Bezzera Aria PID Espresso Machine Review
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- Опубликовано: 12 июн 2024
- Get to know the Bezzera Aria PID with Flow Control espresso machine. Full of extra touches, it comes at an amazing price compared to competing machines. This compromise free machine comes with more features and a lower price than any current rotary pump, plumbable PID machine with flow control.
Current pricing
Bezzera Aria PID With Flow Control: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Bezzera Aria PID With Flow Control - Red: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Bezzera Aria PID With Flow Control - Black/Roswewood: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Bezzera Aria PID With Flow Control - Total Black/Roswewood: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Bezzera Aria PID With Flow Control - Pure Steel/Roswewood: www.wholelattelove.com/produc...
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:59 Basics
04:53 In The Box
05:35 Internals
07:55 Flow Control
10:02 Test Results
10:54 Hits/Misses Final Thoughts
Talk to our experts via chat or email: www.wholelattelove.com/contac...
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Excellent presentation and comprehensive review. Great stuff.
Thank you kindly!
Marc
I repair espresso machines like these for a living. This is my highest recommended machine at the moment, especially the less complicated Aria Classic with vibration pump. They offer excellent value and are great machines that can last very well. This is likely the best and most reliable HX design I've seen in my entire career but the old Bezzera Magica and Mitica are probably still the best in serviceability. For the Aria, all the tubing are located on top and can be easily dismantled for overhaul. The engineers really did a good job to not only make it high performing, it's really a more durable design.The electronics are all placed at the side and shielded from moisture and heat. The parts are all high quality, see the same solenoid pumps used by La Marzocco/Slayer commercial machines. A very high quality and reliable safety valve. This rotary pump is unique and a new design not seen in other machines, but so far they have been great. For homes, vibration pumps are good enough and they are cheap to replace. The entire machine is designed to be easily serviceable for long time possession. I'm very sure 50 years later or much longer there will still be Bezzera Arias that can still work with a bit of servicing. The weakest point is the flow control, but all E61 flow controls are not reliable, that's why i think the basic Aria classic is better. Another two great machines from Bezzera are their Strega and BZ13/Crema line
Hi q, Thanks for sharing your professional opinion on the Aria! Personally I prefer rotary pumps as they are very smooth, quiet and robust! They also have higher potential flow rates and faster build to full pressure.
Marc
TYSM!! can you plz explain further what is specifically not reliable about e61 flow controls? what if anything can be improved about them? or what alternatives for flow control would you suggest besides going up to GS3 level?
Have you seen the internals video of the ECM Mechanika Max? It's design is also very well thought out.
I'm also basing my buying decision based on serviceability.
@@flugames S/S boilers are vulnerable to chloride stress corrosion cracking, which is a major problem when the problem appears. S/S + Brass fittings also increases the risk of galvanic corrosion.
The two small thermostats on top. I've seen plenty of these fail, especially when they are placed above the boiler where water dripped from wet cups can reach. The way the pump is placed, it doesn't look easy to fix motor seizure. The opv, solonoid placement can be a problem
What do you think about the BZ 13?
You convinced me to switch from my VBM Domobar Jr HX to this Bezzera Aria! I just put my name notification list for when the black/rosewood comes back in stock. Thanks Mark!
Hey s, You're welcome! Looks like it's in stock: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bezzera-aria-pid-espresso-machine-with-flow-control-total-black-with-rosewood
I do like the black w/rosewood!
Marc
Lots of folks want a dual boiler. And i get it. But this is all the machine 90% of people need for home.
Hi mw, Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
This looks fantastic!
hi mark.. nice to see you and of course your videos..
keep it up!
Thanks, will do!
Marc
I've been researching for a massive upgrade in the new year. Originally I was heavily leaning toward the Rocket Appartmento, as I loved the aesthetic and heard great things about it. But the deeper I dug, I found more and more commenters online saying it wasnt worth the price point because of lack of features. So I began compiling some stats for other machines and am falling in love with the Aria.
It has an even better aesthetic (for me) than the Appartmento, with the matte black + wood accents. I love wood accents on so many things
For the price point, it is loaded with features. The more I researched, the more I saw the benefit of the PID and built in shot timers., etc
I'm not drinking 5+ drinks a day or making them for multiple people at a time, so while Dual boilers have their benefits and there are some extremely well-valued options, I just don't really see the need. In addition, opting for a DB system, the biggest thing I personally would be sacrificing is looks, and most of the market is pure stainless steel with minimal accenting or character, at least in my price range. And if I'm going to be investing in a long term machine, I want to enjoy seeing it in my kitchen.
MY only hesitation is the flow control. I'm jumping from an incredibly cheap machine with absolutely no features, up to the Aria (or similar) and the one thing I didn't care for is flow control. Everything else seemed manageable, but flow control just seems a little too nitpicky. I'll have to do some more research and see how I feel about it.
All in all, the Bezzera Aria was everything I was looking for (and several things I didn't know I was looking for) at a great price.
Hey harpy, thanks for sharing your thoughts on machine choice. I'm sure it will help others! I agree the Aria has a lot to offer compared to the Appartamento. For the flow control, keep in mind you can run the machine at its stock flow rate as though flow control was not installed. Thenb as you learn more you can use if desired.
Marc
I'll definitely start with the stock set flow control so I don't overcomplicating things too much. Elsewise, the Aria seems like the perfect upgrade for me.
I also very much appreciate that you guys open up the machines in your demos. I'm not super handy, an it gives a great visual of the internal working you discuss, which personally help me a ton.@@Wholelattelovepage
In the same situation but just starting. Have made a decision yet?
I went with the Aria! it's a breeze to use, even coming from such a low budget, non-controllable starter machine. The rotary pump is extremely quiet and it idles in between shots virtually silently.
I burned through a bag of coffee really fast trying to dial in and learn the machine, but a big part of that was because Bezzera made a small change to the flow control that isn't well documented in reviews or other online material. Once I figured out what was going on it got a lot easier.
I would highly recommend the machine, it's been a great addition to my kitchen :)@@AriefLatif
@@harpy2602
On puling back to back lattes.. mean like 4 to 5 lattes , have you tried that? I am close to pulling the trigger and its only for me and my wife but you know .. from time to time , one will have friends / relatives in house. Any comments on pro and cons would be greatly appreciated .
Thank you for the beautiful video ❤
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just watched your excellent review of the Bezzera Magica and you had scace test results for that one. With the Aria, it looks like the HX mechanism is improved providing more thermal stability since it is heated by the steam now and not the water. Did you happen to do scace tests on this as well? If so are the brew temps of similar stability or better than the Magica?
Hey w, Appreciate your patience for my reply - just returned from a disconnected week. I have not Scaced the Aria - my device was out of commission at the time. Like you I suspect (as does our lead machine tech) temps should have better stability due to more of the HX section being out of the water and a thermal sink of sorts with the section above the boiler.
Marc
Hi Mark, great review and great machine. Have you tested it with scace device? What about temp stability? Where is Pid located, in boiler and then adjusted with offset or in the brew head?
Hi laz, Thanks for the kind comment. I have done some informal Scace testing. Like most PID HX boiler machines it has a sweet spot about 20 - 30 minutes after power on where temps are very accurate. Also like most machines temps creep up a bit after longer on and idle periods but there's variability in that based on ambient temps. If needed a short cooling flush returns temps to normal. PID probe is located in the boiler. There is an offset to which calculates brew water temp from internal boiler temp.
Marc
take my money, I just ordered this to replace an old Ascasso that has no PID. Words of advice to anyone moving to altitude, get a machine with an accurate PID if you want good espresso. water boils here at around 203f and temp surfing is frustratingly inaccurate. WLL puts on great videos and had a great finance option to hopefully future proof my purchase for a little bit.
Hey JMM, Thanks for the comment and advice! Enjoy your new machine!!!
Marc
just got off the phone with Marc who could not have been nicer.. he directed me to take a look at this machine and was wondering your thoughts and if you have any regrets. thanks and ty Marc for the advice
Purchased one of these from you guys a little while ago and it's been fantastic. Any idea when the bezzera cups will be back in stock?
Hey sk, Thanks for your patronage and report. Unfortunately I am unable to get an ETA on the cups at this time.
Marc
Marc, purchased this machine a few weeks ago and loving it. One question: do you recommend changing working pressure to 9 bar if using tank?
Hi ss, Thanks for the report and question. Yes, it's reasonable to adjust the pumps bypass to produce 9 bar static pressure on the gauge when running with a backflush disc inserted.
Marc
I bought the Aria TOP.
Press power button, power light goes on but the PID is off and the water light is off.
The tank is full.
The pid seems to be connected, if i use the brew head lever it does start the timer (although it starts from 1.31?).
Never heard the anything like the pump (or at least similar to the pump of my gaggia).
Any advise?
Hello there, thanks for the cool and informativ Video. I have a special question to the new Aria. The previous model (before the Flow Control), inside the Water level valve on top of the Boiler always splashed a bit around, before it closes. I think that's not good for the longevity of the machine, or some of the parts inside. What do you think about that? or is it different with the new machine? Very best regards, Juergen.
Hi Juergen, You are welcome for the video! Assuming you are referring to the vacuum relief valve which spits a few drops of water prior to water reaching boiling point in the boiler. While I prefer moisture from the vacuum relief valve be routed by hose to the drip tray, the few drops is quickly vaporized by the boiler and rising heat vents it out of the top of the machine.
Marc
@Marc, three questions: 1) is the oddly beveled tamper a hit, or miss? 2) Stock flow rate seems high, even compared to your other video on Bezzera flow control kit. Did Bezzera provide the number?
Hi MrR, I have no hard data on the beveled tamper. In my personal use experience, it works well with the stock filter basket. You get a little extra ridge that may help prevent channeling down the side of the filter basket. Stock flow rate is from my own testing. Rate is a 1-2g/s higher than other manufacturer's flow control machines with rotary pumps. Higher flow rates can be useful when extracting darker roast and you can always adjust to a lower flow rate as desired.
Marc
Great video thanks. Would you put this on the same level or on a level above the Profitec 400? Thanks again.
Hi G, Here's a link to a side by side spec comparison of the machines: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/compare?products=NjkxNTcxNTc5Mjk1MCw2ODI2NTQ3ODcxNzk4
The Aria costs more than the Pro 400 and has features that may be important to some users not found on the Pro 400 like a rotary pump, plumbability, lever operated valves, included flow control, bottomless PF included and PID with precise temperature setting.
That said, the Pro 400 is a well built machine and excellent value in its class. Some might consider it easier to use with PID controlled temperature presets.
Marc
Thanks Marc-I really appreciate your help.👍
Given that it's a heat exchanger, how accurate is the PID really? Does the machine require a cooling flush prior to brewing?
Also, between this and the Rancilio Silvia Pro X, which would you recommend? Where I am, the two machines are very close in price. I prefer the Pro X, but the flow profiling is something to consider.
PID HX machines are much more consistent than those with pressurstats. Like all machines they have a sweet spot of time after turn on or last use where they nail temps. With long idle time you’ll want a flush on even the best PID HX. The Pro X is a nice value - see my review. But, it has dual vibe pumps, drip tray that drives me nuts and a rather utilitarian look. If you’re into playing with flavors manipulating flow is the way to go.
Marc
@Marc, three questions: 1) is the oddly beveled tamper a hit, or miss? 2) Stock flow rate seems high, even compared to your other video on Bezzera flow control kit. Did Bezzera provide the number?
3) Seems the Bezzera FC does not come with a stiffer spring. How is it in use compared to other companies’ FC kits? Thanks!
Hi MH, See reply to tamper and flow rate in my other response here. When FC first came out in ECM/Profitec machines I used for more than a year without the stiffer springs. When stiffer springs became available I did not notice a difference in extractions. One reason for the stiffer spring was to prevent a "dolphin" sound from the group caused by a very random vibration in lower end of group. I've worked with many FC machines without the stiffer spring and have never had the dolphin chatter sound. Like Profitec and ECM FCs, flow rate adjustment is very linear up to 1.75 turns open and the whole flow rate range is always available. On Lelit FCs you cannot rotate the valve a full 360 so you are limited to a smaller range of flow rates. Depending on the profiles used this may or may not present an issue and range is adjustable. hope that helps!
Marc
@wholelattelovepage This comment is very helpful! I installed flow control on the Bezzera Aria MN and have experienced the "dolphin" squeal you mentioned here. I'll try a stiffer spring to resolve it. Thanks!
Mine just got here last weekend, it's been a good coffee week. Thanks for getting it to me so quickly! Seeing this, I'm wondering if I have either an old version or a new revision.
The flow control knob does exactly what I expect it to do function wise, but it doesn't even make one single full rotation. The drain from the drip tray is not the elbow that I see here, but a drip basin and larger drain hose that is mounted under the drip tray instead of directly to it.
Same here, just got mine from WLL and doesn't do full turn. Would love an answer to this and understand what position should be stock flow
How is the heatup time?
Have mine for 2 months now and have the same thing. It does 3/4 of a turn rather then the 1 1/4 as in this video. Furthermore, sometimes after the water level protection kicks in the pressure screw for the boiler tightens. This results in over 12 to 13 bar😅
Will the water level protection stop mid shot? Or will it let you finish?
@@kfiatos it stops mid shot
Sorry if I missed it in the video, but does this unit have the shot timer and is the temperature shown at the group instead of the boiler (something like that)? Also, is this unit comparable or the same as the Aria MN TOP? If have been looking at that model and it has these 2 features I wrote of. One last question: If the temperature is represented at the group, can that be lowered or changed during the shot? I do not know much about espresso machines and maybe that would not make a difference in profiles to be needed. Thanks in advance for any info on this.
Hi cc, Yes the Aria we carry for North America has a shot timer. PID probe is in the boiler and desired brew head temp is set on PID so an offset is used as the main boiler temp in heat exchange boiler machines always runs hotter than the temperature at the group. Temperature cannot be changed during a shot.
@@Wholelattelovepage Ok. Thank you for replying back.
Hi Mark. I have Lelit Elizabeth but quality issues are driving me crazy (3rd steam valve rod already). I have limited space and fall in love with this machine. Would it be big downgrade from Elizabeth in the cup? I only use preinfusion on Lelit (do not use timed buttons)
Hey k, With flow control it's a serious upgrade in the cup!
@@Wholelattelovepage Aria or Mechanika Max? Mechanika is much more expensive, is it worth it?
@@kfiatos The Max could be worth it if you're interested in features like the automatic turn on times, bump up to full steaming power when using brew temperature control mode and the passive/active pre-infusion capabilities. Otherwise the Aria is an excellent value. Hope that helps!
Marc
Great presentation and coverage as usual. Can the PID be formatted to celcius instead of fahrenheit?
Thank you.
Yes, the PID can be switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
@@Wholelattelovepage thank you so much.
will WLL carry the aria in white? i’ve seen it on 1st line coffee equipment for $2,300 with rosewood. i’d prefer to buy from WLL, but white matches my kitchen better!
Hi kb, You can call in and order white housing with the machine but we do not have white drip trays so it would look similar to this BZ13 in Bianco with steel tray: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bezzera-bz13-de-bianco-espresso-machine
Hope that helps!
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage thanks marc! i like that look. if you had to pick, would you prefer the aria or the ecm technika v profi pid?
@@krustybuns NP! The are both nice machines! If price is not a concern I'd go with the ECM for the extra detail in external finishing, angled portafilters, more robust valves. The Technika is essentially the HX boiler version of the dual boiler ECM Synchronika.
Marc
Hi there
Great show and advice
I am thinking of getting BEZZERA ARIA PID ESPRESSO MACHINE WITH FLOW CONTROL | CLASSIC DESIGN for the moment I will be using the Reservoir tank can I put a water filter in the tank
Thanking you for you help and advice
Hi n, Thanks for the question. If you use less than 1 full reservoir of water per day I recommend the BWT Bestsave in reservoir pad filter: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-bestsave-s-anti-scale-filter
If you use more than 1 reservoir full per day then the BWT Aqualizer pitcher is a good choice: www.wholelattelove.com/products/bwt-aqualizer-2-6-l-pitcher-with-illuminated-baselight
Marc
Thank you very much for your help and advice very much appreciated
Hi Marc, would love to get this Espresso Machine, but still waiting for the Red to come into stock. Any updates on an ETA for the Red Aria?
Hi u, Unfortunately no ETA for more reds. Nothing on the way and then Italy manufacturing closes down for August.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you Marc!
@@user-el3hx4pi7l Sorry it wasn't better news on the red ☹
I went with the stainless steel with black square cutouts. Should arrive tomorrow(Can't Wait!!!). Could not find recommended descaler for this machine under SPECS..any advice?@@Wholelattelovepage
Nice work, Marc.
My obvious comparison here is the ECM Mechanica Max and was awaiting this review to determine my next steps.
The Aria is ugly, but too much bang-for-the-buck to ignore.
Hey Kooky, Thanks for acknowledging! Beauty in eye of beholder I suppose. Max is a fine machine but def a lot of value in the Aria.
Marc
i agree that the Windows98 side panel treatment is ugly. But you can order with just plain matte black side panels that looks much cleaner.
Great video. Safe to say the ECM synchronica is still the best unit you sell? By the way, the limited edition AMG version looks really cool. Was hoping there were some new features to justify buying a second one. Lol
Hey cr, Thanks for the kind comment. For build quality the Synchronika is still best in its class - outdone only by the AMG version which I've had my hands on. For F1 fans I'm sure there's an AMG Synchronika in the Mercedes VIP suite.
Marc
between bezerra area and lelit bianca v3 which is better in your opinion , thanks from BRAZIL
Hey fred, thanks for the question. Here in the US there's a big price difference between the machines. The Bianca is a dual boiler so has the advantage of individual control of boiler temps you don't have on the Aria which uses a heat exchange boiler. Bianca V3 also has programmable pre-infusion and low flow modes. On the other hand, you can accomplish those manually using flow control on the Aria. And, the overall finishing quality of the Aria is a little nicer.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thank you very much, I believe that based on what you advised me, I will go with lelit bianca v3!
At this price range the only advantage of the Bezzera over the competition is the rotary pump. Anything I'm missing? Is the rotary pump worth $300 - $400 more than the vibratory pump?
Hey r, Thanks for the question. Rotary pumps are much quieter than vibration pumps. They also build pressure faster and usually have a higher brew water flow rate. Machines like the Aria with rotary pump can be plumbed direct to waterline.
Marc
Mark, what’s the warm up time on this machine?
Hey mo, Like other E61 group machines warmup to full temperature stability is 20-25 minutes. Boiler fully heated much sooner but takes time for mass of E61 group to reach stability.
Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks, Marc!
Why no group temperature stability test in Aria like you did with the rest of bezzera machines? It is very important since pid here make a prediction of the temp and does not show the actual boiler temp. @Wholelattelovepage
👍
Is possible set pre-infusion ?
Hey c, use the flow control to control pre-infusion!
I dont understand is a lelit bianca not better pricewise and features?
Thinking the same. Price is not too far from each other in EU
WLL doesn't sell the Bianca so it doesn't exist in their videos.
yes we do: www.wholelattelove.com/products/lelit-bianca-v3-dual-boiler-espresso-machine
hi y, in the US Lelit currently $3200, Bezzera $2200
@@Wholelattelovepage ok strange the bigger price difference. In europe the price is about the same
Just got home to unpack mine. I see my flow rate is insanely smaller in range than the ones you guys show .
This is by default, I mean FC has been modified slightly in the newer batches and it has ~270 degree rotation from now on. Btw, what is your pump pressure set by the factory? Just asking because I will receive my machine next week and have read some people reduce it to 9 bar themselves.
@@Radecki82 I received mine last week from whole lotta love direct … so what your telling me is I got an old one instead of a new one direct from them while watching this video and being told the benefits of more rotational range … that’s nice of them to send me an older style 😡. The factory pressure is set to 12 BAR.
@@DamienDavidO I will let you know how it looks like once I get my Aria. I ordered my machine from the official dealer of Bezzera in Poland and it arrived to the shop last week so I guess it will be a new batch.
@@Radecki82 aaaa. Very nice. I legit wouldn’t have known how to do that so I trusted in wholelatta to get me the most updated haha. But im brewing just fine. And I left my pressure at 12BAR for now . I’ll tinker later on d
Sorry guys, i am close to pull the trigger on this machine... was thinking of the matrix duo also.. but leaning more towards the aria... how do you find it.. can you share your experience ... any pitfalls .. is the machine up to its advertizing...pulling few coffees/ lattes ? Thank you all.
Why no white version for sale on WLL?
Hi wt, Thanks for the question. We do have white panels so technicians may be able to create a white Aria for you. Best to inquire with our sales team here for details and availability: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/contact-us
Marc
I could live with a machine like that. Rotary pump. Yes thanks. Flow control. I could also survive without it.
It looks very robust and very well made.
I've had my machine now for 6 months and with a good coffee bean, ground properly, it produces excellent coffee. I agree with the comments on the smaller drip tray, would have been better if it extended another 25mm (1 inch) towards the front just to get away from that overflow valve. Steams milk effortlessly, quick, and as shown in the video recovery back to pressure is also not a problem. When first using the machine for the first few weeks, I noticed a sound that sounded like air escaping, just checked again, and it's still there although not as loud and not as noticeable. Overall a great compact machine.
How accurate/stable is the PID?
@@gbf5972 never had any issues, that’s all I can say
Hi Elfin, Thanks for the report on your machine! I wonder if the air escaping sound (is it hissing for a couple seconds?) is the vacuum relief valve closing as the boiler reaches 100C/212F. If you hear the sound at that point and it quickly stops it's the relief valve and perfectly normal.
Marc
Hi g, The PID is very accurate. Like all machines using heat exchange boilers if left on and idle for long periods temperature measured at the group will rise a bit as machine components warm up. Very easy to deal with that by performing a short cooling flush. HX machines with PID usually have a sweet spot of time after turn on when temperatures at the group are very accurate. that's usually in the neighborhood of 20-30 minutes after turn on from cold state but varies a bit depending on local variables like ambient temperature.
@@Wholelattelovepage Its a constant hissing sound after it gets up to its set temperature. I have a video of it but not sure how to forward it as its 29.6mb in zize
Gorgeous machine. Ironically the disappointing thing I will point out is mainly cosmetic. Before the Covid pandemic, Bezzera machines all had nice decorative drip trays with a geometric circle pattern. It really set the machines apart. Now it seems that those nice drip trays have been replaced by cheaper wire trays, probably for cost cutting measures I'd imagine. It just doesn't match the quality of the rest of the machine in my opinion.
Hey Smells, Thanks for the comment and sharing your thoughts. Ironically I have a slight preference for wire style tray racks. I understand the decorative aspect of the other style. For me wire style is less messy. Water and coffee don't pool on wires. Overtime, unless exceedingly careful more decorative cutout style covers almost always scratch and purging steam wand onto cutout style often causes spray splatters.
Marc