Designed by Paolo Marconato, Designed in Switzerland, Winner of the Red Dot Design Award

Q: Why Choose the newcomer brand "Solis" over the well known "Delonghi" and "Breville?"

A: Efficient and Professional Features

When I say best in class, I am talking about the entry level at-home espresso class. These manual espresso machines are designed to be used by amateurs, not professionals. However, the Perfetta is not just for any amateur as the Perfetta is a golden middle between professional equipment and purely amateur residential espresso machines in Canada. Let us go into technical detail on what sets this machine apart.

Thermoblock Heating Element

• Faster: There is no need to wait until the whole boiler warms up. (Like a tankless water heater.)
• Compact: Thermoblocks are often used with narrow machines like the "Delonghi Dedica" or "Krups Calvi."

Drainage Function

• When done with milk steaming, the machine automatically flushes hot water out of the thermoblock and fills it with fresh cold water. So, you can brew your next drink immediately after steaming. The "Dedica" does not have this feature.
• The Perfetta by Solis has a 450 ml drip tray which makes them best in class, by far, in this section. Tray can be emptied after 15 espressos/5 cappuccinos.

3 Way Solenoid Valve

• These valves are usually found on higher-end machines, not entry level ones such as the Solis
• The solenoid valve makes it easier and cleaner to brew multiple shots in a row.

Manometer (Pressure Gauge)

• Cheap espresso makers tend to have round dial thermometers, but this is not so crucial and mostly for esthetics.
• The solis has a pressure gauge which is much more important.
• The manometer shows the brewing pump pressure which is ideally around 9.

54mm Group Head

• It comes with both pressurized and unpressurized filter baskets. (pressurized baskets for preground coffee)
• In most cases the bigger the baskets, the better.

Professional Steam Wand

• The majority of home espresso machines in Vancouver have the less professional Panarello wands.
• The Solis espresso machine has a professional steam wand so you are able to deliver a softer, creamier milk foam with no big bubbles.

Maintainability

• We have received reports on how easy it has been to get inside the machine and disassemble.

Cons

• The professional steam wand will take a tad bit more practice than the Panarello wand.
• Under the metal exterior of the machine, you will find mostly plastic parts which is actually normal for household espresso makers.
• 54mm is not a popular diameter at all, so it might be harder to find accesories for the solis. At least the Solis puts everything you need in their box.
• Although it is a skinny machine, the depth is quite deep at 37cm, so make sure that there is room for the power cord.