Nuova Simonelli Aurelia WBC Custom Espresso Machine Specs

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a world-class espresso machine capable of handling high-volume, professional-level brewing under tournament conditions, the answer lies in engineering precision—not just power, but stability, control, and durability.

The Nuova Simonelli Aurelia WBC is the official espresso machine of the 2009–2011 World Barista Championship. It comes in two configurations: a double-group head model with two 11-litre boilers, and a triple-group head version featuring a single 15-litre boiler. Both are designed for extreme consistency in temperature, pressure, and workflow.

Build & Materials

The Aurelia WBC is constructed from stainless steel and ABS components for durability and heat retention. Its robust build ensures longevity even in high-use commercial environments. Every element, from the group heads to the boilers, is engineered to maintain performance under constant use.

Key Technical Features

This machine includes a range of advanced features tailored for professional baristas and high-volume cafes:

• Two group configuration: 11-litre x 2 boilers
• Three group configuration: 15-litre x 1 boiler
• Electronic automatic boiler water level control
• Digital temperature-compensated group heads
• Pressure gauges for both pump and boiler
• Safety valve and backwash prevention valve
• Pressostat for stable brewing pressure (9–15 bar)
• Volumetric dosing (electronic on most buttons)
• Displacement pump with optimized steam toggling to prevent overheating milk
• Double stainless steel steam wands
• Soft infusion system with centrifugal water movement for even pre-infusion
• SIS (Smart Infusion System) infusion compensation technology
• Customizable pre-infusion volume and flow rate
• Automatic cleaning function

SIS Technology & Temperature Stability

The Aurelia WBC was the first espresso machine in the world to apply computer-modeled thermal dynamics for temperature stability. Each group head includes a one-litre insulated zone that remains untouched by heating elements—ensuring the water remains fresh, pH-balanced, and at the correct temperature. This design minimizes alkalinity spikes and inconsistent extractions caused by fluctuating thermal contact with the boiler.

The SIS (Smart Infusion System) technology is a patented feature that compensates for minor barista errors, such as uneven tamping, ensuring each shot maintains consistent quality. This makes the Aurelia particularly well-suited for chain cafes or training environments where staff turnover might otherwise impact shot quality. No other machine currently offers this exact infusion stabilization system.

The machine’s thermal stability is further enhanced by over 12 pounds of precisely engineered brew group components, a single heat source system, and custom pre-infusion settings. The temperature-compensated group heads allow baristas to fine-tune both temperature and flow rate independently, offering unmatched control over the extraction process. Even the steam levers, buttons, and grouphead locking mechanism are ergonomically certified for professional use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia WBC different from regular espresso machines?

The Aurelia WBC is built with dual or triple groupheads, specialized boilers (11L x 2 or 15L x 1), and advanced features like SIS infusion compensation, electronic dosing, temperature-compensated group heads, and a pressostat for pressure stability. It was the official machine of the 2009–2011 World Barista Championship, designed for ultimate consistency and control in high-volume, professional environments.

Does the Aurelia WBC have temperature stability features?

Yes. The Aurelia WBC uses a computer-model-based thermal system and includes over 12 pounds of engineered brew group mass, insulated group head zones, and digital temperature compensation. Each group also has a one-litre area that doesn’t contact heating elements, ensuring fresh, stable water temperature for every shot.

What is SIS technology on the Aurelia WBC?

SIS (Smart Infusion System) is a patented feature that automatically adjusts for small barista errors like uneven tamping. It helps ensure consistent extraction quality across shots, making it ideal for cafes with multiple baristas or high staff turnover. No other espresso machine currently offers this exact technology.

How many boilers does the Aurelia WBC have and what sizes?

The double-grouphead version has two 11-litre boilers. The triple-grouphead version has one 15-litre boiler. These configurations are designed to maintain optimal temperature and pressure across multiple groups simultaneously.

What kind of steam wands does the Aurelia WBC have?

It features double stainless steel steam wands with optimized steam toggle switches that reduce milk temperature spikes during frothing. This helps produce finer, smoother microfoam instead of large bubbles, improving milk texture for drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

Is the Aurelia WBC suitable for home use?

While technically possible, the Aurelia WBC is designed for professional, high-volume environments like cafes and training centers. Its size, feature set, and boiler capacities make it more practical for commercial settings than for home use.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for Espresso

For the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia WBC, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend delivers rich crema and a balanced profile, ideal for espresso-based drinks. Its traditional roast suits both home and cafe use. For a more affordable option with strong body and cocoa notes, try the Black Cocoa Blend—great for lattes and cappuccinos. The Commercial Blend is another solid choice, offering consistent extraction and cost efficiency for busy settings. All three are designed to perform well under pressure and highlight the Aurelia’s precise temperature and pressure controls. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.