E61

E61 refers to the E61 group head, a coffee machine brew group designed by the Italian company Faema and introduced in 1961. The design became highly influential in commercial espresso machines and is frequently reproduced or imitated by other manufacturers. The term is often used to describe machines that use a Faema-style group head geometry, even when produced by brands other than Faema.

Design and operation

The E61 group head centers on a brass brew group connected to the boiler through a thermosyphon circulation loop. This arrangement is intended to maintain stable group temperature by relying on natural convection to keep the group head warm, which helps deliver more consistent shots. When the brew valve is opened, water is directed from the boiler through the coffee puck at controlled pressure. Many E61-equipped machines incorporate a pre-infusion concept, wherein water initially saturates the coffee at a gentler flow before full pressure is applied, potentially improving even extraction and crema. After brewing, a three-way solenoid valve relieves boiler pressure and assists in drying the puck.

Impact and legacy

The E61 design is widely regarded for its durability and its influence on espresso culture, especially in commercial settings. It set a standard for temperature stability and mechanical reliability, and its distinctive group head aesthetics became iconic in the espresso world. Over the decades, many modern machines adopt a Faema-style E61 group head or a close-inspired variant, reflecting the design’s enduring legacy. The term E61 is sometimes used more broadly to refer to machines with similar group-head geometry or Faema-inspired construction, not only those made by Faema themselves.