Italian Faema E61 Legend S2 Dual-Head Coffee Machine Review

If you're running a busy cafe or just serious about espresso at home, choosing the right machine matters—especially when balancing performance, temperature stability, and ease of use. Many commercial-grade espresso machines promise durability and control, but few combine vintage design with modern efficiency like the Faema E61 Legend S2.

The Faema E61 Legend S2 is a dual-head, semi-automatic espresso machine with manual controls, featuring one steam wand and one hot water wand. It includes an electronic boiler, an adjustable thermosiphonic system, and dual pressure gauges for both pump and boiler. Voltage is 4 kW at 380V, and it measures 715×540×565 mm.

What Is the Faema E61 Legend S2?

The Faema E61 Legend S2 is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic E61 grouphead design, built for dual-group operation. It’s manufactured by the legendary Italian brand Faema, a name synonymous with professional espresso since the mid-20th century. This particular model—the Legend S2—is engineered for cafés or advanced home users who demand durable construction, precise control, and efficient steam performance.

Key features include a traditional E61 grouphead for thermal stability, dual stainless steel steam and hot water wands, and a robust build designed for heavy daily use. It’s not a super-automatic or pod machine—it’s a hands-on, semi-automatic espresso machine built to last.

Key Features and Technical Specs

The E61 Legend S2 comes loaded with professional features aimed at keeping your shots consistent and your workspace efficient:

• Dual Groupheads: Two independent E61 groupheads allow simultaneous brewing of two espressos.
• One Steam Wand & One Hot Water Wand: Dedicated tools for milk frothing and Americanos or rinsing.
• Electronic Boiler: Provides stable temperatures for brewing and steaming.
• Adjustable Thermosiphonic System: Maintains consistent cup warming temperatures.
• Dual Pressure Gauges: One monitors boiler pressure, the other shows pump pressure—essential for dialling in shots and steaming.
• Voltage & Power: Rated at 4 kW, 380V for commercial environments.
• Dimensions: 715×540×565 mm, a compact footprint for a dual-head machine.

This model does not include automatic milk systems or touchscreens—it’s manual, precise, and built for control.

Why the E61 Grouphead Still Matters

The E61 grouphead, originally designed in 1961, remains one of the most revered brewing components in espresso. Its thermosyphon heating system circulates hot water through the grouphead, maintaining a stable brew temperature without needing constant electrical adjustments. The Faema Legend S2 preserves this classic design with modern enhancements.

In the Legend S2, the E61 grouphead ensures that each shot is brewed at a stable temperature, reducing the risk of channeling and improving extraction consistency. That thermal inertia also means the machine holds temperature well between back-to-back shots—an essential feature in high-volume settings.

How the Adjustable Thermosiphonic System Works

The adjustable thermosiphonic system is a standout feature on the Legend S2. It helps maintain ideal temperature not just for brewing, but for cup warming. By managing the flow of hot water through the grouphead jacket, it ensures your portafilter and cups stay at the right temperature—reducing heat loss before extraction.

This contributes directly to better crema development and more balanced espresso flavours, especially in busy shops where equipment cooling between shots can impact quality.

Faema E61 Legend S2 vs Other Machines

Compared to modern single-boiler or pod-based machines, the Legend S2 offers far greater control and durability. While it lacks some automation found in newer models, it provides a level of hands-on precision and temperature stability that’s hard to match without investing in much higher-end equipment.

It’s also more compact than many commercial heat-exchange machines, yet still offers dual group capabilities. That makes it a strong choice for cafes with limited counter space but no compromise on performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of machine is the Faema E61 Legend S2?

The Faema E61 Legend S2 is a dual-head, semi-automatic commercial espresso machine with manual controls. It uses the classic E61 grouphead system and includes separate steam and hot water wands. It is designed for high-volume use in cafés or serious home setups.

Does the E61 Legend S2 have automatic milk frothing?

No, the E61 Legend S2 does not have automatic milk frothers. It comes with a manual steam wand for frothing milk, giving the user full control over texture and temperature—a feature preferred by baristas who value precision.

What voltage does the Faema E61 Legend S2 operate on?

The Faema E61 Legend S2 operates on 4 kW power at 380V. It’s designed for commercial electrical setups and is not suitable for standard residential outlets without proper modification.

How many groupheads does the Legend S2 have?

The Legend S2 has two groupheads, allowing you to pull two espressos simultaneously. Both groupheads use the classic E61 design for enhanced thermal stability.

What kind of pressure gauges does it have?

The E61 Legend S2 includes dual pressure gauges—one for monitoring boiler pressure, and another for pump pressure. These are essential tools for dialling in espresso shots and managing steam pressure effectively.

Is the E61 Legend S2 suitable for home use?

While it’s designed primarily for commercial use, the E61 Legend S2 can be used at home by experienced baristas who need professional-grade equipment and have the necessary power supply (380V, 4 kW). It’s large and requires significant counter space.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Blends for E61 Machines

For the Faema E61 Legend S2, FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend delivers outstanding crema and balanced body—ideal for espresso lovers seeking a smooth, approachable shot. Its rich texture is perfect for milk drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. For higher intensity, try the Black Cocoa Blend: it’s bold, full-bodied, and great value, with deep cocoa notes that shine under the E61’s precise temperature control. Both blends are optimised for traditional espresso extraction using professional machines. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.