Bezzera

For over a century, Bezzera has stood for the finest Italian coffee culture and the highest quality in espresso machine manufacturing. The family-owned company still produces exclusively in Italy — specifically in Rosate, a small town near the gates of Milan in the Lombardy region.

In the modern factory on Via Luigi Bezzera 1, nearly all components, from brew groups to copper boilers and steel parts, are manufactured in-house. This high level of in-house production is a hallmark of Bezzera and guarantees the exceptional longevity and quality of each machine. Production is carried out with the utmost care — from the selection of raw materials to final assembly and quality control.

Bezzera combines tradition and innovation: For four generations, the company has remained true to its philosophy of continuous modernization while preserving the values of classic Italian espresso. Those who purchase a Bezzera machine receive a genuine piece of “Made in Italy” — crafted with passion and artisanal precision in Rosate near Milan.

The best Bezzera portafilter machine depends heavily on the intended use and individual requirements. For advanced and price-conscious users, the Bezzera BZ10 S PM is often named as a test winner: it impresses with excellent espresso, the ability to steam milk simultaneously, high-quality craftsmanship, and easy cleaning. The electrically heated brew group, the 1.5-liter copper boiler, and the precise manual control are particularly praised – ideal for 2–4 extractions per day and occasionally more.

For those who want a larger water tank, the classic E61 brew group, and even more reserves for milk foam, the Bezzera Magica offers a high-quality alternative in the higher price segment. It is also highly appreciated for its craftsmanship and espresso quality.

In short:

• For most private users with a demand for milk foam and reliability, the Bezzera BZ10 is one of the best and most popular options.
• For even more comfort and classic E61 technology, the Bezzera Magica is recommended.

So, choosing the "best" Bezzera machine is primarily a matter of personal preference and budget.

At Bezzera, “MN” stands for the manual version of an espresso machine. This means that the espresso is manually started and stopped using a classic lever or valve lever, instead of programmable buttons or automatic dosing.

The MN models are equipped with the traditional E61 brew group and are aimed at users who value classic, hand-controlled espresso preparation. In contrast, “DE” stands for the version with dosing electronics and programmable cup sizes.

How often you should descale your Bezzera primarily depends on the water hardness and your coffee consumption.

As a general rule:

• For medium to high water hardness (from about 14 °dH), descaling is recommended every 1–3 months.
  
• For soft water (below 7 °dH), it is usually sufficient to descale the machine twice a year.
  
• Alternatively, you can base it on the number of uses: descaling is advisable after about 200 coffee extractions.
  
• If you notice changes in taste or performance, you should also descale.

The exact intervals vary depending on usage intensity and water quality. It's best to use test strips to determine water hardness and adjust the descaling interval accordingly.

The Bezzera Magica PID does not have an integrated shot timer. The machine offers PID control for digital temperature regulation, but no shot timer is mentioned in the official product descriptions and reviews. In contrast, other models like the Bezzera Aria PID or Bezzera Luce PID explicitly have an integrated shot timer.

If a shot timer is important to you, either a separate accessory is recommended, or choose a model that offers this feature as standard.