Profitec Drive Espresso Machine | Made in Germany

The Drive is Profitec’s most premium E61 espresso machine.

Germany has long been world-renowned for mechanical engineering and precision — and all of that is expressed clearly in the Profitec Drive, launched in late 2023. Built like a tank and finished with meticulous attention to every detail, it meets the demands of even the most discerning users.

STANDOUT FEATURES THAT SET THE PROFITEC DRIVE APART FROM OTHER E61 MACHINES

FAST HEAT-UP MODE IN 10–13 MINUTES

10 minutes is three times faster than a typical E61 machine. This feature is primarily intended for situations where time is limited.

In this mode, the machine runs at maximum power to bring the boiler rapidly to 130°C and holds it there for 6.5 minutes. Before brewing, the machine will prompt the user to flush water for approximately 20 seconds.

When the temperature drops to the set level, the display shows “Ready go.” At this point, flushing can be stopped and brewing can begin. Notes:

• The Drive cannot activate this mode if the boiler temperature is above 40°C (i.e. the machine is still warm from recent use).
• Actual heat-up time in this mode depends on ambient temperature (winter vs summer).
• Keep the portafilter locked into the group head throughout the heat-up process.

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE PRE-INFUSION MODES

• Active pre-infusion for use with the water reservoir: The pump is programmed to run for a set time (1–10 seconds) then pause for a set time (1–60 seconds) before entering the main extraction phase.
• Passive pre-infusion for direct water line connection: Line pressure naturally pushes water into the group head to perform pre-infusion.
• Pre-infusion can be disabled entirely: Users control the flow control valve to manage the amount of water flowing through the coffee.

PROFITEC DRIVE HAS AN EXTREMELY WIDE-RANGE FLOW CONTROL VALVE

Typically, a flow control valve on an E61 machine rotates approximately 200 degrees. The Profitec Drive features a significantly wider range — up to 2 full rotations of 360 degrees each. Water flow through the group head can be adjusted from 2.5g/s all the way up to 26.36g/s.

Flow control valve on the Profitec Drive.

When using the programmed water delivery mode, the valve should be limited to a maximum of approximately 11g/s, equivalent to 1 and 1/4 turns.

INTUITIVE OLED DISPLAY

Profitec doesn’t require users to memorize setting codes — the display presents full visuals and information in a very intuitive way. At any point, it is easy to understand exactly what to do, even for first-time users.

• Press both up and down buttons simultaneously to access the settings menu. Press the down button to navigate between different settings.
• Press the up button to edit a setting.
• Press up or down to change the value (increase/decrease, navigate between options).
• Stop pressing for a few seconds and the machine saves the setting automatically (indicator stops blinking). A wide range of advanced settings to support every user need.

SCHEDULED STARTUP

Other espresso machines require a smart plug to schedule startup. The Drive has this feature built directly into its settings.

Users can schedule the machine to turn on and off twice per day: for example, turn on at 6:30 AM and off at 9:00 AM, then on again at 1:30 PM and off at 2:30 PM.

The Drive is the first Profitec machine to include this feature a direct result of Profitec listening to user feedback over time.

Note: Don’t forget to lock the portafilter in to warm up alongside the machine.

CLEANING REMINDER FUNCTION

• Set a cleaning reminder after a specific number of brews: 30 cups or more, depending on water quality and usage habits.
• Set a reminder to replace the water filter.

CORE FEATURES OF THE PROFITEC DRIVE ESPRESSO MACHINE

PROFITEC DRIVE USES AN E61 GROUP HEAD

Profitec Drive’s solid brass E61 group head.

E61 is the name of a solid brass espresso group head introduced to the market by Faema Italia in 1961. The heat exchange system continuously circulates hot water through the group head, keeping it thermally saturated alongside the boiler. This ensures temperature stability throughout extraction and consistently excellent espresso.

Today, Profitec uses its own refined version of the E61 group head — referred to as the Grouphead Profitec.

• For those who love the technical side, this fully mechanical E61 assembly is a masterpiece of espresso machine engineering.
• For those who prefer simple automated operation, the E61 is something best left untouched.

PROFITEC DRIVE HAS 2 INDEPENDENT BOILERS (DUAL BOILER) WITH SEPARATE PIDs

Two boilers with separate PID controllers means absolute temperature control. Users can set a lower (or very high) brew water temperature while still enjoying powerful steam pressure of up to 2 bar for milk texturing when making lattes — or switch the steam boiler off entirely when it’s not needed.

• The steam boiler temperature can be set up to a maximum of 132°C, equivalent to 2 bar pressure (or lower depending on the user’s skill level).
• Optimal brew water temperature ranges from 88–95°C (light roasts benefit from higher temperatures).

PROFITEC DRIVE USES AN ULTRA-QUIET ROTARY PUMP

The rotary pump runs very quietly during operation. It is also more durable and powerful than a standard vibration pump, which is reflected in its higher cost. Due to its larger size, it is typically only found in commercial-grade machines.

PROFITEC DRIVE SUPPORTS DIRECT PLUMBING OR RESERVOIR USE

The machine’s water reservoir holds a generous 2.8L — more than enough for a comfortable session without constantly refilling. If the water runs out, the machine has an automatic safety shutoff. It can also be switched to direct plumbing if the machine is positioned near a water source and the user prefers not to fill manually. Simply rotate the water inlet valve at the base of the machine to match the chosen water source.

PROFITEC DRIVE USAGE TUTORIAL VIDEO

USAGE NOTES FOR THE PROFITEC DRIVE

• The steam boiler can be manually switched off if there is no need to make lattes or cappuccinos. The machine will heat up faster and consume less electricity.

PROFITEC DRIVE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Brand: Profitec
• Model: Drive
• Dimensions: Width 340 x Depth 590 x Height 420mm
• Machine weight: 31kg
• Material: Stainless steel
• Steam boiler capacity: 2,000ml / 1,400W
• Brew boiler capacity: 750ml / 1,200W
• Ultra-quiet rotary pump
• Default pump pressure: 9 bar – maximum 15 bar
• Integrated group head pressure gauge, pump gauge, and boiler pressure gauge on the machine body
• Integrated shot timer that starts automatically on extraction
• Integrated digital display with programmable brew profiles (temperature, time)
• Water reservoir: 2,800ml (2.8 liters) with direct plumbing option
• Direct drain connection or 1L waste water tray
• Power supply: 220V
• Made in Germany
• Warranty: 12 months

PROFITEC DRIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES

• 1 espresso machine
• 2 portafilter handles (single spout and double spout)
• 2 filter baskets
• 1 metal blind filter basket (located in the drip tray)
• 1 metal tamper
• 1 coffee dosing spoon
• 1 cleaning brush
• 1 drain hose
• 1 cup raising tray (used to position the espresso cup closer to the spout during extraction)
• 1 user manual (PDF VERSION AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD HERE)

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