Profitec Go Machine Spotlight (2024)
Introduction
The Profitec Go, released in early 2023, has quickly become one of the hottest-selling espresso machines on the market. Made by ECM/Profitec, a German manufacturer known for quality, the Go packs a lot of value in a compact and affordable package.
In this machine spotlight, we'll look at what makes the Go unique in the world of entry-level espresso machines, explore its stand-out features, and compare the Profitec Go to the Rancilio Silvia M.
Let's get brewing!
Table of Contents
New on the Profitec Go
Single Boiler, Dual Purpose
At the heart of the Profitec Go is a 0.4-liter (13.5 oz) boiler that provides water for brewing and piping hot steam for texturing milk. Compared to the 0.1-liter boiler on the similar Gaggia Classic Pro, the Go has the ability to serve up multiple back-to-back shots without running out of power.
The Go's single boiler alternates between brewing temperatures ranging between 79-100 C (176-212° F) and steaming temperatures between 100-140° C (212-284° F). While this dual purpose does lead to some downtime between functions, the Go is capable of adjusting to the required temperature within 60 - 90 seconds.
Commercial 58mm Group
One of the biggest draws to the Profitec Go is its use of a commercial-style 58 mm portafilter. While many other entry-level machines use proprietary 51mm, 54mm, or even 57mm portafilters, the Go uses the industry standard 58mm group.
The inclusion of the 58mm group means that the Profitec Go is compatible with almost all prosumer-spec accessories, including precision baskets, tampers, and puck screens. In addition, a 58mm portafilter means that the Go can easily fit the go-to 18g dose used for a standard double shot of espresso.
Simple Interface
Although the Profitec Go is packed with features and functionality, the overall user experience is simple and elegant. The Go's front face is complemented by three simple push-toggle buttons that turn the machine on or off and activate either brew or steam mode. To the right of the primary push buttons, the Go has a rotary knob to open the steam valve and release powerful steam for milk texturing.
Below the brew group, the Profitec Go has a few more touchpoints, including a brew pressure gauge and PID controller. Although the PID interface serves as the brain of the Go, it remains unobtrusive in placement and design.
What Makes the Profitec Go Special?
Incredible Build Quality, Elegant Design
Prior to the Go, Profitec only designed and manufactured high-end espresso machines with premium heating elements and components. The Go was Profitec's first entry into a more beginner-friendly espresso machine, equipped with an affordable single boiler.
And while Profitec opted for more affordable components, they did not sacrifice build quality. The Profitec Go is built with a solid steel body, a chrome-plated brass group head, and a brass boiler. In combination with the relatively simple design, the Go was built to serve up delicious espresso for years to come.
Fast Heat Up
A stand-out feature of the Profitec Go is the fast-heat-up mode. When turned on, the Profitec Go enters a rapid heat-up, which superheats the boiler and group head. Then, after a few minutes, the Go prompts the user to flush the system ("FLU") to return the boiler to optimal temperature.
Adjustable PID
The Go broke new ground in the sub-$1000 range market with an adjustable PID and shot timer built into the LCD. The famously popular Gaggia Classic Pro and Rancilio Silvia M are often sighted as "being perfect if they had a PID," and the Go set out to improve upon this common critique.
The Go's integrated PID is the same style used on Profitec's more high-end dual boiler machines and serves double duty as a shot timer and machine control center. The PID can set the individual degree for both the brew and steam boilers, set cleaning reminders, and program an eco mode in 30-minute increments.
Over Pressure Control
Espresso is best brewed under 8 to 9 bar of water pressure. While most machines use a 15 - 20 bar pump, high-end machines use an over-pressure valve (OPV) to regulate the water pressure down to the desired range.
The Go is one of the few machines under $1000 to offer an adjustable OPV. Located on top of the body and adjustable with a flat-head screw drive, the Go's OPV allows the user to quickly fine-tune the top-end brew pressure between 8 and 12 bars, adding another layer of control to the brewing process.
Missing on the Profitec Go
Pre-Infusion
Perhaps the biggest miss of the Profitec Go is its omission of low-pressure pre-infusion. Giving the bed of coffee time to saturate with low-pressure water prior to brewing helps reduce channeling and leads to a more even extraction. The Go does not have a native way of pre-infusion, which can cause issues with more difficult lighter roasters.
While the Go has omitted this sought-after feature, some enterprising owners have discovered a 'hack' to simulate pre-infusion by opening the steam wand valve to offload pressure from the group and then slowly closing it to ramp pressure up to the full 9 bar. Although Profitec has yet to comment on this technique, it may be worth a try for baristas who love to tinker.
Working Space
In the initial ESB testing of the Profitec Go, one of my biggest complaints was the overall small working space of the Profitec Go. I found that a smaller-than-average cup clearance, which meant only shorter cappuccino or espresso cups, fit on top of my scale.
In addition, the smaller steam wand meant I had to find the perfect angle to get the ideal milk texture without too many bubbles. Although this was not a problem after a few reps, it made initial experimentation a little complicated.
Comparison: Profitec Go vs. Rancilio Silvia M
When looking at a high-quality single-boiler that can last many years, the Profitec Gois often measured up against the classic Rancilio Silvia M. Although both machines share much of their DNA, there are a few stand-out features that highlight the Go as a modern take on the single boiler.
Pump & Heating
Both the Profitec Go and Rancilio Silvia M use the same single boiler and compact vibratory pump combination. The Go has a slightly larger 0.4-liter boiler compared to the 0.3-liter boiler of the Silvia M.
The machines are also near twins when it comes to internal componentry as well. Both machines have brass boilers, chrome-plated brass group heads, and a 58 mm portafilter. When it comes to pure espresso capabilities, these two are an even match.
Quality & Design
These two machines start to diverge when it comes to design. While both machines are designed to last through years of service, the Silvia M has a much more classic diner style with a brushed steel finish and timeless rocker-style switches.
The Profitec Go steps into the modern era. It is offered in a variety of charming colors, including blue, red, yellow, and, of course, a classic black. Its standard push toggle buttons make a satisfying 'click' while its minimal LED indicator lights pay homage to the age of the Silvia.
Features & Price
The most significant difference between these two products comes from the features built into the brains of the machines. The Silvia M, while functional and affordable ($865), lacks any brewing forward features such as PID temperature regulation, a brew pressure gauge, or a shot timer.
The Profitec Go takes all of these pain points and adds them in for a $135 price tag increase. The Go has a crystal clear pressure gauge on the left of the brew group, with its fully integrated PID control center to the right. While the 20% price increase is significant, the Profitec Go adds a serious amount of value for the step up.
Pricing and Availability
Price
The Go is manufactured in a variety of colors and finishes, ranging from $999 for classic black to $1215 for a premium walnut trim.
As of Spring 2024, the Profitec Go remains in high demand and, therefore, seldom has meaningful sales. Although pure black can regularly be spotted for $949, the other colors rarely dip below the $999 MSRP.
Availability
With such high demand in its initial year of release, the Profitec Go has experienced bouts of limited supply. Officially imported in the United States by Clive Coffee and Whole Latte Love, the Go is often offered only as a 'pre-order,' with wait times ranging between 4- 8 weeks. So if you see one in stock, jump on it while you can!
The Final Sip
The Profitec Go has quickly risen to become the go-to option for a quality espresso machine under $1000. With a premium build quality, simple interface, and host of barista-friendly features, the Profitec Go has solidified itself as the perfect blend of value and quality.
