Your Cart
Your cart
Favorites
Shop by Brands
Shop by Brands
Shop by Brands
Shop by Brands
Shop by Brands
Shop by Brands
|
|
Time to read 9 min
Every coffee bar faces a familiar balancing act: how to keep pace with rush-hour orders while still pulling great-tasting espresso. Some machines shine in high-capacity environments, others are built to fit tight counters without sacrificing power. The Sanremo F18 SB is a single-boiler, heat-exchange espresso machine designed to deliver café-quality shots and simultaneous milk steaming without the complexity of multiple boilers.
In 2026, compact machines like the F18 SB strike a balance between home-friendly usability and professional-grade performance. In this F18 espresso machine review, you’ll explore what makes this model stand out in the single-boiler category, from its internal engineering to its performance and buying factors.
The F18 espresso machine delivers stable temperature and pressure, ensuring consistent espresso shots for small cafés and home bars.
Thermo-siphon heat-exchange boiler allows near-simultaneous espresso brewing and milk steaming, maintaining temperature stability under continuous use.
Built-in volumetric dosing and pre-infusion control help maintain flavor clarity and extraction accuracy for every shot.
Compact yet durable design with intuitive display, LED lighting, and die-cast aluminum legs suits both professional and home setups.
In this F18 espresso machine review, the unit’s serviceability, energy-saving features, and modular accessories make it a long-term investment.
The F18 espresso machine review gets interesting when you look beyond its sleek design and into its build quality. Designed for small cafés, restaurants, and roasteries, the Sanremo F18 SB brings together power, usability, and long-term reliability. It’s engineered to handle rush-hour demands without complex maintenance routines or unnecessary tech gimmicks.
Here are the real-deal features packed inside the F18 SB that make it stand out in the single-boiler lineup:
Thermo-siphon circulation: Thermo-siphon circulation ensures stable water flow through the SR61 grouphead for consistent shot temperature.
Heat-exchange boiler: Lets you pull espresso and steam milk simultaneously without heat loss or waiting time.
Café-friendly recovery time: Perfect for setups handling back-to-back orders during peak service hours.
Volumetric dosing: Automatically stops extraction when your set shot volume is reached, improving workflow accuracy.
Pre-infusion chamber with control: Starts extraction at low pressure for even saturation and balanced flavor.
Flexible programming: Adjust volumes and pressure profiles to match different blends or roast levels.
Automatic cleaning cycle: Simplifies daily maintenance by flushing coffee residue from the grouphead.
Group flushing button: Clears out oils and grounds instantly between shots, keeping flavors fresh.
Energy-saving system: Smart insulation reduces energy use by up to 20–40%, depending on workflow.
User-first design: LED lighting, intuitive LCD display, and sturdy die-cast aluminum legs enhance comfort and reliability during operation.
Also Read: Best Espresso Tamper for Perfect Coffee
Explore the Sanremo F18 review to see how its engineered features translate into precise brewing performance and consistent control.
When it comes to brewing, the Sanremo F18 SB doesn’t just rely on its looks; it’s built to perform day in and day out. Whether you’re running a busy café or managing a restaurant bar, this espresso machine keeps pace with your rush hours.
The mix of its heat-exchange boiler and electronic temperature control gives every shot the right balance of power and stability, even during long service sessions.
Here’s what makes the F18 SB’s brewing system truly stand out when put to the test:
12L and 18L steam boiler options: While the F18 SB is a single-boiler heat-exchange system, its thermosiphon design allows brewing and steaming with minimal temperature drop when workflow is managed efficiently.
Simultaneous brewing and steaming: The heat-exchange design lets you pull espresso shots and steam milk at the same time, keeping workflow smooth.
Quick heat recovery: Great for continuous brewing, your machine doesn’t lag between shots.
PID-based control: Keeps steam and brew temperature steady with on-screen monitoring.
LCD display feedback: Let's baristas easily track and adjust temperature settings on the go.
Less fluctuation, more flavor balance: Ensures the brew water doesn’t overheat or cool too quickly, maintaining consistent taste in every cup.
High-performance volumetric pump: Maintains steady pressure even when multiple groups are working at once.
Built-in pressure gauge: Shows inlet and pump pressure for accurate feedback during extraction.
Optimized pressure flow: Helps avoid channeling and uneven extractions, improving crema formation and flavor depth.
Looking to upgrade your café or home bar with a machine that delivers café-quality espresso under pressure? The Sanremo F18 SB at Pro Coffee Gear combines heat-exchange precision, volumetric control, and durable design to keep every shot consistent and flavorful, ready to elevate your coffee game.
This F18 espresso machine review highlights how its powerful brewing system combines with thoughtful design to fit seamlessly into your workspace.
Planning the perfect spot for the F18 SB goes beyond simply finding a countertop. From workflow efficiency to aesthetic impact, proper placement ensures baristas can move smoothly, steam milk, and pull shots without interruptions. Even in small cafés or roaster setups, knowing your space requirements helps avoid costly adjustments later.
Here are the essential considerations to ensure the F18 SB fits your setup perfectly:
2-Group vs 3-Group: Choose 2-group (35” x 25” x 20.25”, 172 lbs) for compact spaces, or 3-group (42” x 25” x 20.25”, 211.5 lbs) for higher volume operations.
Voltage & Amperage: Requires 220V, with 2-group at 15A (3200W) and 3-group at 26A (5650W), ensuring steady performance without overloading circuits.
Footprint Planning: Consider space around the machine for barista movement and cup access.
Water Filtration: Use a quality filter to maintain optimal extraction and prevent scale buildup.
Pressure Regulation: Ensure inlet water pressure aligns with machine specs for consistent brewing.
Maintenance Clearance: Leave enough room behind and above for cleaning, descaling, and servicing without disrupting workflow.
Styling Options: Chrome accents and die-cast aluminum legs provide a modern, professional look.
Color Variants: Available finishes can complement your café or bar design.
Customer Perception: A visually striking espresso machine can enhance the perceived quality of your drinks and brand image.
Also Read: Understanding Espresso Machine Parts and Functions
In this F18 espresso machine review, understanding fit and space helps determine if the machine aligns with your workflow and purchase needs.
Deciding whether the Sanremo F18 SB fits your setup means matching its features with your workflow, space, and budget. To help you judge, here are the buyer considerations, the strong points, and the trade‑offs you should know.
What to keep in mind:
Service volume match: Choose the 2‑group version if your peak hour is moderate; the 3‑group handles higher throughput.
Counter & power infrastructure: Requires 35” or 42” width, 25” depth, and 220 V power (3.2 kW vs 5.6 kW for 2‑ vs 3‑group), make sure your space and wiring align.
Installation & filtration requirements: The machine’s heat‑exchange design benefits from filtered water, suitable pressure, and maintenance clearance to perform its best.
Budget vs lifespan: With premium build, die‑cast aluminium legs, and an energy‑saving system (up to 20% savings), you’ll invest upfront, but operating costs and durability matter.
Skill level of baristas: Its advanced features (pre‑infusion control, volumetric dosing) reward experienced operators or those willing to train.
Pros:
Strong heat‐exchange system: With thermosiphon flow, driving stable extraction under pressure.
Volumetric design: Volumetric dosing with programmable pre‑infusion helps maintain consistent shots even during rush periods.
Energy‑saving mode: smart insulation cuts electricity use, good for long shifts.
Built for serviceability: group flushing, easy access panels, intuitive display.
Visual impact: die‑cast aluminium supports, available finishes, modern look that enhances space.
Cons & Solutions:
Higher power requirement for 3‑group (220 V / 26 A / 5.65 kW): May require electrical upgrade.
Solution: Confirm your circuit or plan for a dedicated line before purchase.
Larger footprint for 3‑group (42” width x 25” depth): Could exceed tight bar spaces.
Solution: Map your counter early, ensure space behind for clearance and operator movement.
Single‑boiler heat‑exchange system (note: heat‑exchange, not multi‑boiler) means steam and brew share capacity.
Solution: Sync workflow so shots are pulled efficiently and milk texturing is timed well.
12‑month parts warranty only: Some machines offer longer.
Solution: Budget for maintenance and parts beyond year one if you anticipate heavy use.
Note: While the F18 SB is single-boiler, pairing it with a skilled workflow ensures fast, consistent milk drinks even during café rush hours.
Setting up the Sanremo F18 SB for optimal performance means more than placing it on a counter; it’s about building a system around it that supports fast, quality service and sustainable operation. For cafés or mobile bars, the right accessories can make a real difference; for small teams, they streamline every shot and steam sequence.
Here are recommended add‑ons, workflow upgrades, and space optimizations to pair with your F18 SB:
Quality Grinder with Dosing Accuracy: A grinder that delivers consistent doses helps the F18 SB’s volumetric controls work properly and maintains shot repeatability.
Water Filtration & Softening System: Given the heat‑exchanger boiler and sensitive internal parts, proper filtration protects the machine and preserves coffee flavour.
Digital Scale & Workflow Timer: Use a scale for calibrating yield and a timer for tracking service speed in café rush hours, giving you better control of output.
Knock Box & Dump Station: Efficient puck disposal ensures the group heads remain clear during continuous pulls, keeping the machine ready for the next shot.
Milk Frothing Tools (Pitcher, Thermometer, Micro‐foam Mat): Since the F18 SB supports steam and brew simultaneously, good frothing tools improve speed and drink quality.
Cup Warmer & Organized Bar Station: Use the machine’s built‑in cup warmer and keep the area tidy to ensure that every drink is served hot and looks professional.
Maintenance Kit (Back‑flush Discs, Brush Set, Gasket Spares): Regular servicing prevents downtime and utilizes the automatic cleaning cycle built into the machine.
The F18 espresso machine review emphasizes that proper setup and accessories ensure optimal performance, leading seamlessly to the conclusion.
The Sanremo F18 SB Espresso Machine brings professional-grade heat-exchanger performance and volumetric control to small cafés, restaurants, and dedicated home bars. 2026’s F18 SB balances professional capabilities and compact design, making it suitable for small cafés, mobile bars, and dedicated home enthusiasts.
For tools, accessories, and parts that support professional coffee workflows, Pro Coffee Gear offers a curated collection built for durability and performance. If you’re looking to streamline your espresso workflow and bring professional capabilities to your countertop, the Sanremo F18 SB is ready to perform. Pair it with the right accessories and watch every cup rise to its full potential.
The F18 SB includes programmable automatic cleaning cycles that simplify daily upkeep, but consistent maintenance is essential for long-term performance. Perform group head flushing and backflushing at the end of each service day. In addition, schedule a monthly deep inspection that includes checking the boiler, valves, gaskets, and water filtration system. Regular boiler inspections help prevent scale buildup and protect the heat-exchange system from premature wear.
For modern specialty espresso, a reliable starting point is an 18–20g coffee dose for a double shot, targeting a 36–40g yield in 25–30 seconds. The F18 SB’s volumetric dosing and pre-infusion control make it easier to maintain this ratio consistently, but final adjustments should always be dialed in based on roast level, grinder performance, and taste preference.
To keep extraction results and machine longevity on track, filtered water with correct hardness and minimized chlorine is essential. Impurities can affect taste and accelerate wear in internal components like the SR 61 grouphead and volumetric pump. Installing a dedicated filtration and pressure regulator system is highly recommended for this model.
For the 2‑group variant, the recommended footprint is 35″ (length) × 25″ (depth) × 20.25″ (height); for the 3‑group variant, 42″ × 25″ × 20.25″. In addition to surface space, allow clearance behind and above for servicing and routine maintenance. A well‑planned bar layout ensures smooth operations and easier access.
Yes, but with an important distinction. Because the F18 SB uses a single-boiler heat-exchange system, brewing and steaming are efficient and can occur near-simultaneously—but they are not unlimited like a true dual-boiler setup. During high-volume service, workflow management is key. Timing espresso extraction and milk steaming strategically helps maintain temperature stability and consistent drink quality.
