Faema’s Reimagined President Espresso Machine

Over the last 60 years, Faema has established a track record, that is second to none, in creating cutting-edge espresso machine design and innovation in technology. The Italian manufacturer developed the revolutionary E61 group-head and heat-exchange system, which provided a template for espresso machine manufacturers during the last 50 years. In 2019, Faema’s newly launched E71E machine won a Red Dot Design Award, no easy feat.

The Reinvention of a 60 Year Old Work Horse

Faema’s all-new President espresso machine is a reinvention of the 1950′ and 60s’ era Faema President Espresso Machine, which was best known for the stunning manual-lever versions, requiring the barista to pull down on the hydraulic handle to generate enough pressure for creating a shot of espresso.

The machine was also available in it’s “Autolivellotermica” model (an early auto-volumetric machine using hydraulic group-heads) and the “Tartaruga” model which pre-dated even the E61 by incorporating a water pump and an early stage version of the now-legendary E61 group-head.

Also of much significance, the machine laid down the aesthetic design and timeless body-style for the aforementioned E61 machine, which was to be introduced, and take the market by storm only a few years later.

Under the Hood

The redesign of the President is years in the making. And it’s fairly obvious at first glance. The new President no longer has levers, and acts as a fully automated espresso machine. The influence from the 1960s President is somewhat evident in the machine’s façade, with an updated layout and rear panel. The logo is even redesigned. The new President also features a low profile so it can be installed on the front of the espresso bar and still allow customers to see over the machine and chit-chat with the barista.

Another feature in the Faema President is the Group Thermo-controlled with Infusion (GTI) system. GTI uses heat-controlled, independent boilers to manage water temperature and infusion times for each group head, designed specifically with baristas in mind. An experienced barista allows them to fine tune temperature and pre-infusion at the touch of a button. But with Faema’s GTI technology, arguably there won’t be any need to adjust parameters, only for new coffee and sudden humidity changes.

The Faema President’s new GTI system is designed to help the barista achieve optimal extraction. The process begins with a quick spurt of water at a high flow rate to allow the puck to bloom. After blooming, pre-infusion starts and the President lowers the flow rate so the barista has greater control and can determine the length of pre-infusion.

The Faema comes in a black matte and stainless steel exterior color, while the GTI system is made of satin and chrome-plated steel with a pewter finish and wooden details.