Deep Dive: The Ring Brewing Group – Pragmatism meets full aroma
Deep Dive: The Ring Brewing Group – Pragmatism meets full aroma
Not every kitchen in Bern or Zurich has room for a 30-kilo chrome behemoth. And not everyone wants to wait twenty minutes for their first espresso in the morning. The problem with many compact machines: a thin, watery taste. The ring brew group solves this dilemma. It's the smart all-rounder among brew groups – foregoing the massive spectacle of an E61, but thanks to its clever design, it quickly delivers a rich, honest espresso.
Why the ring brewing group?
The biggest advantage: a balance of heating speed, space saving, and extraction quality that is hard to beat in this price range. Machines with a ring brew group – such as the La Pavoni Casabar PID , the ECM Casa V , compact Lelit models, or the Profitec Pro 300 and Profitec GO – are ready to use after 5 to 10 minutes. They take up hardly any counter space, are less expensive than dual-boiler machines with an E61 group head, and the extraction quality is remarkable for an entry-level machine.
Technical details
[IMAGE/CUT DRAWING PLACEHOLDER 1]
Picture coming soon.
- Direct flange mounting: The brew group sits directly below the boiler – boiler and group form a compact unit. Hence the name "boiler ring group". Historically, this design principle dates back to the Italian manufacturer Brasilia, which is why you will also find the term "Brasilia ring brew group" in forums.
- Short water paths: Unlike the E61 group head, the water doesn't have to circulate through external copper pipes. When the solenoid valve opens, the pump pushes the hot water directly vertically downwards onto the coffee puck. No thermosiphon, no detours.
- Direct thermal coupling: The brew group is quickly brought up to operating temperature due to its immediate proximity to the boiler and its heating element. The La Pavoni Casabar PID demonstrates this principle particularly elegantly: A 0.3-liter brass boiler sits directly above the brass brew unit. The PID system precisely regulates the brewing temperature between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius – a level of control rarely found in such a compact design. Similarly constructed is the ECM Casa V with its 0.4-liter brass boiler and heat-up times of only 5 to 7 minutes.
- Less mass, more agility: Without the heavy brass head of the E61 (4-5 kg), the ring brew group cools down faster after being switched off. This is also the reason why it is ready for use again in record time.
All features of the ring brewing unit at a glance
- Brewing unit flanged directly below the boiler – compact unit
- Short water paths without thermosiphon circulation
- Fast heat-up time: 5 – 10 minutes (depending on model)
- 58 mm portafilter standard (wide range of accessories)
- Pressure control via solenoid valve and vibration pump
- Space-saving – ideal for small kitchens
- Proven in single-circuit and compact dual-boiler machines
Ring brewing unit: Technical overview
| feature | detail |
|---|---|
| construction | Directly flanged to the boiler ("ring group") |
| Heating time | 5 – 10 minutes (depending on the model) |
| Thermal stability | Solid, but lower than E61 or saturated brew group |
| Pre-infusion | No mechanical pre-infusion (direct pressure build-up via pump) |
| Pressure control | Solenoid valve + vibration pump |
| Flavor profile | Powerful, crisp, intense – somewhat more angular than the E61 |
| portafilter | 58 mm standard |
| Typical machines | La Pavoni Casabar PID, ECM Casa V, Profitec Pro 300 / GO, compact Lelit models (PL series), Rancilio Silvia (similar principle) |
| Ideal for | Pragmatists with limited space, beginners, budget-conscious connoisseurs |
Ring brew group vs. E61: Comparison at a glance
| Characteristic | Ring brewing unit | E61 brew group |
|---|---|---|
| Heating time | 5 – 10 min. | 20 – 30 min. |
| Thermal mass | Small (compact head) | High (4 – 5 kg brass) |
| Temperature stability | Good (direct boiler coupling) | Very good (thermosiphon) |
| Mechanical pre-infusion | No | Yes (spring-loaded chamber) |
| The taste | Crisp, strong, direct | Soft, round, full-bodied |
| Forgiveness | Medium (no soft start) | High (pre-infusion compensates) |
| Space requirements | Compact | Larger (heavier head + tubes) |
| Price level | Entry | Mid-range to premium |
In focus: La Pavoni Casabar PID
The La Pavoni Casabar PID is the prime example of what a modern ring brew group can achieve. Made entirely in Italy, it combines a brass brew unit with PID temperature control in a compact, timeless stainless steel housing – available in polished or matte black.
The PID controller allows you to precisely set the brewing temperature between 80 and 100 degrees – a truly unique feature in this price range and design. The integrated shot timer and pump pressure gauge give you additional control over every shot. The quiet ULKA vibration pump and professional cold-touch steam wand complete the package. The 58 mm portafilter is made of chrome-plated brass and is compatible with the entire IMS basket range and professional accessories.
| feature | La Pavoni Casabar PID |
|---|---|
| system | Single boiler espresso machine with ring brewing unit |
| boiler | Brass, 0.3 liters |
| Brewing unit | Chrome-plated brass, directly on the boiler |
| Temperature control | PID (adjustable from 80 to 100 °C) |
| portafilter | 58 mm (chrome-plated brass, including bottomless) |
| pump | ULKA vibration pump, 15 bar |
| Extras | Shot timer, pump pressure gauge, cold-touch steam wand, solenoid valve |
| Housing | Stainless steel (polished or matte black) |
| Origin | 100% Made in Italy (La Pavoni, since 1905) |
You can find the La Pavoni Casabar PID directly in our webshop – available for immediate delivery from our Swiss warehouse . Delivery throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein takes 1-2 days. Financing is available.
Optimize the taste: Our tip
Since the mechanical pre-infusion of an E61 group head is absent, the pressure builds up more directly in the ring brew group. The body becomes strong and intense, but the flavor profile is often somewhat sharper – less smooth than with an E61, less defined than with a saturated group head.
Our tip for more texture: Adjust the grind slightly finer and tamp particularly carefully. This slows down the extraction and promotes the viscous, oily texture that characterizes a good espresso. Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight really shine on ring brew groups, showcasing their chocolatey, nutty strengths – the direct pressure build-up emphasizes these deep aromas. Very Nutty is also an excellent choice for nutty depth.
Who is the ring brewing group suitable for?
If you're looking for an intense, honest espresso and don't want to wait in the morning. If your kitchen is compact, your budget doesn't stretch to a La Marzocco, but you still want significantly better espresso than from a fully automatic machine. Combined with a solid espresso grinder – such as a Varia VS4 or Option-O – ring brew group machines deliver reliable results for years to come.
If you are looking for maximum temperature precision, mechanical pre-infusion or electronic control options, a La Marzocco , the Arkel Coast or a Ligre youn are the better investment.
Ring brewing group machines at the Coffee Coaching Club
In our showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich (Hagenholzstrasse 50b), we carry various types of machines – from compact single-boiler machines with ring brew groups to premium dual-boiler machines. Come by and compare the taste directly in the cup. We'll give you honest advice on which brew group suits your everyday needs.
Frequently asked questions about the ring brewing unit
What is the difference between a ring brew group and an E61?The ring brew group sits directly below the boiler and heats up quickly (5-10 minutes) due to its proximity to the heating element. The E61 is a separate, heavy brass group head with a thermosiphon circuit and mechanical pre-infusion – more temperature-stable, but with a 20-30 minute heat-up time. In terms of taste, the E61 is softer and rounder, while the ring brew group produces a crisper and more direct flavor.
Is a ring brewing unit suitable for beginners?Yes. The fast heat-up time and uncomplicated workflow make ring brew group machines an excellent platform for beginners. Pay attention to clean tamping and a correctly adjusted grinder – then you'll be able to achieve good results from day one.
Why is it called a "Brasilia ring brewing group"?The term originates from the Italian machine manufacturer Brasilia, which popularized this design principle – the brew group flanged directly below the boiler. Today, manufacturers such as La Pavoni, ECM, Profitec, and Lelit use similar designs.
What are the benefits of the PID system in the La Pavoni Casabar PID?The PID system regulates the brewing temperature with degree-level precision – adjustable between 80 and 100 degrees. This allows you to tailor the extraction to different roasts: lower temperatures (88–90 degrees) for darker roasts, higher temperatures (93–96 degrees) for lighter coffees. Combined with the shot timer and pressure gauge, you have complete control over the extraction – all on a compact single-boiler machine. An upgrade that noticeably improves the taste.
Can I compare ring brewing machines in the Coffee Coaching Club?In our showrooms in Bern and Zurich, various brewing unit types are available for comparison.
Roastery tip
The ring brew group, with its direct pressure build-up, emphasizes strong, deep aromas – ideal for Cozy Chocolate (a chocolatey natural from Brazil), Nutty Delight (a nutty blend), and Very Nutty . Set the grind one click finer than you would for an E61 – this compensates for the lack of a soft start and results in more viscosity in the cup.
