Technical check: E61, saturated groups & hybrids compared

Group heads compared: E61, saturated groups and hybrids

The group head is the part of your espresso machine that comes into direct contact with the coffee. It affects how stable the temperature stays during extraction – and therefore which aromas end up in your cup. What you're reading here is our perspective as a coffee roastery. We notice differences that are relevant to us. Others experience it differently, and that's just as valid.

The E61 group head

The E61 is a classic. Built into countless machines since 1961, proven and loved. A massive brass construction with a thermosiphon system that stabilizes temperature through natural convection. Machines from ECM, Rocket and Profitec rely on the E61.

The character of the E61 is warm, round and approachable. Many coffee lovers appreciate exactly this profile and don't want anything else. The iconic chrome head is also a design statement that immediately shows: this is a real espresso machine.

The saturated group head

With a saturated group head, the entire construction is permanently surrounded by hot water. The thermal mass is significantly greater than with an E61. That means: the temperature stays fairly stable throughout the whole extraction, even if you pull several shots back to back.

We notice that machines with a saturated group head from La Marzocco and Arkel deliver an aromatic picture that is more refined and multi-layered. The nuances in light roasts come through more clearly, and the balance between sweetness, acidity and body is more finely resolved. But that's our perception, shaped by the way we roast and extract.

Hybrid systems

Hybrid systems combine different technologies: thermoblock, boiler and electronic control in new combinations. They heat up quickly, are often more compact, and offer digital control over the brew temperature. Brands like WPM and Ascaso go their own way here.

Hybrid systems show that the future of the espresso machine doesn't lie in a single concept. They open up new possibilities, especially for anyone who wants to save space or values fast heat-up times. The results in the cup can be excellent.

Which group head suits you?

There's no better or worse group head. There's only the one whose character you like. An E61 sounds warm and familiar. A saturated group head sounds clear and precise. A hybrid system sounds modern and flexible. The best way to find out which sound speaks to you is in our showrooms in Bern and Zurich. You can test different systems directly side by side in our Espresso Machine and Grinder Comparison.

For the technical details on each group head type, visit our subpages: E61 in detail | Saturated group heads | Ring group head | Hybrid systems. Or use our advisory tool.