Profitec Pro 600 Machine Spotlight (2024)
Introduction
The Profitec Pro 600 may be the best value-for-the-money dual boiler on the market. Profitec, the German-based brand known for designing quality machines built to last, has equipped the Profitec Pro 600 with everything you need to brew delicious espresso and nothing you don't.
Table of Contents
Profitec Pro 600 Machine Overview
Classic E61 Design
Classic E61 Design The first thing you see when looking at the Profitec Pro 600 is its classic and timeless E61 design. The Pro 600 follows the go-to pattern for an E61 machine with a centerpiece chrome-plated brass group, a manual lift-to-start brew lever, and a pronounced box-like shape to encase all of the internals.
While the Profitec Pro 600 may not revolutionize the E61 espresso machine, it presents itself with the intention and quality of a product built to last. The Pro 600 weighs in at a sturdy 23kg (53 lbs), and the 304 steel is available in a polished stainless steel or satin black finish.
Reliable Dual Boiler
Two robust and reliable stainless steel boilers provide water to the Profitec Pro 600. The first 0.8-liter boiler provides hot water for brewing while the large 2.0-liter steam boiler provides piping hot steam for texturing milk, as well as hot water for an americano or tea.
The biggest benefit of the Pro 600's dual boiler is the ability to brew and steam at the same time, making the machine perfect for serving a crowd. In addition, the layout of the Pro 600's boilers is designed to be maintained and replaced should anything go wrong, making the Pro 600 a machine that can theoretically last a lifetime.
Top-Spec Vibratory Pump
The Pro 600 is powered by an insulated vibratory pump located behind the boilers. While vibratory pumps are usually louder and less reliable than their more expensive cousin - the rotary pump - the Pro 600 has a top-spec vibratory pump. it stands the test of time in its aesthetics and beauty.
Balancing affordability and quality, the Pro 600's vibratory pump has sound insulation to ensure quieter operation. In addition, the Pro 600 has an adjustable over-pressure valve to control the maximum brewing pressure in the group head.
What makes the Profitec Pro 600 Special?
PID Controller
The brain of the Profitec Pro 600 is a PID controller located just left of the brew group. This LCD allows the user to adjust all of the machine's settings, including the brew and steam boiler temperatures, the programmable eco mode, and a pre-set backflush and cleaning reminder.
In addition, the PID controller acts as a shot timer that is automatically started as the brew lever is lifted. The PID display is bright enough to be seen in near-direct sunlight without being an obtrusive addition to the classic design.
Premium Intention
It's clear how much thought and care went into designing the Profitec Pro 600. In 2024, the Pro 600 comes with a host of premium accents, including the quick-access joystick steam toggles, crystal clear dual-pressure gauges (for brew and steam), and optional walnut accents.
In addition, the Pro 600 has the ability to add a flow control device to the E61 group head, giving total control over flow rates and brewing profile.
Balance of Quality & Price
The fundamental piece that makes the Pro 600 such an incredible machine is its perfect balance between quality, longevity, and attainability. While the Pro 600 is not a cheap machine by any sense of the word, it is much more attainable than some top-end rotary pump machines that index on brand more than quality.
With a premium but fair price tag, the Pro 600 is capable of producing world-class espresso shot after shot. The chrome group catches the eye while producing incredible thermal stability. The powerful steam boiler provides 2+ bar of steam pressure for cafe-style milk, and the overall design is timeless and built to last a lifetime.
What is missing on the Profitec Pro 600?
OLED Display
Perhaps the only miss of the 2024 Profitec Pro 600 is the omission of a modern OLED display. The newly released Profitec Drive now features an OLED display with more tactile buttons and more internal functionality.
Given how recently the newest iteration of the Pro 600 was released (in late 2023), it would have been nice to see it adopt the higher spec and brighter OLED interface.
Slow Heat Up
One of the biggest complaints about E61-style machines is their longer-than-ideal heat-up time. With the 15-20 minutes required to come to temperature, the Pro 600 is no exception. While the laws of physics are hard to beat, some modern machines are implementing rapid heat-up technology to cut the overall warm-up time to 10-12 minutes. It would be nice to see the next iteration of the Pro 600 feature something similar.
Comparison: Profitec Pro 600 vs. Rancilio Silvia Pro X
When looking for an attainable and reliable dual boiler built to last, the Pro 600 almost always makes the cut. The Rancilio Silvia Pro X, however, is never far down the list. The Silvia Pro X has proven itself to be a value-oriented dual boiler with a nearly indestructible build and classic diner-style design.
Pump & Power
At first glance, both the Profitec Pro 600 and Rancilio Silvia Pro X share much of the same internal design. Both machines use vibratory pumps that feed dual boilers for same-time brew and steam. The Pro 600 finds a leg up in the quality and size of the internal boilers.
While the Silvia Pro X uses a 0.3-liter and 1.0-liter pair of brew and steam brass boilers, the Pro 600 uses a large 0.8-liter and 2.0-liter pair of stainless-steel boilers. In addition, the Pro 600 has a quieter operating level thanks to the high-spec insulated vibratory pump.
Design & Build
These two machines continue to diverge in overall design and style. The Pro 600 follows the classic E61 box style with overall square proportions and a polished steel finish. At the centerpiece, of course, is the E61 group with the manual lever for a tactile brewing process.
The Siliva Pro X has a much different approach. With a tall and thin profile, the Silvia Pro X uses rocker switches to control the brewing process and activate the steam boiler and hot water tap. And although the Silvia Pro X has a PID and pressure-gauge display, the overall design and aesthetic feel more forced than the integrated controller of the Pro 600.
Features
Both the Pro 600 and Silvia Pro X have their bases covered when it comes to the basic features expected out of a mid-spec dual boiler. Both machines have independent PID control for both brew and steam boilers, integrated shot timers, and adjustable over-pressure valves.
The Pro 600 steps away with its additional steam pressure gauge, no-burn steam wand, and optional flow control upgrades. Although both machines have some semblance of pre-infusion, both are closer to pre-wetting than proper 2-bar puck saturation.
Pricing and Availability
Price
In 2024, the Profitec Pro 600 is priced at $2,399 for the standard trim kit with quick-joystick steam in stainless steel or matte black finish. The Profitec Pro 600 is also offered with pre-installed flow control for a higher $2,599 pre-tax MSRP. Although the Pro 600 represents a high-end experience for the home barista, it is readily available from either Profitec-U.S. importer - Clive Coffee or Whole Latte Love.
Alternatives
If the Pro 600 sounds like a good fit but the E61 design is not for you, look towards the Rancilio Silvia Pro X or the Lucca A53 Mini. Or, if you find the E61 design exactly what you want, but are interested in a machine equipped with the newest tech, look at the recently released Profitec Drive.
The Final Sip
The Profitec Pro 600 puts together classic Italian style and famous German quality to deliver an espresso machine capable of making world-class espresso at home. If you are looking for a machine that has it all and nothing else, the Pro 600 is for you.
