Overview
The La Cimbali Junior S is a single-group commercial machine designed for venues with moderate espresso volume — wine bars, restaurants, boutique hotels, and upscale home installations. Despite the Junior name, this is a fully commercial machine with a 3-liter copper boiler, rotary pump, and saturated group head that delivers the same shot quality as Cimbali's multi-group commercial lineup. PID temperature control maintains extraction temperature with commercial precision. The volumetric dosing system allows programming of up to four shot volumes per button. The commercial steam wand provides powerful, dry steam from the generous boiler capacity. Plumbed water connection is standard, with an optional reservoir kit available for home installations. The Junior S brings genuine Italian café culture home — this is the type of machine found in small neighborhood bars throughout Milan and Rome, where a single group serves hundreds of customers daily. For the home user with space and budget, nothing matches the authenticity of a real commercial Italian espresso machine.
The La Cimbali Junior S comes equipped with PID temperature control for precise brewing. It features a single boiler boiler system made of copper with a 3000 ml capacity. The rotary pump delivers 15.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.
Priced at $4,999, the La Cimbali Junior S is designed for passionate enthusiasts and semi-commercial users who accept nothing but the best. As a semi-automatic machine, it gives you control over the brewing process while handling pressure and temperature automatically.
In terms of build quality, the La Cimbali Junior S is a substantial machine, weighing in at 42.0 kg, manufactured in Italy, drawing 2800W of power. With dimensions of 420 x 530 x 470 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. This machine requires direct plumbing, which provides unlimited water supply but needs professional installation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PID temperature control ensures consistent extraction temperature shot after shot
- Standard 58mm portafilter is compatible with a wide range of third-party baskets and accessories
- Built-in cup warmer keeps your cups at optimal temperature
- Rotary pump is quieter and more durable than vibratory alternatives, with consistent pressure delivery
- Manufactured in Italy, known for quality espresso machine engineering
Cons
- Single boiler requires waiting between brewing and steaming, slowing the milk drink workflow
- Heavy at 42.0 kg — difficult to move once placed, requires sturdy counter space
- Premium price point at $4,999 represents a significant investment
- Requires direct plumbing — professional installation needed, not easily relocated
- No pre-infusion feature, which is expected at this price point
Full Specifications
| Brand | La Cimbali |
|---|---|
| Model | La Cimbali Junior S |
| Category | Semi-Auto |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2020 |
| Boiler Type | Single Boiler |
| Boiler Material | Copper |
| Boiler Capacity | 3000 ml |
| Pump Type | Rotary |
| Pump Pressure | 15.0 bar |
| PID Control | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | No |
| Pressure Profiling | No |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | Saturated |
| Portafilter Diameter | 58 mm |
| Steam Wand | Commercial |
| Water Source | Plumbed |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 420 x 530 x 470 mm |
| Weight | 42.0 kg (92.6 lbs) |
| Wattage | 2800 W |
| Voltage | 220V |
| MSRP | $4,999 |
Our Verdict
The La Cimbali Junior S is a single boiler machine, which means you'll need to switch between brewing and steaming temperatures for milk drinks. This sounds limiting, but many experienced baristas prefer single boilers for straight espresso — they're simpler, more reliable, and often extract beautifully. If you primarily drink straight espresso or americanos, a single boiler with good temperature stability is all you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the La Cimbali Junior S designed for?
The La Cimbali Junior S at $4,999 is a prosumer-grade machine designed for experienced home baristas who want near-commercial quality. It's not ideal as a first machine, but it's an excellent upgrade for those ready to invest in their espresso passion.
How often does the La Cimbali Junior S need maintenance?
Regular maintenance includes daily backflushing (for machines with solenoid valves), weekly cleaning of the group head and portafilter, and descaling every 1-3 months depending on water hardness. Using filtered water significantly reduces scale buildup and extends machine life.
What grinder should I use with the La Cimbali Junior S?
A prosumer machine like this deserves a premium grinder. Consider the Niche Zero ($600), Eureka Mignon XL ($700), DF64 variants, or premium options like the Weber EG-1 or Lagom P64. The grinder should match or exceed the machine's capability for best results.
Is the La Cimbali Junior S worth $4,999?
The La Cimbali Junior S's value depends on your commitment to espresso. If you drink espresso daily, a quality machine pays for itself vs. cafe purchases within 6-12 months. The La Cimbali Junior S offers PID temperature control at its price point, making it a sound investment for regular espresso drinkers.
Recommended Grinder Pairings for the La Cimbali Junior S
A good grinder is essential for getting the most out of your espresso machine. Here are some grinders that pair well at this price level: