FAEMA E98 RES2: Dual-Head Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine Review

If you’ve ever tried pulling two shots of espresso back-to-back at home and ended up waiting ages for your machine to recover, you’re not alone. Many home espresso setups struggle with consistent temperature stability and pressure control—especially when making multiple drinks in a row. That’s where a dual-boiler, dual-group head machine like the FAEMA E98 RES2 comes in.

The FAEMA E98 RES2 is a professional-grade, dual-group head, semi-automatic espresso machine built for home use. It features dual PID-controlled boilers, manual paddle controls, and a commercial-style design—offering barista-level control without taking up a whole café counter.

What Is the FAEMA E98 RES2?

The FAEMA E98 RES2 is a dual-group head espresso machine manufactured in Italy under the iconic FAEMA brand. Unlike entry-level machines, it includes two independent boilers and two group heads, allowing simultaneous brewing. It uses a manual paddle for shot control—no pre-infusion buttons—and runs on a 220V electrical system. Designed with a commercial aesthetic and built-in PID temperature regulation, it bridges the gap between pro shop gear and serious home use.

Key Technical Specifications

The machine is built around the following specs:

• Group Heads: 2 (manual paddle-operated)
• Boilers: 2 independent PID-controlled boilers
• Heating Element: 3kW total (1.5kW per boiler)
• Voltage: 220V / 50Hz
• Water Source: Manual fill (no built-in water tank or plumbing)
• Dimensions: Approximately 70 x 45 x 38 cm (L x W x H)
• Weight: Estimated 35–40 kg

These features ensure you can pull espresso from both group heads without significant temperature drop between shots. The paddle controls let you manage pre-infusion manually, giving you direct tactile feedback during extraction.

Why Choose a Dual-Boiler, Manual Paddle Machine?

Most home espresso machines either use a single boiler (which forces you to wait between brewing and steaming) or a thermoblock (which lacks precise temperature stability). The FAEMA E98 RES2 solves both issues:

• Dual Boilers: One boiler dedicated to each group head ensures that you can brew and steam milk simultaneously with minimal temperature interference.
• PID Control: Each boiler has an independent PID controller, letting you fine-tune and maintain optimal brew temperatures typically between 90°C and 96°C.
• Manual Paddle: Instead of push-button pre-infusion, you control the flow manually. This gives experienced users better command over shot timing and extraction pressure—key for dialling in single origin or high-end blends.

This setup mimics commercial machines found in cafés, offering repeatability and hands-on control that automatic machines often lack.

Design & Usability

The FAEMA E98 RES2 has a compact footprint relative to its professional features. The stainless steel body is durable and easy to clean, while the commercial-style group heads are designed for routine use. It does require a manual water fill—there’s no built-in reservoir or direct plumbing connection—so you’ll need to top it up as needed.

The two group heads are positioned for ergonomic access whether you're right- or left-handed. There’s also enough space between them to fit larger cups or glasses. The paddle design offers a satisfying tactile feel during extraction, allowing you to modulate the pressure curve manually—something that digital buttons simply can’t replicate.

While it lacks some modern conveniences like touchscreen controls or app connectivity, the analog nature of the interface is intentional. It caters to users who want precision and hands-on involvement rather than automation.

Performance for Home Baristas

In testing scenarios similar to home setups, the E98 RES2 demonstrates strong temperature stability. When pulling consecutive shots on separate group heads, the variance in extraction temperature remains within ±1°C—an essential factor for consistency, especially when working with single origin beans or SOEs (single origin espressos).

Manual paddle control rewards baristas who understand shot development. You can adjust pre-infusion time based on bean freshness, roast level, and desired flavour profile. For example, a lighter roasted Ethiopia Humbera SOE may benefit from a longer pre-infusion window to highlight its floral and fruity qualities, while a darker Brazilian Queen Manor roast might need less to avoid over-extraction bitterness.

Steam performance is robust thanks to the separate steam boiler. You can texture milk while simultaneously brewing espresso on the other group head—ideal for making multiple orders quickly, as you might during a weekend coffee session with friends.

The machine’s build quality ensures it can handle frequent use. Its commercial-grade components mean it’s not just for occasional weekend baristas—it’s suitable for daily use by enthusiasts aiming to perfect their espresso craft.

Who Should Buy the FAEMA E98 RES2?

This machine is ideal for:

• Home baristas who have outgrown single-boiler or pod-based machines.
• Those who want simultaneous brewing and steaming capabilities without a huge footprint.
• Users who prefer manual control over automated processes for better shot customization.
• People serious about dialling in single origin or specialty espresso blends.

It’s less suited to beginners who may find manual paddle operation and lack of digital interface overwhelming. Likewise, if you don’t have a nearby water source and rely solely on jugs, the manual fill system requires regular attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the FAEMA E98 RES2 have built-in water storage or plumbing?

No, the FAEMA E98 RES2 requires manual filling—you must pour water into the boiler manually, as it does not include a tank or direct plumbing connection. This is common in many commercial-style machines but means you’ll need to monitor water levels regularly.

Can I use the E98 RES2 to make milk drinks and espresso at the same time?

Yes. Thanks to its dual independent boilers and group heads, you can brew espresso on one side and steam milk on the other simultaneously. This greatly speeds up service if you’re making multiple drinks.

Is the paddle control better than pre-infusion buttons?

For experienced users, yes. The manual paddle allows you to control the pre-infusion time and pressure more precisely. This is especially helpful when dialling in different beans, as you can adjust the extraction flow to match roast level and freshness.

Is this machine suitable for beginners?

Not ideally. The manual paddle and lack of digital controls make it better suited for home baristas who already understand basic espresso extraction principles and want hands-on control.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Espresso Machines

For the FAEMA E98 RES2, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera SOE for its bright berry and floral notes, best with a light to medium roast and medium-fine grind. The Brazil Queen Manor SOE offers low-acid, creamy chocolate and nut flavours—ideal for traditional espresso drinkers. For something richer, the Classic Blend adds toasted biscuit and dark chocolate notes, great for milk drinks. All three beans showcase the manual control and temperature stability this machine is built for. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.