Overview
The Faema E71E is a single-group commercial espresso machine designed for low to medium volume café environments, bringing the engineering excellence of one of Italy most historic espresso brands to a compact format. Faema — founded in 1945 and now part of the Cimbali Group — invented the E61 group head in 1961, fundamentally changing espresso extraction forever, and the E71E continues that tradition of innovation. The machine features a dual boiler system with a dedicated copper brew boiler and a large 3.5-liter copper steam boiler, both independently temperature-controlled with PID precision. The pressure profiling system allows baristas to program custom pressure curves for different coffees, enabling extraction styles from traditional flat profile to long pre-infusion ramp-up profiles favored by light-roast specialty cafés. The commercial rotary pump provides quiet, consistent operation. Built to full commercial durability standards, the E71E is designed for thousands of cycles per day with components rated for years of heavy use. A color touchscreen provides access to programming, shot timers, and maintenance schedules. The plumbed-only water connection and direct drain simplify installation in commercial environments. At 55 kilograms, this is unambiguously a commercial machine. For the serious home enthusiast with space and budget, or the micro-café operator who needs Faema quality in a single-group format, the E71E is exceptional.
The Faema E71E comes equipped with PID temperature control for precise brewing, pre-infusion for even extraction, pressure profiling for advanced shot manipulation. It features a dual boiler boiler system made of copper with a 700 ml capacity. The rotary pump delivers 9.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.
Priced at $8,500, the Faema E71E 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 Faema E71E is a substantial machine, weighing in at 55.0 kg, manufactured in Italy, drawing 3500W of power. With dimensions of 530 x 590 x 540 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
- Pre-infusion gently saturates the coffee puck before full pressure, improving extraction evenness
- Pressure profiling allows you to manipulate the extraction curve for nuanced flavor development
- Dual boiler design allows simultaneous brewing and steaming with no temperature compromise
- Iconic E61 group head provides excellent thermal stability and a vast ecosystem of aftermarket accessories
- Standard 58mm portafilter is compatible with a wide range of third-party baskets and accessories
Cons
- Heavy at 55.0 kg — difficult to move once placed, requires sturdy counter space
- Premium price point at $8,500 represents a significant investment
- Requires direct plumbing — professional installation needed, not easily relocated
Full Specifications
| Brand | Faema |
|---|---|
| Model | Faema E71E |
| Category | Semi-Auto |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2018 |
| Boiler Type | Dual Boiler |
| Boiler Material | Copper |
| Boiler Capacity | 700 ml |
| Steam Boiler Capacity | 3500 ml |
| Pump Type | Rotary |
| Pump Pressure | 9.0 bar |
| PID Control | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | Yes |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | E61 |
| Portafilter Diameter | 58 mm |
| Steam Wand | Commercial |
| Water Source | Plumbed |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 530 x 590 x 540 mm |
| Weight | 55.0 kg (121.3 lbs) |
| Wattage | 3500 W |
| Voltage | 220V |
| MSRP | $8,500 |
Our Verdict
The Faema E71E sits in the dual boiler category, which is the gold standard for home espresso machines that can brew and steam simultaneously. This is a prosumer-grade machine that borders on commercial capability. If you regularly make milk drinks and don't want to wait between brewing and steaming, this is the right architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Faema E71E designed for?
The Faema E71E at $8,500 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 Faema E71E 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 Faema E71E?
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 Faema E71E worth $8,500?
The Faema E71E'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 Faema E71E offers PID temperature control, dual boiler convenience, pressure profiling at its price point, making it a sound investment for regular espresso drinkers.
Recommended Grinder Pairings for the Faema E71E
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:
