We were so looking forward to testing a Sanremo espresso machine as a home machine. But the Sanremo Cube is anything but a small Sanremo Racer. Instead, it is a Zweikreiser-Espressomaschine, that is also the most expensive machine we have tested to date. What on earth justifies this price?
You can find out our thoughts on the Sanremo Cube in two videos (short and long versions) as well as this test report.
Buy Sanremo Cube R
The following specialty retailers stock the Sanremo Cube R and we can recommend purchasing a machine from these stores. They all offer the option to adjust the machine's offset.
Germany: [Partner links] Stoll Espresso
We search for specialist partners who we know provide good work and excellent service. We maintain close contact with these retailers. These are commission links. If you order through this link, it won't cost you any more, but we receive a small commission that we invest in new testing equipment. We are continuing to search and look for competent partners for you in the DACH region.
Dual Boiler at Two-Boiler Prices
Why does Sanremo build a dual boiler at the price of a dual boiler? And what on earth is supposed to justify this price? Standing in front of the Sanremo Cube with this question, we are somewhat puzzled.
Without a doubt: the Sanremo Cube is a very good dual boiler! It makes good espresso. It froths milk more cleverly than other dual boilers. Temperature consistency is good and so is the workmanship. And yet: we don't really understand what Sanremo actually wants with this Cube.
Sanremo is justifiably popular worldwide with its boiler espresso machines for gastronomy and is a major player in the specialty espresso segment. But instead of following what other market leaders do – La Marzocco with the GS3, Victoria Arduino with the Prima, Slayer with the single-group V3 – building a home version of their gastro models, Sanremo throws a dual boiler into the ring.
So the competitors are called Rocket, ECM, Lelit, and Bezzera. At 4200 CHF and prices starting from 2999 € – with the model featuring a colored side costing a hefty 500 € more – the Sanremo Cube ranks at the top of the price table.
Faema E61 with Design Aspirations
It is primarily the design that makes the Cube special. Because beneath the surface, solid old-school technology runs, just like in almost all dual boilers. The Faema E61 principle is under the hood in the Sanremo Cube just as it is in the old Sanremo Treviso, which doesn't differ that much in terms of specifications.
The dual boiler has a 1.9-liter insulated stainless steel boiler and a 1.8-liter water tank. This water tank is smaller than many other water tanks in the same segment. To be honest, most water tanks are oversized, especially when an espresso machine is primarily used to make espresso.
Power consumption on our model with rotary pump is 0.32 kWh, which is mid-range for dual boiler espresso machines.
Those who want the cheapest version of the Sanremo Cube can choose from 7 color variants. For colored panels on the side, we pay a hefty 500 € surcharge.
The design is, when we look at the other functions of the Cube, probably the decisive distinguishing feature. And actually, we like the idea. Instead of yet another dual boiler in stainless steel look, something completely different – but why this price?
The Strengths of the Sanremo Cube
- The Sanremo Cube is the quietest dual boiler espresso machine we have tested so far. It is barely audible even during extraction. That really impressed us! Really good and a strong argument for everyone who needs a truly quiet machine for acoustic reasons.
- The special shape of the steam wand allows the pitcher for frothing to be placed on the drip tray. With correct positioning of the wand, the machine froths by itself. In this form, it's a unique selling point among dual boilers.
- The app is basically good. The range of functions is a useful addition for dual boiler espresso machines. Unfortunately, it doesn't work reliably yet, which is where we introduce the weaknesses.
View from above when open.
The Weaknesses of the Sanremo Cube
- The app is not yet fully developed. Constant connection drops are frustrating and the complicated login is annoying.
- The overall workmanship of the machine is good. Unfortunately, the drip tray falls off and has pretty sharp edges. Also, the water tank lid doesn't close flush. Frustrating.
- The steam wand gets very hot and even with rubber protection it is uncomfortable. However, Sanremo has promised to make improvements. The new Cubes are supposed to be equipped with a double-walled steam wand.
- The Sanremo Cube needs at least 30 minutes, preferably 35 minutes, to really reach temperature.
How Does the Espresso Taste?
The Sanremo Cube is a good dual boiler with high temperature consistency. The espresso tastes correspondingly good. There's nothing to complain about there. Both in extraction and from shot to shot, the machine is precise. However, for particularly high temperature accuracy, a warm-up time of 35 minutes should be planned.
After 25 minutes, the target temperature has not yet been reached.
After that, the Sanremo delivers very consistent results even over many consecutive shots.
