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Overview
The Rimini Junior is an entry-level commercial single-group machine from the Italian manufacturer that provides genuine commercial espresso capability at a price accessible to home users and startup café operators. The 3-liter copper boiler delivers excellent thermal stability and strong steam performance, outperforming prosumer machines in raw steam power. The commercial 58mm group head accepts standard portafilters and baskets from any manufacturer. While lacking PID temperature control, the large boiler mass provides inherent thermal stability that small PID-controlled boilers cannot match. The commercial steam wand produces professional-quality microfoam with abundant dry steam. Heavy-gauge stainless steel construction ensures commercial durability. The Rimini Junior operates from a 2.5-liter reservoir, making it one of the few genuine commercial machines that doesn't require plumbing — ideal for mobile coffee setups, pop-up shops, and home kitchens without plumbing access. The simple, robust design minimizes maintenance requirements. For aspiring café owners testing their concept or home baristas wanting commercial authenticity, the Junior delivers genuine commercial extraction in an approachable package.
It features a single boiler boiler system made of copper with a 3000 ml capacity. The vibratory pump delivers 15.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction. It uses a 58mm commercial group head.
Priced at $999, the Rimini Junior is designed for serious home baristas who want café-quality espresso. 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 Rimini Junior is a substantial machine, weighing in at 22.0 kg, manufactured in Italy, drawing 1400W of power. With dimensions of 340 x 430 x 400 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. The built-in water reservoir holds 2500 ml, making it easy to set up anywhere in your kitchen.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 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
- Large water reservoir (2500 ml) reduces refill frequency
- Manufactured in Italy, known for quality espresso machine engineering
Cons
- No PID temperature control — requires temperature surfing for consistent results
- Single boiler requires waiting between brewing and steaming, slowing the milk drink workflow
- Vibratory pump can be noisy and may not last as long as rotary alternatives under heavy use
- No pre-infusion feature, which is expected at this price point
Full Specifications
| Brand | Rimini |
|---|---|
| Model | Rimini Junior |
| Category | Semi-Auto |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2019 |
| Boiler Type | Single Boiler |
| Boiler Material | Copper |
| Boiler Capacity | 3000 ml |
| Pump Type | Vibratory |
| Pump Pressure | 15.0 bar |
| PID Control | No |
| Pre-Infusion | No |
| Pressure Profiling | No |
| Flow Control | No |
| Group Head | 58mm commercial |
| Portafilter Diameter | 58 mm |
| Steam Wand | Commercial |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
| Reservoir Capacity | 2500 ml |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 340 x 430 x 400 mm |
| Weight | 22.0 kg (48.5 lbs) |
| Wattage | 1400 W |
| Voltage | 220V |
| MSRP | $999 |
Our Verdict
The Rimini Junior 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
Is the Rimini Junior suitable for home baristas?
Absolutely. The Rimini Junior at $999 is aimed at intermediate to advanced home baristas. It offers enough features to grow with your skills while being manageable for committed beginners willing to learn.
How often does the Rimini Junior 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 pairs well with the Rimini Junior?
For a machine at this level, consider mid-range to premium grinders: Eureka Mignon Specialita ($400), Niche Zero ($600), or DF64 ($400-$500). These grinders will do justice to the machine's capabilities without being the bottleneck in your setup.
Is the Rimini Junior worth $999?
The Rimini Junior'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 Rimini Junior offers reliable espresso brewing and solid build quality at its price point, making it a sound investment for regular espresso drinkers.
Recommended Grinder Pairings for the Rimini Junior
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: