Bezzera Aria Top PID – Heat Exchanger Machine with Faema E61 (Stainless Steel)
A compact piece of stainless steel on the counter, quiet rather than rattling, and yet it pulls a dense espresso just like a full-size machine. The lever of the E61 group goes up, and while the shot runs, steam for the milk is already standing by.
The Bezzera Aria Top PID is a classic heat exchanger machine with the Faema E61 group head, rotary pump and PID control – here in the closed stainless steel housing with black handles. Bezzera builds it in Italy.
Heat Exchanger Machine with Faema E61
At the heart of the Aria sits the proven Faema E61 group head with thermosiphon circulation. Water constantly circulates through the heavy brass group, keeping it at temperature and delivering stable, repeatable shots. As a heat exchanger machine, you can pull espresso and steam milk at the same time. The E61 group also brings a gentle mechanical pre-infusion and is flow control ready, in case you later want to control the flow by hand with a separate kit.
We extract by weight ratio – 1:2 as a starting point, so around 18 g of coffee for 36 g of espresso – and adjust grind size, dose and temperature until it tastes right to us. There's no right and no wrong.
Rotary Pump, PID and Comfort
Instead of a vibration pump, the Top runs a rotary pump: noticeably quieter, with even pressure build-up and a flow rate of around 70 litres per hour. It can be supplied from the 3-litre tank or via a direct water connection; the boiler refills automatically and shuts off if water runs low. The brew temperature is set to the degree via PID, a dual manometer shows boiler and pump pressure, and a shot timer accompanies the extraction. Steam comes from a swivel wand, and for tea there's a separate hot water spout.
At a Glance
| Type |
Heat exchanger machine (brews and steams simultaneously) |
| Group head |
Faema E61, thermosiphon, with lever |
| Temperature control |
PID, adjustable to the degree |
| Boiler |
1.5 L copper, with automatic refill |
| Pump |
Rotary pump, approx. 70 l/h, quiet |
| Display |
Dual manometer (boiler and pump pressure), shot timer |
| Steam/Water |
swivel steam wand, separate hot water spout |
| Portafilter |
58 mm |
| Water |
3 L tank or direct water connection |
| Housing |
Stainless steel AISI 304, closed, black handles |
| Heat-up time |
around 10–12 minutes |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) |
ca. 25 × 43 × 41 cm, ca. 24 kg |
| Origin |
Made in Italy |
| What's included |
1-cup and 2-cup portafilter (black handles), blind filter, tamper, brush |
Who the Aria Top PID Is For
For everyone who wants the character of an E61 machine at home, while appreciating a small footprint and a quiet rotary pump – whether this is your first machine with a lever group or you've been at it for a while. Operation stays classic and direct, PID and shot timer give you control. No prior experience is needed.
What Goes With It
Freshly ground decides everything. In our coffee grinders you'll find affordable and precise options like the Varia VS3 or the Comandante as a hand grinder; more headroom comes from the Varia VS6 or the Weber Workshops EG-1.
For clean tamping and puck prep, it's worth a look at the Normcore Collection or into the Weber Workshops range – thanks to 58 mm, everything fits. To nail your 1:2 ratio, a scale from the Normcore Collection helps, or, with an app, one from the Acaia Collection.
How a heat exchanger machine differs from a single boiler and a dual boiler is explained in our Heating System Deep Dive; for help choosing, see our espresso machine comparison.
Buy the Bezzera Aria Top PID – in Bern, Zürich and Online
Buying the Bezzera Aria Top PID in Switzerland works through our online shop or directly with us in Zürich and Bern, where you can experience it live: Bern at Gerberngasse 44 (Map) and Zürich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b (Map). We deliver Switzerland-wide and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days. Financing is available.
When you buy a machine, a personal introductory course (around 60 minutes, in Bern, Zürich or online) is included – so you can get started right away. We're happy to answer questions by office@coffeecoachingclub.ch or by phone during business hours, more at coffeecoachingclub.ch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bezzera Aria Top PID have an E61 group and can it brew and steam at the same time?
Yes. The Aria uses the Faema E61 group head with thermosiphon and is a heat exchanger machine – espresso and milk foam happen at the same time. The portafilter measures 58 mm.
Tank or direct water?
Both. The quiet rotary pump (around 70 l/h) supplies the machine either from the 3-litre tank or via the direct water connection. The boiler refills automatically and shuts off if water runs low.
How precise is the temperature and what does the manometer show?
The brew temperature is set to the degree via PID; the copper boiler holds 1.5 litres. A dual manometer shows boiler and pump pressure, a shot timer shows the extraction time.
How long does it take to heat up and how do I maintain it?
From cold, it's ready in around ten to twelve minutes. Backflush daily with the blind filter without detergent, and about every 50 shots with detergent; descale regularly depending on your water hardness.
Where can I buy the Bezzera Aria Top PID?
Online, Switzerland-wide and to Liechtenstein, with delivery in 2 to 4 working days, or directly in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zürich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). Financing is available.
From the roastery: The Aria's E61 group keeps the temperature steady – that suits dense, sweet profiles, including with milk. We recommend Cozy Chocolate, Nutty Delight and Very Nutty. Anyone who likes it light and fruity can try Wild Peach or Bright Cassis from our coffee beans. That's our recommendation, one of many.
