When you start looking at serious espresso machines, especially ones built for small cafes or serious home baristas, you’ll quickly come across La Spaziale. This Italian manufacturer isn’t as mainstream as some brands, and that’s part of the appeal. They focus on engineering and durability over flashy marketing. I’ve spent a lot of time with their machines, and the build quality is immediately noticeable. They feel like commercial equipment that just happens to fit on a kitchen counter.
What really sets La Spaziale espresso machines apart is their unique group head design. Instead of the standard 58mm size used by almost everyone else, they use a slightly smaller 53mm diameter. This isn’t a cost-cutting measure; it’s an engineering choice that allows for faster heat-up times and, many argue, more consistent water distribution across the coffee puck. Combined with their dual boilers and advanced temperature stability, these machines are designed for one thing: pulling incredible shot after incredible shot.
La Spaziale Espresso Machines: Our Top Picks
La Spaziale S1 Dream T
If you want the rock-solid reliability of a La Spaziale but with more modern features, the S1 Dream T is the answer. This model adds a beautiful, intuitive touchscreen interface to the proven dual-boiler foundation. The screen makes it easy to program shot volumes, adjust boiler temperatures with precision, and even set a daily auto-on schedule. I found this feature incredibly convenient for having the machine ready when I wake up. It retains the fast heat-up and powerful steam of the Vivaldi II but wraps it in a more user-friendly package.
The Dream T also includes programmable pre-infusion, which allows you to gently saturate the coffee puck before full pressure is applied. This can help extract more nuance and complexity from your beans, especially with lighter roasts. The machine still uses the 53mm group head, which continues to perform excellently. The build quality is exceptional, with all the commercial-grade components you’d expect. It’s a significant step up in price from the Vivaldi II, but for those who value programmability and a sleek interface, it’s worth the investment.
Pros
- Advanced touchscreen interface for easy programming
- Programmable pre-infusion for better extraction control
- Auto-on/off schedule for ultimate convenience
Cons
- Higher price point than the base Vivaldi II model
- Touchscreen is another potential component that could fail
La Spaziale S5 Lucca
The La Spaziale S5 Lucca is a beast designed for higher-volume use, making it perfect for a large household or a small office setting. It’s based on the same internal architecture as the S1 series but is housed in a larger, more robust chassis. The most significant difference is the increased boiler sizes, which provide even more steam power and recovery time. If you’re regularly making drinks for a group of people, this machine won’t break a sweat. The build quality is a notch above, feeling even more substantial and durable.
Using the S5 Lucca is a pleasure. It often comes with additional features like a hot water spigot that’s separate from the steam wand, which is handy for making Americanos. The commercial E61-style group head is a departure from the other models and is a favorite among espresso enthusiasts for its temperature stability and classic look. While it has a larger footprint, it’s a statement piece that delivers uncompromising performance. It’s the ultimate La Spaziale for someone who needs maximum capacity and the absolute highest build quality for a semi-commercial environment.
Pros
- Larger boilers for exceptional steam power and recovery
- Heavy-duty construction built for high-volume use
- Includes a dedicated hot water dispenser
Cons
- Significantly larger footprint, requiring more counter space
- Highest price point in the La Spaziale lineup
La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II
The La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II is often the first machine people think of from this brand, and for good reason. It’s a compact dual-boiler machine that packs a serious punch. I found the heat-up time to be impressively fast, usually ready to go in under 10 minutes. The separate boilers for steam and brew mean you can pull a shot and steam milk simultaneously without any drop in temperature or pressure. This is a game-changer for making lattes back-to-back. The 53mm group head does require specific accessories, but the performance is top-notch.
Using the Vivaldi II feels straightforward. The control panel is simple, with illuminated buttons for water, steam, and hot water. The steam power is commercial-grade, producing dry, powerful steam that makes texturing milk quick and easy. One thing I really appreciate is the built-in water softener, which is a nice touch for protecting the machine’s internals. While it doesn’t have a fancy touchscreen, the physical buttons are reliable and give you direct control. It’s a machine that prioritizes function and consistency, making it a fantastic choice for someone who wants commercial performance without the massive size.
Pros
- Fast heat-up time with dual boilers
- Powerful, commercial-quality steam wand
- Compact footprint for a dual-boiler machine
Cons
- 53mm portafilter requires non-standard accessories
- Basic control interface lacks programmability
La Spaziale Espresso Machines: Best of The Best (Reviews)
If you’re serious about your home espresso, you’ve probably come across the name La Spaziale. These aren’t your average kitchen counter appliances; they’re built for performance and durability. I’ve spent a lot of time with these machines, and I want to help you figure out if one is right for you. Let’s talk about what makes them special.
The first thing you’ll notice is the unique 53mm portafilter. Most home machines use a 58mm size, which is the commercial standard. So why the difference? La Spaziale designed their group head to be more thermally stable. The smaller diameter means the water is distributed more evenly across the coffee puck, which can lead to a more consistent extraction. In my experience, it also makes tamping a bit easier and requires a slightly smaller dose, which can be a cost saver on beans over time.
Another huge plus is the built-in programmable pre-infusion. This feature gently wets the coffee grounds with low-pressure water before full pressure kicks in. This mimics what high-end commercial machines do and helps prevent channeling, where water finds a path of least resistance through the puck. The result is a sweeter, more balanced shot with fewer bitter notes. It’s a level of control you usually only find on much more expensive machines.
When looking at models, the S1 series is the core lineup. The S1 Mini is a fantastic single-boiler machine, perfect if you primarily drink espresso. If you’re like me and enjoy milk drinks, you’ll want a dual boiler. The S1 Dream and S1 Vivaldi II are the stars here. The main difference is the user interface: the Dream has a simple button panel, while the Vivaldi II features a digital display for more precise control over temperatures and shot timing. Both are workhorses that can steam milk and pull a shot simultaneously without breaking a sweat.
Before you buy, consider your space. These machines are not small. They have a significant footprint and a low profile, so make sure they’ll fit under your cabinets. Also, that 53mm portafilter means you’ll need to buy accessories specifically designed for it, like tampers and bottomless portafilters. It’s a small ecosystem, but the available accessories are high quality.
Ultimately, a La Spaziale machine is an investment. You’re getting commercial-grade construction and features that truly improve your coffee. If you’re ready to move past entry-level machines and want professional results without the commercial size, a La Spaziale could be your end-game espresso machine.
FAQ
Is the 53mm portafilter a disadvantage?
Not at all. While it’s different from the common 58mm standard, it’s a deliberate design choice. The smaller size contributes to excellent thermal stability. You will need to buy 53mm-specific accessories, but they are readily available from several reputable companies. I find the shot quality to be on par with, if not better than, what I get from 58mm systems.
Are La Spaziale machines difficult to maintain?
They require the same basic maintenance as any quality espresso machine: regular backflushing with water and occasionally with detergent, descaling based on your water hardness, and replacing group head gaskets and shower screens as needed. The design is straightforward, and many parts are standard, making it relatively easy for a home user to service. I find their build quality makes them less prone to issues than many other brands.
Which model is best for a small household?
If you mostly drink straight espresso and don’t need to make several milk drinks in a row, the S1 Mini is a great choice. It’s more compact and heats up quickly. However, if you ever entertain or just love a latte, the dual-boiler capability of the Dream or Vivaldi II is worth the extra investment, even for one or two people. It gives you so much more flexibility.
How does the temperature stability compare to other brands?
This is one of La Spaziale’s strong points. The saturated group head design, combined with the dual boilers on most models, provides very stable brew temperatures. This consistency is crucial for pulling great shots, especially with lighter roast coffees that are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. In my tests, it holds temperature better than many similarly priced competitors.
Can I plumb in a La Spaziale machine?
Yes, many models, like the S1 Vivaldi II, are available in a direct-plumb version. This is a fantastic option if you want to avoid refilling a water reservoir and have a more seamless setup. It also allows for the installation of a water filtration system right at the source, which is the best way to protect your machine from scale.
What is the real-world difference between the Dream and Vivaldi II?
The core mechanics are almost identical—same boilers, same group head. The difference is in the control. The Dream uses physical buttons and lights for programming, which is simple and effective. The Vivaldi II has a digital display that shows you the exact boiler temperatures and allows for more fine-tuning, like setting the exact duration of a pre-infusion pause. If you love data and precise control, the Vivaldi II is worth considering. For most people, the Dream is perfectly sufficient and represents an excellent value in the world of La Spaziale espresso machines reviews.