La Cimbali Espresso Machine

La Cimbali has been producing a broad range of commercial espresso machines for over a century. La Cimbali is a brand of La Cimbali Group, the largest espresso machine manufacturer in the world. La Cimbali also owns the brands Faema,Casadio, and as of just a few years ago, the Seattle-based Slayer Espresso. 

La Cimbali features both heat exchange and a unique patented multi-boiler design. While their heat exchange machines have comparable performance to their less expensive counterparts, La Cimbali electronics are typically more advanced, complex, and seemingly more reliable.

La Cimbali espresso machines are most frequently found in high-volume chain accounts, where performance and automation is at a premium over design. Simply visit any northern city in Italy, and you’ll see what we mean. Therefore, Cimbali’s traditional espresso machines typically have a more traditional boxy design and are outfitted with the most advanced informatics technology in the industry - features that larger coffee accounts value.

La Cimbali also has a leading line of super-automatic espresso machines, where they compete toe-to-toe against other leading global brands, namely Egro and Eversys. This is why La Cimbali places an auto-steam wand as an option on nearly every traditional espresso machine they manufacture. Their prowess in super-automatics make their auto-steam technology better than any of their traditional espresso machine competitors. Rancilio’s I Steam would be the runner-up in this category. Every other manufacturer features what you might call an “off-the-shelf” design.

Ready to learn more? At Pro Coffee Gear, we aspire to be the foremost experts in the espresso machine and coffee equipment space. We dig deep to understand the pros and cons of every brand in order to help you find the most ideal espresso machine for your operation. The “best espresso machine for everyone” doesn’t exist. But don’t worry, we’re here to help demystify the jargon and help you find the right equipment for you and your own unique needs.

Are La Cimbali espresso machines suitable for commercial use?

The La Cimbali brand offers espresso machines specifically designed for commercial use. These machines are built to withstand heavy usage, equipped with larger brewing capacities, and offer advanced features that cater to the demands of a barista and customers alike.

What La Cimbali machine should I buy for my coffee business?

La Cimbali M100 HD & GT – La Cimbali's flagship traditional espresso machine offers unparalleled technology. It boasts customizable water pressure profiles and a thermal system based on a 10-liter boiler, equipped with two heat exchangers in series and independent coffee boilers. Each group temperature can be individually set and conveniently controlled via the display. The innovative Smart Boiler system prevents heat loss and ensures enhanced thermal stability. Moreover, the M100 models incorporate energy-saving functions that not only help reduce operational costs but also promote environmental responsibility. The HD model is built for specialty coffee and comes equipped with pressure profiling capabilities and standard steam wands. The GT model is specifically designed for more traditional cafes featuring tall drinks and includes one standard steam wand alongside a turbosteam wand.

La Cimbali M39 – The M39 series offers two variations: a tall cup version and a standard height version. Both variants feature one standard steam wand and one TurboSteam wand, enabling automated milk steaming without manual intervention. This feature saves time for baristas and guarantees consistent milk quality with every preparation. These volumetric machines incorporate auto dosing of shot volumes, ensuring drink consistency. The thermal system of the M39 consists of a ten-liter boiler, two heat exchangers, and independent coffee boilers. The group temperatures can be adjusted independently and monitored through the display.

La Cimbali M26 TE RE- The TE version is the top of the line for the M26 models. It features the Thermodrive system which gives users more precise control over the temperature in each grouphead.The full-sized TE version comes with one TurboSteam4 wand, which allows the user to have four programmable steam settings, while the compact version (no LED display) comes with a TurboSteam2 wand.

La Cimbali M26 BE - The BE version is the entry level model of the M26 lines. It features a standard heat exchanger and manual steam wands.  

Where are La Cimbali espresso machines made?

While the La Cimbali Group now operates all over the world, their roots are firmly Italian, and they maintain a significant presence in the country. In fact, La Cimbali operates three production facilities in Italy: Binasco (Milan), Ghisalba (Bergamo), and Cappella Cantone (Cremona). These facilities collectively manufacture an average of 200 espresso and coffee machines per day.

How do I maintain and clean a La Cimbali espresso machine?

La Cimbali provides guidelines and instructions for maintenance and cleaning in the user manual accompanying their machines. Regular cleaning and maintenance routines, such as backflushing,  grouphead cleaning, and steam wand cleaning are essential for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the machine. Quarterly gasket and shower maintenance is also recommended. Speak with your local technician about doing a 6 month and annual preventative maintenance to avoid expensive emergency repair calls.