoccousa.com/basic-espresso-theory/
- Stanley-Foreman, Z. (2022, June 20). How does temperature stability affect espresso extraction? Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2022/06/how-does-temperature-stability-affect-espresso/
- Barista Hustle. (2019, April 26). Espresso Temperature: Does 1 Degree Make a Difference? Retrieved from https://www.baristahustle.com/what-difference-will-it-make-to-an-espresso-if-i-raise-the-temperature-of-my-machine-by-one-degree/
