Faemina Espresso Machine Review

The Faemina is a high-end espresso machine that combines a distinct design with technology from commercial espresso machines. This review details its features, performance, and overall value for home and small-scale commercial use.

Key Specifications and Features

The Faemina integrates several features from Faema's professional line into a more compact machine suitable for home or small business environments. It offers control over the brewing process through a combination of manual and automated functions. ¹

Dual Boiler System: A dedicated boiler for brewing coffee and another for steam and hot water. This allows for simultaneous brewing and steaming without a loss in temperature stability.
GTI Heating System: This independent boiler heating system ensures the water is at the correct temperature for extraction and gives the user control over the infusion stage.
Adjustable Brew Temperature: The temperature of the coffee boiler can be adjusted through the machine's display or the companion "Be Faema" app.
Voice Recognition and App Control: The "Be Faema" app allows for remote control of machine parameters, including temperature, pre-infusion, and shot times. Voice commands can also be used to operate the machine. ²
Optional Autosteam Wand: In addition to a manual steam wand, an automatic milk frothing wand is available, which steams milk to a set temperature and texture.
Pour-Over Functionality: The machine includes a specific setting for brewing pour-over coffee, controlling water flow and temperature for this brew method.
Up&Down Adjustable Drip Tray: The drip tray height can be changed to accommodate different cup sizes, from small espresso cups to larger mugs for lattes or pour-over carafes.

Build Quality and Design

The Faemina has a polished and modern appearance, with a body constructed from high-quality materials like steel and aluminum. Its design is intended to be a centerpiece on a countertop. The machine is available in several color and finish combinations, including options with satin copper or polished aluminum panels. ³ The machine's construction is robust, giving it a substantial weight and a feeling of durability. The removable drip tray and front-loading water tank are practical design choices that make daily operation more convenient. ²

Ease of Use

For a machine with professional-grade components, the Faemina is relatively straightforward to use. The touchscreen interface provides access to the main functions, and the "Be Faema" app offers more detailed control over settings. The presets for single and double espressos, as well as for filter coffee and tea, simplify the brewing process for users who do not wish to manually adjust parameters for every drink. ⁴

The optional Autosteam wand further simplifies the process of making milk-based drinks, producing consistent microfoam with minimal user intervention. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the manual steam wand offers full control. The machine heats up to a ready state in about five minutes. ¹

Performance and User Experience

The Faemina is capable of producing high-quality espresso. The dual boiler system and precise temperature control contribute to consistent shot extraction. The ability to adjust pre-infusion times allows for experimentation to get the best flavor from different coffee beans. The steam wand, both in its manual and automatic versions, is powerful and can create finely textured milk suitable for latte art. ⁵

The user experience is centered around a blend of automation and manual control. While the app allows for detailed customization, the basic operation of pulling a shot is simple. The hot water dispenser with adjustable temperature is a useful feature for making tea or Americanos. Some users have noted that while the machine is capable of excellent results, achieving them requires some practice and a willingness to learn the machine's features, particularly when using the manual steam wand. ⁴

Maintenance and Reliability

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the Faemina performing correctly. Daily cleaning tasks include wiping down the steam wand, flushing the group head, and cleaning the portafilter. The machine has a dedicated cleaning cycle that can be run with an espresso machine cleaning powder. ⁶

Long-term reliability is generally considered to be good, due in part to the commercial-grade components. However, like any espresso machine, it is susceptible to issues related to water hardness. The integrated water softener in the tank helps to mitigate scale buildup, but regular descaling may still be necessary depending on the water used. Some long-term users have reported issues with solenoid valves sticking, which can be caused by lime buildup. ⁷

Value and Alternatives

The Faemina is a premium-priced espresso machine. Its value lies in its combination of design, advanced features, and build quality. For those who prioritize a machine that is both a functional appliance and a design object, the Faemina presents a strong case. However, there are several alternatives in the same price category that offer different sets of features.

A comparison of high-end espresso machines.
Machine	Key Strengths	Considerations
Faemina	Design-focused, user-friendly interface, optional Autosteam, pour-over functionality.	Higher price point, app integration is central to advanced features.
La Marzocco Linea Mini	Commercial build quality, powerful steam, paddle-style group activation, strong brand reputation. ⁸	More manual operation, larger footprint, less focus on digital integration.
Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima	Energy-efficient technology (NEO), app control with extensive customization, commercial performance. ⁹	Industrial aesthetic may not suit all kitchens, some users report app connectivity issues.

Verdict

The Faemina is a capable and beautifully designed espresso machine that successfully brings commercial features into a home-friendly package. Its strengths are its ease of use for a high-end machine, the quality of espresso it produces, and its striking aesthetics. The dual boiler system and precise temperature control allow for a high degree of consistency. The option for an Autosteam wand makes it accessible to users who are not proficient at manually frothing milk.

The high price is a significant consideration, and the machine is best suited for individuals who are passionate about coffee and are willing to invest in a premium appliance. While it simplifies many aspects of making espresso, a learning curve still exists to fully utilize its capabilities. For those who value both performance and design and are looking for a machine that can be a focal point of their kitchen, the Faemina is a compelling choice.

Included Accessories

Single-spout portafilter
Double-spout portafilter
7g-9g single filter basket
16g-18g double filter basket
Backflush cleaning disk
58mm Faema tamper
Cleaning brush
Microfiber cloth
Water softener filter

Considerations

Price: The Faemina is a significant investment.
Size and Weight: It is a heavy machine and requires a dedicated space on a sturdy countertop.
Learning Curve: While user-friendly for a prosumer machine, unlocking its full potential requires some coffee knowledge and practice.
Hands-On Approach: Despite its smart features, it is not a fully automatic machine. The user is still involved in the grinding, tamping, and brewing process.

Technical Specifications

Faemina technical details. ¹⁰
Specification	Detail
Dimensions (W x D x H)	377.3 mm x 517.2 mm x 413.4 mm
Weight	35 kg (77 lbs)
Boiler Type	Dual Boiler
Coffee Boiler Capacity	0.8 L
Steam Boiler Capacity	2.6 L
Water Tank Capacity	2.5 L
Voltage	220-240 V 50/60 Hz
Power	1900 W (Steam Boiler) / 1300 W (Coffee Boiler)
Group Head Size	58 mm
Pump Type	Volumetric Pump