How Does the Expobar E61 Dual Boiler Coffee Machine Perform?

If you’ve just upgraded—or are thinking about upgrading—to a dual boiler espresso machine with an E61 group head, one of the first questions you’ll want answered is simple: how well does it actually perform? We recently set up the Expobar E61 Office Leva 1GR with a MAZZER MINI manual grinder to find out how this professional-grade setup handles daily use, from dialling in espresso to steaming milk.

In short: the Expobar E61 Office Leva 1GR dual boiler with PID and the MAZZER MINI grinder deliver professional-grade performance, including precise temperature stability, solid extraction control, and a capable steam wand—though beginners may need time to master the steam pressure and fine-tune grind settings for optimal flow.

What’s in the Box: Machine and Grinder Specs

This setup consists of the Expobar E61 Office Leva 1GR 2Boilers Rotation—a dual boiler machine with a commercial-grade E61 group head, PID temperature control, rotation pump, and a compact design for home or light commercial use—and the MAZZER MINI MANUAL grinder, a commercial-grade doserless mill known for its durability and consistent grind distribution. Together, they weigh close to 100 pounds, so be prepared for a workout during setup.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The machines arrived well-packaged, though heavy. The previous setup—a year-old combination of a Tsann Kuen 1817 and a Huayi ZD-15—was carefully cleaned and stored before making way for the new equipment. The E61 group head immediately stands out for its classic design and build quality, while the machine’s internals feature fine tubing, a rotary pump, and a PID controller for precise temperature management. The MAZZER MINI, though not heavily photographed, is clearly built for heavy use.

Dialling In the Grind and First Shots

The MAZZER MINI was set to its factory grind setting out of the box, which ended up being pretty close to optimal. Minor adjustments may still be needed depending on bean freshness and roast level. For testing, we used a FrontStreet Coffee sample blend (First Kiss), which produced a slightly fast flow rate during extraction. Despite that, the shots showed a balanced crema colour, with a taste profile featuring bright acidity, fruity notes, and a notable alcohol-like warmth in the aftertaste—often associated with fresh, lighter-roasted espresso.

Milk Drinks and Steam Performance

We also pulled a cappuccino, though the steam wand required some adjustment. The steam power is present but takes practice to control effectively. Initial attempts produced inconsistent microfoam, though this is likely more related to technique than machine capability. With more use, the steam wand should deliver properly textured milk for latte art and velvety drinks.

Key Features and Build Notes

• Dual boilers: Allow simultaneous brewing and steaming without temperature loss.
• E61 group head: Renowned for its thermal stability and classic espresso feel.
• PID temperature control: Enables precise brew temperature adjustments.
• Rotation pump: Provides consistent pressure and quieter operation compared to vibratory pumps.
• MAZZER MINI grinder: Commercial-grade build with stepped adjustment and durable burrs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Expobar E61 Office Leva 1GR really a dual boiler machine?

Yes, the Expobar E61 Office Leva 1GR is explicitly a dual boiler machine with separate boilers for brewing and steaming, allowing you to pull shots and steam milk simultaneously without temperature fluctuation. It also includes a PID for precise control over the brew boiler temperature.

Does the MAZZER MINI grinder come adjusted for espresso out of the box?

The MAZZER MINI arrives with a factory-set grind size that is relatively close to espresso range, but may still require slight adjustments based on your specific beans, roast level, and desired extraction speed. Most users fine-tune it further for optimal results.

How does the E61 group head affect temperature stability?

The E61 group head is well-known for its excellent thermal inertia, meaning it holds heat very consistently through multiple back-to-back shots. This leads to more stable extractions without requiring frequent temperature surfing or cooling flushes.

Is the steam wand on the Expobar E61 Office Leva 1GR strong enough for latte art?

The steam wand is functional and produces adequate steam pressure, but it may take time to master its power and positioning. With practice, it can produce decent microfoam suitable for basic latte art, though it might not match the power of higher-end commercial machines right away.

What kind of beans work best with this setup?

This setup performs well with a range of beans, particularly those suited for espresso. Light to medium roasts with good density can highlight the E61’s thermal stability and the grinder’s consistency, especially when aiming for balanced acidity and body in the cup.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for E61 Espresso

For use with the Expobar E61 dual boiler setup, the FrontStreet Coffee Classic Blend offers excellent crema and a balanced profile with smooth body and mild acidity—ideal for everyday espresso. The Black Cocoa Blend provides a richer, more intense cup with bold flavours and heavy crema, great for milk drinks. Both blends are optimized for espresso extraction and grind well in commercial grinders like the MAZZER MINI. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.