Lucaffe

Buy Lucaffe ESE Pad Machines Switzerland

Lucaffe is an Italian manufacturer with a focus on ESE pad espresso machines. E.S.E. stands for Easy Serving Espresso – a standardized 44mm espresso pad with pre-portioned ground coffee. Advantages: simple workflow without a grinder, reproducible extraction, no tamping skill required. Ideal for home setups, offices, or setups that want classic Italian espresso without the effort of a full setup combination (grinder + machine).

Coffee Coaching Club carries two Lucaffe machines: La Piccola (CHF 397.95) as a compact version and Sara (CHF 467.95) as an extended design, plus a replacement water tank for La Piccola (CHF 44.95).

The machines in the cluster

What is ESE and who is it suitable for?

ESE pads are pre-portioned 44mm espresso pads (typically 7g of ground coffee, wrapped in filter paper). Advantages over classic portafilter workflow:

• Workflow simplicity: no grinding, no tamping, no cleaning of the portafilter – insert pad, start brewing
• Reproducibility: every pad is the same, no human variation factor
• Hygiene: pads individually packaged, no open beans, good for office setups
• Cost: lower initial cost (no grinder needed)

Disadvantages: significantly less aroma freshness than freshly ground beans (pads are often weeks old), limited specialty options, pads must be purchased separately.

For specialty demands with light roasts: ESE is not ideal – a full setup with a grinder is worthwhile here. For classic Italian espresso without workflow effort: ESE is ideal.

What goes with it

For full setup alternatives (grinder + machine): Single Boiler Espresso Machines, Espresso Machines with Integrated Grinder. For hand espresso brewer alternatives: Aram Espresso, Flair Espresso. For beans from our own roastery: CCC Own Roasts.