Profitec PRO 400 – heat exchanger machine with multi-function switch
Buy the Profitec PRO 400 in Switzerland: compact heat exchanger machine, 22.8 cm wide, three temperatures by switch, pre-infusion and interchangeable valve plates.
One stainless steel boiler, one heat exchanger for the brew water, steam and hot water available at the same time. You change the look with the supplied coloured valve plates, which Profitec calls #disclets. Profitec was founded in 1985, has built its own espresso machines since 1990 and is based in Bammental near Heidelberg. Coffee Coaching Club is a partner of Profitec.
Features of the Profitec PRO 400
Interchangeable valve plates
Three pairs of valve plates in different colours come with the machine. According to Profitec, they let you change the look of the machine in no time.
Multi-function switch
The 3-position switch on the underside selects one of three PID-controlled boiler temperatures: 120, 124 or 128 °C. The same switch lets you turn pre-infusion and ECO mode on or off. According to Profitec, after a short flush the three settings correspond to a brew temperature of around 90, 94 and 98 °C.
Dual gauge and adjustable brew pressure
The dual gauge shows boiler and pump pressure. You set the brew pressure yourself: using the adjusting screw of the expansion valve under the cup tray, it can be set to approx. 8.5 to 12 bar. Factory setting is approx. 9 to 10 bar.
Modular portafilter
Profitec now ships the PRO 400 with a modular portafilter. The silicone spouts can be adapted and make cleaning easier.
The details in everyday use
Rotary valves for steam and hot water
Low-wear rotary valves control the steam and hot water wands. Because the PRO 400 is a heat exchanger machine, you can pull a shot and steam milk at the same time.
Profitec group head
The group head with stainless steel bell is Profitec's own further development of the classic E61. With pre-infusion active, the coffee grounds are fully wetted before the actual extraction. According to Profitec, this lets them swell evenly, and the resistance in the basket becomes more homogeneous. Pre-infusion is deactivated at the factory.
Boiler, tank and shut-off
The 1.6-litre stainless steel boiler is insulated and heated by a stainless steel heating element. The water tank holds approx. 2.8 litres, and a sensor switches the machine off when water runs low. The cup tray is removable, and the blind basket has its own holder under the drip tray.
At a glance
| Type | Heat exchanger machine |
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| Group head | Profitec group head with stainless steel bell |
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| Control | PID, 3 boiler temperatures: 120 / 124 / 128 °C |
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| Brew temperature according to Profitec | approx. 90 / 94 / 98 °C after a short flush |
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| Pre-infusion | can be switched on and off, deactivated at the factory |
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| ECO mode | yes |
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| Brew pressure | via expansion valve approx. 8.5–12 bar, factory setting approx. 9–10 bar |
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| Gauges | Dual gauge for boiler and pump pressure |
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| Pump | Vibration pump |
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| Boiler | 1.6 l stainless steel, insulated, stainless steel heating element |
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| Water tank | approx. 2.8 l, with water tank adapter |
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| Power | 1500 W (230 V) |
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| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 228 × 448 × 372 mm without portafilter, 228 × 558 × 372 mm with portafilter |
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| Weight | 21.5 kg |
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| Heat-up time | approx. 25 minutes according to Profitec, depending on ambient temperature |
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| Scope of delivery according to Profitec | Bottomless portafilter with silicone attachment, baskets 7 g / 14 g / 21 g, blind basket, tamper, group head brush, 3 pairs of coloured valve plates |
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| Manufacturer | Profitec GmbH, Bammental, Germany |
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Who the PRO 400 is made for
For everyone who makes espresso and milk drinks on a small footprint and wants to choose temperature, pre-infusion and brew pressure themselves. The heat exchanger machine delivers steam without waiting, and the switch makes changing the temperature easy. How heat exchanger machines, single boilers and dual boilers differ is explained in our deep dive on heating systems.
Our opinion is one of many: to us, a saturated group head gives a more refined aroma profile than an E61-style group. Many see it differently, and in the end what counts is what tastes good to you. For orientation, the advice tool for coffee machines and grinders helps, and you will find more models in the Profitec collection and among all espresso machines.
If you want to test several machines and grinders side by side, you can book the espresso machine and grinder comparison in the showroom in Bern or Zurich. It is an option, not a requirement. A free advice appointment is also possible, and a private barista course can be booked additionally. Financing available. Delivery in 2–4 working days, throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.
What goes with it
For everyone who wants an electric grinder that is affordable and precise: Varia or Eureka. If you want to take burrs and build quality further: Weber Workshops. All models in the overview of coffee grinders.
For everyone who wants to control dose and yield by weight: scales from Normcore. If you want an app and flow rate display: Acaia. Matching tampers and puck screens can be found under tampers.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a heat exchanger machine and a dual boiler?
A heat exchanger machine uses one boiler in which a heat exchanger heats the brew water indirectly. A dual boiler has two separate boilers. With a heat exchanger machine, you can also pull a shot and steam milk at the same time.
Which temperature setting suits my espresso?
Profitec recommends settings I and II for espresso, and setting III for more steam power. The darker the roast, the cooler the recommended temperature. If the espresso feels too dominated by acidity, a higher setting helps.
Can I really change the look?
Yes. Three pairs of coloured valve plates come with the machine, and according to Profitec they let you change the look of the PRO 400 in no time.
How long does heating up take?
According to Profitec, usually approx. 25 minutes, depending on ambient temperature. The machine is ready when the gauge shows a boiler pressure of approx. 1.0 to 1.5 bar.
Can I see the PRO 400 live before buying?
That depends on whether the PRO 400 is on display right now. Our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b) show a wide selection, but not our entire range. Drop us a quick line at [email protected] before your visit, and we will check for you whether the PRO 400 is currently there.
Roastery tip: For full-bodied, chocolatey roasts like Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight, we start on setting I or II and brew at a 1:2 ratio. If you are looking for maximum body without acidity, reach for Very Nutty. For the curious who like it fruity, Wild Peach on a higher setting is worth it. That's our recommendation, one of many.
