2025 marks a turning point for Milesto with the launch of machines that combine powerful specifications with dramatically improved design aesthetics.
The EM-50VFE applies cutting-edge technology with dual independent PID-controlled boilers. The group head also features its own PID temperature management system for continuous stability during brewing. The wood-wrapped group head gives the machine a softer, less industrial appearance.
The wood-wrapped group head on the Milesto EM-50VFE provides a natural feel while preventing burns from accidental contact.
The machine offers both manual brewing via lever and flow control knob, or automated brewing using 9 user-designed pressure profiles.
WHAT IS VFE – VARIABLE FLOW EXTRACTION?
Variable Flow Extraction is a system with varying flow rates during extraction. Inside the Milesto EM-50VFE are 3 independent flow control valves that can be manually operated via rotary knobs. The machine can also program 9 different espresso profiles based on increasing or decreasing flow rates throughout different extraction phases. This feature helps users optimize brewing profiles for different coffee roast levels.
Valves 1/2/3 provide flow rates of approximately 5ml/s – 6.5ml/s – 8ml/s respectively.
Example: For light roast coffee, users can start with gentle, slow flow in the initial phase for better saturation, increase flow in the middle phase, and decrease flow at the end. Overall extraction time and volume can be longer than usual.
For very dark roast coffee, starting at flow level 2 and increasing to maximum level 3 in the final phase, then stopping early under 20 seconds is one way to minimize bitterness while achieving the necessary volume for desired extraction ratios.
MILESTO EM-50VFE FEATURES ACTIVE HEATING SEMI-SATURATED GROUP HEAD
There are various group head designs for espresso machines: saturated, semi-saturated, E61… Beyond construction, their main difference is warm-up time before brewing. E61 requires up to 30 minutes while other group heads need only 1/3-1/2 that time.
Regarding temperature management, group heads fall into two categories:
- Active heating: Group head has dedicated heating elements for instant heating. High-tech machines include precise group head temperature control.
- Passive heating: Water from the boiler circulates through and transfers heat to warm the group head. Time depends on group head construction.
The Milesto EM-50VFE features a semi-saturated group head with active heating via internal heating elements. Users can precisely control group head temperature between 80-90°C. This feature helps the 50VFE maintain stable water temperature even during continuous brewing for commercial needs.
MILESTO EM-50VFE WARM-UP TIME
- Thanks to active heating technology, the group head reaches proper temperature in just 5 minutes with the portafilter installed in the machine. Water in the espresso boiler also needs only this time to reach ready temperature – espresso drinkers can use it immediately.
- For latte or cappuccino drinkers, the machine will be ready after about 10 minutes when the steam boiler reaches pressure above 1.3 bar.
This is impressive warm-up time for a dual-boiler machine. In practical terms, when users suddenly want coffee, 5 minutes ensures enthusiasm remains until they have that cup in hand.
MILESTO EM-50VFE IS A DUAL INDEPENDENT BOILER ESPRESSO MACHINE
Dual boilers mean simultaneous coffee brewing and milk steaming, completely independent temperature control, and maximum stability for every extracted cup. On the Milesto EM-50VFE, both boilers are made of copper.
- Steam boiler: 1800ml capacity, temperature control from 120-135°C corresponding to 1.3-2.3 bar pressure. At maximum pressure, the machine can heat 150ml cold milk to 60°C in just 10 seconds. This speed rivals any heavy-duty commercial espresso machine on the market.
- Espresso boiler: 850ml capacity with PID temperature control from 88-95°C. Users choose appropriate brewing temperature based on flavor preferences. Higher temperatures produce stronger, more bitter coffee and vice versa.
MILESTO EM-50VFE OFFERS DIRECT PLUMBING OR RESERVOIR OPTIONS
By default, the Milesto EM-50VFE uses direct water connection since there’s no internal water reservoir. This is why the machine has such a compact design.
However, in home environments, not every location can easily accommodate water connections. iCup includes a dedicated 2.5L water reservoir for the EM-50VFE. The plastic reservoir has a wooden lid with a pre-drilled hole perfectly fitted for the machine’s water line. The reservoir can be placed anywhere most convenient for home users.
One full reservoir can brew approximately 20 espresso shots continuously. For users drinking 2 cups daily, it’s over a week before needing refill.
The machine’s drip tray can be emptied manually when full or connected to automatic drainage (included with machine) if convenient.
MILESTO EM-50VFE USES ITALIAN FLUID-O-TECH ROTARY PUMP
Few machines in this price range use Italian rotary pumps. This invisible component delivers a completely different brewing experience.
The pump runs quietly, the machine is solid (weighing 30kg), and the water tray has silicone padding, so operation doesn’t produce the clicking sounds of vibration pump machines. It also helps automatic sensors on some electronic scales work more accurately when placed on the Milesto EM-50VFE.
Users can operate the machine early morning or late night without disturbing anyone.
OTHER FEATURES OF THE MILESTO EM-50VFE ESPRESSO MACHINE
- Manual extraction lever: The 50VFE uses a lever to activate extraction, giving users more control
- Quick steam valve: Steam wand provides high-pressure steam instantly with one-pull quick release valve
- Hot water tap: Convenient for hot americano, cup rinsing, etc.
- 3-channel PID temperature control: Coffee boiler 88-95°C, steam boiler 120-135°C, group head 80-90°C
- Anti-scald steam wand: Comfortable operation without burn risk
- Professional 58mm portafilter: Easy to find accessories and espresso brewing tools. Note: Milesto portafilter tabs are thinner than E61 machines like Lelit, so they’re not interchangeable
- Integrated OPV valve adjustable from rear: Use a flathead screwdriver to adjust Milesto’s brewing pressure limit without disassembly
- Quick steam valve: Steam wand delivers high-pressure steam instantly with single-pull quick valve
USAGE NOTES FOR MILESTO EM-50VFE
- Install portafilter with blank basket during automatic profile setup: Not mandatory but saves unnecessary water waste
- Skip Presoak mode when using 18g basket: Works effectively with small 11g basket. However, maximum 2-second pump time isn’t enough to supply necessary water to entire 18g coffee bed
- OPV valve is covered by flexible plastic cap behind machine: Remove to operate and remember to replace after completion
- Turn off machine after use as there’s no ECO mode
DRAWBACKS OF THE MILESTO EM-50VFE
- Drip tray finish not yet refined: Not cast construction, joints on tray are visible despite powder coating. Doesn’t affect experience but shows Milesto’s finish could be optimized
- Wood veneer on group head not perfectly balanced: Must look very closely at group head back to notice this detail
- Machine gets very hot during use: Extremely optimized and compact interior means entire machine heats up quickly. Even the electronic display gets hot, creating uncomfortable operation feeling
- Small waste water tray capacity with no float indicator: Perhaps designed for automatic drainage, so Milesto overlooked optimizing this. Maximum waste water in tray about 1L if choosing manual emptying
- Top surface too glossy, attracts fingerprints: Avoid placing hands on machine top. Can clean with damp cloth then paper towel to completely remove marks. Includes silicone pad perfectly sized for machine top for cup placement without scratches
- Spotlight highlights dust particles on machine front: Even one dust particle will show under spotlight. Actually good as it encourages regular machine cleaning
- Power switch inconveniently located at rear: Machine heats during use and having to reach around to turn off creates poor experience. Machine can’t be placed against wall due to need for hand access. If right side is open, 20cm clearance from wall or other equipment is safer
- Flow adjustment knob slow response: Not a throttle valve but switches between valves entirely, response time about 1 second like it’s frozen. This is the switching mechanism, not manufacturing defect, so users should know beforehand to avoid unnecessary complaints. Slow knob also makes selecting 1 of 9 automatic profiles quite comical – full rotation just to jump from profile 1 to 2
- Presoak mode (pre-infusion without pressure) not effective with 18g basket: Maximum pump time only 2 seconds, too little when water supply hasn’t fully saturated coffee in basket. Pump timing should be more customizable – 6 seconds needed based on personal experience
- No energy saving mode: If not actively turned off, the 50VFE will stay hot all day
- Cannot independently turn off steam boiler: If no latte needs, running steam boiler is wasteful. Inability to turn off steam boiler is Milesto’s weakness compared to Italian/German espresso machines
WHO IS THE MILESTO EM-50VFE SUITABLE FOR?
- Home use wanting compact but professionally powerful machine, ready to use immediately: Previously, dealers would just shake their heads at such requirements. But with Milesto’s EM-50VFE launch, now they nod in under a second
- Small cafés with moderate investment wanting good equipment, brewing 100-150 cups daily: Dual boilers for simultaneous steaming and extraction optimize service time. 3-channel PID management maintains stable temperatures during continuous brewing, so Milesto EM-50VFE handles this café model well
MILESTO EM-50VFE SETTINGS
The Milesto EM-50VFE touchscreen has intuitive settings – users generally understand usage at first glance. Top right corner has language toggle for English/Chinese (Vietnamese would be perfect), and top left accesses specific parameter settings.
- Brew Time: Automatic timer during extraction
- Cup Count: Counter for brewed cups
- Presoak: Enable/disable pre-infusion (including 1-2 second pump time and 1-9 second pause settings)
- Esp Temp: Coffee brewing water temperature
- Steam Temp: Steam boiler temperature. Higher temperature = stronger pressure
- Variable Flow Extraction: 3-level water flow selection: 5ml/s – 6.5ml/s – 8ml/s
SETTING AUTOMATIC BREWING PROFILES ON MILESTO EM-50VFE
9 brewing profiles with 3 flow styles from low to high or reverse, applied for different coffee types.
- Step 1: Install blank basket in portafilter and attach to group head (saves water) – can also brew normally with coffee in basket
- Step 2: Open any profile 1-9 to begin. Note: 9 profiles divided into 3 basic types. 1-3 start with flow level 1, 4-6 start with flow level 2, 7-9 start with highest flow level 3
- Step 3: Press rotary button, adjust water flow with rotary knob. When finished, if profile exceeds 14 seconds, screen shows confirmation to save or not
- Step 4: Confirm save/cancel profile
TECHNICAL SERVICE ALERTS FOR MILESTO EM-50VFE
If encountering these alerts, please contact dealer for support:
- E1: Coffee boiler temperature sensor needs checking
- E2: Steam boiler temperature sensor needs checking
- E3: Group head temperature sensor needs checking
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – MILESTO EM-50VFE
- Brand: Milesto
- Model: EM-50VFE
- Dimensions: 286mm W x 429mm D x 345mm H
- Weight: 30kg
- Materials: Steel with powder coating
- Voltage/Power: 220V/1750W
- Quiet Fluid-o-tech Italian rotary pump
- Maximum pump pressure: 16 bar
- Coffee brewing water temperature: 88-95°C
- Steam boiler temperature: 120-135°C corresponding to 1.5-2.3 bar steam pressure
- Group head temperature: 80-90°C
- Real-time brewing pressure gauge
- Digital display for brewing profile settings (temperature, speed, timing)
- Detachable water reservoir: 2500ml – can connect directly or place supply tube in 20L container
- Direct drainage connection or waste water collection tray
- Made in China
- 12-month warranty
MILESTO EM-50VFE PACKAGE INCLUDES
- 1 Milesto EM-50VFE espresso machine
- 1 x 58mm double-spout portafilter + 1 single spout replacement
- 1 x 8g filter basket + 1 x 18g filter basket
- 1 stainless steel blank basket for machine cleaning
- 1 steel tamper with wooden handle
- 1 replacement steam tip (smaller hole diameter)
- 1 drainage hose kit
- 1 user manual (English)
Vietnam Market Bonuses:
- 1 bottomless portafilter specifically for Vietnamese market
- 1 x 600ml duck-spout milk pitcher
RECOMMENDED COFFEE GRINDERS FOR MILESTO EM-50VFE
OTHER HOME ESPRESSO MACHINES FOR REFERENCE
To provide these detailed insights to users, we’ve actually used, researched, and thoroughly analyzed the machine before deciding to distribute the Milesto EM-50VFE. It’s very hard to find sellers as serious about exploration and prioritizing user experience as iCup.
iCup is honored to bring customers the most suitable espresso machines for their needs with value worthy of the investment.
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