LUCCA
S58 Espresso Machine by Profitec

Having education and working careers in both industrial design and engineering, I may be uniquely positioned to be the first reviewer of the LUCCA S58. I own an ECM Synchronika (Sync), which I thoroughly enjoy for its functionality and exceptional level of construction quality. The Sync was my first machine and my experience with it has taken me down a path of exploring and enjoying fine coffee in a way I never imagined.

When I found myself in the market for a second machine, for a second home with a much smaller kitchen space, I first looked at the ECM offerings and ended up purchasing a Classika. It fit the space confines and had much of the same design motifs and overall construction quality of the Sync. While I was generally pleased with the machine, my wife and I found that the required single-boiler routine of cycling between brewing and steaming was more than a hassle - it actually diminished the enjoyment of producing the milk drinks we prefer.

Upon discussion of our Classica experience with the outstanding team (specifically Gil & Ben) at Clive, they accepted the return of our Classika for one of their brand-new LUCCA S58 by Profitec (S58) machines. Wow! The S58 has given us the double boiler performance of the Sync with countertop footprint of the Classica with a significant additional benefit – near total silent operation! The machine is so quiet that we’ve found that it adds yet another level of enjoyment to espresso production experience. The Sync is not an overly loud machine, compared to other machines in the marketplace, but when compared to the S58 it is!

The functionality of the S58 is excellent. Because of the smaller countertop cabinet, the spacing between the brew group and the steam and water wands is tight – especially between the water wand and the brew lever. However, if the wands are swung out sideways, you’ll find there is more than adequate space for convenient and safe operation. Preparing multiple drinks and brewing and steam simultaneously is a breeze.

There are some design motif and quality detail differences between the Sync and S58, as one will find in general comparison of the ECM vs Profitec line-up. Starting with the ECM Sync, and being so pleased and impressed with it, I am admittedly biased towards those of the Sync. Some are purely styling preference with other aspects reflect function and/or quality. I understand from Gil, Clive’s LUCCA brand manager, that there are plans, as with the entire LUCCA brand, to continually strive to improve the S58. The above said, the wife and I are thrilled with the S58. It is an outstanding and beautiful machine.

The concept of separating the reservoir and pump from the rest of the machine is brilliant and, to my knowledge, is a feature not available elsewhere. The feature truly puts the S58 in a class of its own.

If you are in the market for a top-of-the-line double-boiler machine but have limited counter space (or not!), the S58 is clearly the machine for you.

Purchasing a prosumer-level machine online, without the benefit of seeing, touching and trying it, can seem like a significant leap of faith. The Clive team understand and appreciate this fact and work hard to remove the angst. We have found that every single team-member we have spoken to and worked with have been caring and helpful beyond expectations.