Image: Roberto Priolo, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Overview
The Sanremo Cube is the company first machine designed explicitly for the home and small-office market, bringing Sanremo commercial expertise into a compact, design-forward package. Sanremo is one of Italy premier commercial espresso machine manufacturers, and the Cube inherits technology directly from their café machines, including dual boiler architecture with independent PID control, flow profiling capability, and commercial-grade construction quality. The most striking feature is the pressure and flow profiling system, which allows you to design custom extraction profiles — controlling pressure and flow rate throughout the shot to enhance specific flavor characteristics of different coffees. The touchscreen interface provides an intuitive way to create, save, and recall profiles, and the machine can store multiple recipes for different beans. The dual stainless steel boilers provide simultaneous brew and steam capability with powerful steam production from the 1.2-liter steam boiler. The rotary pump operates quietly and provides consistent pressure delivery. The Cube sleek, cubic design with minimal ornamentation is a departure from the traditional Italian machine aesthetic, appealing to modern kitchen environments. For home baristas who want to explore the cutting edge of espresso extraction with genuine commercial engineering, the Cube is a formidable option.
The Sanremo Cube comes equipped with PID temperature control for precise brewing, pre-infusion for even extraction, pressure profiling for advanced shot manipulation, flow control for barista-level precision. It features a dual boiler boiler system made of stainless steel with a 400 ml capacity. The rotary pump delivers 9.0 bars of pressure for optimal extraction.
Priced at $4,500, the Sanremo Cube is designed for passionate enthusiasts and semi-commercial users who accept nothing but the best. The dual boiler design allows simultaneous brewing and steaming, making it ideal for milk-based drinks without any wait time.
In terms of build quality, the Sanremo Cube is a substantial machine, weighing in at 25.0 kg, manufactured in Italy, drawing 1800W of power. With dimensions of 350 x 450 x 400 mm (W×D×H), make sure you have adequate counter space. It offers both reservoir and direct plumbing options for maximum flexibility.
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
- Flow control gives barista-level precision over water flow rate during extraction
- Dual boiler design allows simultaneous brewing and steaming with no temperature compromise
- Stainless steel boiler is corrosion-resistant and easy to maintain
Cons
- Premium price point at $4,500 represents a significant investment
- Learning curve typical of its category — expect some time to dial in your shots
Full Specifications
| Brand | Sanremo |
|---|---|
| Model | Sanremo Cube |
| Category | Dual Boiler |
| Status | Current |
| Country of Origin | Italy |
| Year Introduced | 2021 |
| Boiler Type | Dual Boiler |
| Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Boiler Capacity | 400 ml |
| Steam Boiler Capacity | 1200 ml |
| Pump Type | Rotary |
| Pump Pressure | 9.0 bar |
| PID Control | Yes |
| Pre-Infusion | Yes |
| Pressure Profiling | Yes |
| Flow Control | Yes |
| Group Head | Sanremo Proprietary |
| Portafilter Diameter | 58 mm |
| Steam Wand | Commercial |
| Water Source | Both |
| Reservoir Capacity | 2500 ml |
| Cup Warmer | Yes |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 350 x 450 x 400 mm |
| Weight | 25.0 kg (55.1 lbs) |
| Wattage | 1800 W |
| Voltage | 220V |
| MSRP | $4,500 |
Our Verdict
The Sanremo Cube 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 Sanremo Cube designed for?
The Sanremo Cube at $4,500 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.
Can the Sanremo Cube brew and steam at the same time?
Yes. The Sanremo Cube's dual boiler design allows you to brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. This is ideal for making milk-based drinks efficiently without any temperature compromise.
How often does the Sanremo Cube 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 Sanremo Cube?
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 Sanremo Cube worth $4,500?
The Sanremo Cube'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 Sanremo Cube 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 Sanremo Cube
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: