Bezzera Crema DE/PID – Heat Exchanger Machine with a Fast-Heating Brew Group
Not much counter space, and yet ready in just a few minutes: the Crema is compact, heats up quickly, and lets you pull a shot while the milk is already steaming. A dense shot, a cappuccino right after – no waiting.
The Bezzera Crema DE/PID is a compact heat exchanger espresso machine with PID control, volumetric dosing, and rosewood handles. Bezzera has been building espresso machines in Italy for over a century – the Crema brings that experience into a slim body of polished stainless steel.
The Electrically Heated BZ Brew Group
Instead of a classic E61 group, the Crema uses its own electrically heated BZ brew group. The everyday advantage: from cold, it's ready to pull a shot after only around five to eight minutes – noticeably faster than a classic E61 machine. The 58 mm portafilter is a standard size, so common accessories fit.
Heat Exchanger – Espresso and Steam at the Same Time
As a heat exchanger machine, the Crema can brew and steam at the same time: the 1.5-litre copper boiler supplies steam for the milk, while fresh water runs through the heat exchanger to the group, and you set the brew temperature by PID on a scale from 80 to 100 °C, reading it off the display. The boiler refills automatically, and the machine shuts off if water runs low.
We extract by weight ratio – 1:2 as a starting point, so around 18 g of coffee to 36 g of espresso – and adjust grind size, dose, and temperature until it tastes right to us. There's no right and no wrong; the coffee just has to taste good to you.
Volumetric Dosing and Controls
The DE stands for volumetric dosing: a flow meter measures the water actually running through, you program two quantities directly on the keypad, and the third button dispenses continuously. That makes your shot repeatable, even when several people share the machine, and you control the steam with a rocker switch – the 'no burn' steam wand stays cool to the touch on the outside – while a gauge shows you the pump pressure.
At a Glance
| Type |
Heat exchanger machine (brews and steams simultaneously) |
| Brew group |
Bezzera BZ group, electrically heated (no E61) |
| Boiler |
1.5 L copper, with automatic refill |
| Temperature control |
PID, adjustable 80–100 °C, with display |
| Dosing |
volumetric (flow meter): 2 programmable quantities + continuous |
| Pump |
Vibration pump (max. 15 bar) |
| Gauge |
Pressure gauge for pump pressure |
| Steam |
Rocker switch, 'no burn' steam wand |
| Portafilter |
58 mm |
| Water tank |
3 L, removable, with water level sensor |
| Body |
AISI 304 stainless steel, polished, rosewood handles |
| Heat-up time |
around 5–8 minutes |
| Power |
1200 W |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) |
250 × 375 × 450 mm |
| Origin |
Made in Italy |
| What's included |
1- and 2-cup portafilters (rosewood handle), blind filter, tamper, nylon brush |
Who the Crema DE/PID Is For
For anyone who wants dense, aromatic espresso and creamy milk foam at home without giving up much counter space – whether this is your first heat exchanger machine or you've been at it for a while. The fast heat-up time and automatic dosing keep everyday use easy, and the PID control gives you control over the temperature – no prior experience needed.
What Pairs With It
Freshly ground makes all the difference. In our coffee grinders you'll find affordable, precise options like the Varia VS3 or the Comandante hand grinder; for more headroom, there's the Varia VS6 or the Weber Workshops EG-1.
For clean tamping and puck prep, it's worth a look at the Normcore Collection (compact and precise) or the Weber Workshops range – thanks to the 58 mm standard, 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-circuit machine and a dual boiler is explained in our heating system deep dive; for help deciding, see our coffee machine comparison tool.
Buying the Bezzera Crema DE/PID – in Bern, Zurich, and Online
Buying the Bezzera Crema DE/PID in Switzerland works through our online shop or directly with us in Zurich and Bern, where you can experience it live: Bern at Gerberngasse 44 (map) and Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b (map). We deliver Swiss-wide and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 business days. Financing is available.
When you buy a machine, a personal introductory course (around 60 minutes, in Bern, Zurich, or online) is included – so you can get started right away. We're happy to answer questions by [email protected] or by phone during business hours, more at coffeecoachingclub.ch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bezzera Crema DE/PID have an E61 brew group?
No. The Crema uses its own electrically heated BZ brew group. As a result, it heats up faster than a classic E61 machine – around five to eight minutes – and works with a 58 mm portafilter.
Can the Crema brew espresso and steam milk at the same time?
Yes. As a heat exchanger machine with a 1.5-litre copper boiler, it prepares espresso and milk foam at the same time – no waiting in between.
What does DE mean on the Bezzera Crema?
DE stands for volumetric dosing: a flow meter measures the amount of water running through, you program two quantities on the keypad, and the third button dispenses continuously; you control the temperature via PID between 80 and 100 °C.
Does the Crema need a water connection, and how do I maintain it?
No, the removable 3-litre tank means you can set it up anywhere. Backflush daily with the blind filter without cleaning agent, and about every 50 shots with cleaning agent; descale regularly depending on your water hardness.
Where can I buy the Bezzera Crema DE/PID?
Online, Swiss-wide and to Liechtenstein, with delivery in 2 to 4 business days, or directly in our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b). Financing is available.
From the roastery: with the Crema's stable temperature and steam, dense, sweet profiles come through beautifully – with milk too. We recommend Cozy Chocolate, Nutty Delight, and Very Nutty. If you like it light and fruity, try Wild Peach or Bright Cassis from our coffee beans. That's our recommendation, one of many.
