The Zuriga E2 has been further developed. If you buy a Zuriga E2 today, you're buying Generation 2. This applies to both models, the Zuriga E2-S version with steam and the variant without a steam wand. We have tested both the old Zuriga model and subjected the new generation to a thorough examination.
The first generation was already good! But the second generation sets new standards in many categories. It reaches operating temperature in just two minutes and then delivers remarkable temperature consistency. It owes this to advanced heating technology that only works when done well. The Zurich-based company masters this with this machine built in Switzerland. The Zuriga E2 Generation 2 with thin-film heater is currently the best espresso machine of its kind! We're talking about the model that replaced its predecessor in mid-September 2024.
What exactly sets the Zuriga E2 Generation 2 apart, you'll find out in this test report and the following video. You can find our impressions of the previous version at the very bottom of this page. For the Zuriga grinder, we have created a dedicated test page. The test of the new grinder with grind by weight functionality will follow later.
For the Zuriga E2-S generation, we have:
- this test article
- a long video (46:40 minutes)
- a short video (6:32 minutes)
- an English video (21:58 minutes)
There is also a video of the first generation. You can find it on our YouTube channel.
Zuriga Generation 2 – an espresso machine milestone
And then the Zuriga E2 came in its second generation and it arrived quietly and almost secretly. I'm honestly not yet sure whether Zuriga itself fully realized what they had actually delivered, or whether it's simply brutal understatement. Other manufacturers announce a new color as groundbreaking and invent new model names to extract everything marketing-wise from the smallest changes. The Zurich-based espresso machine company takes a different path. The Zuriga E2 simply becomes Generation 2. The machine packed with advanced technology replaces the previous model. If you buy a Zuriga today, you're buying Generation 2 whether with or without a steam wand. This is possible because the company works to order and doesn't have to clear a full warehouse.
Now to the specifics: what's inside this espresso machine or what's no longer there. The mini-boiler has been replaced with a thin-film heater. The thin-film heater consists of heating elements pressed onto a metal plate. This construction enables very fast and efficient energy transfer from the heating element to the brewing water. Only the brewing water that the machine needs to prepare the espresso is heated. While a boiler first has to be brought up to temperature, a thin-film heater is ready to use in seconds.
On the left the Zuriga E2-S and on the right a thin-film heater from Ferro.
Thin-film heaters like these now exist in some machines. The big challenge, however, is controlling them well. Because what heats up quickly also overshoots the target quickly. To control precisely, the Zuriga measures temperature many times during brewing and adjusts accordingly. The thin-film heater responsible for steam and brewing water is operated at up to 1400 watts.
A second innovation and a second thin-film heater is built into the brew group. This is also clever and solves a challenge that espresso machines face when they want to be quickly ready for operation. When the heat source and water are quickly up to operating temperature that's all well and good, but they only perform with precision if the brew group and portafilter are also at temperature. The thin-film heater (600 watts) in the group makes exactly this possible.
We tested the Zuriga E2 to its limits. We certify it has a heat-up time of 2 minutes. If you're in an even greater hurry, you can accelerate the heat-up time further by flushing the portafilter longer. The subsequent temperature performance deserves its own chapter in this test report. Nevertheless, a word about energy consumption here. In our power protocol we measure usage of 0.058 kWh for five double shots. With this, the Zuriga E2-S takes a top position and is the most economical espresso machine among high-quality espresso machines.
You can read our enthusiasm. We have been promoting the thin-film heater and its potential for many years now. And in the Zuriga E2 generation we now find much of what we have long wished for. The machine is in its class and price range a lighthouse machine that shows the possibilities in terms of energy efficiency, temperature consistency and heat-up speed.
And if the company itself spares superlatives, then we'll make up for it: this machine is almost unbeatable, convinces in overall performance and is from now on a benchmark for what innovation, craftsmanship and coffee expertise can achieve.
It should be noted here briefly. We have no ties with Zuriga, purchased the espresso machine and report independently and neutrally as always. But when something is exceptionally good, that should be stated as such.
Zuriga E2-S Generation 1
Zuriga - the Swiss espresso machine
Via crowdfunding the Zuriga company started its success story on wemakeit in 2016. 271 supporters financed the idea of a Swiss espresso machine with CHF 57'075, one that is reduced to essentials and manufactured in Switzerland by Swiss SMEs. "Small, fast, affordable, powerful, and above all easy to use" - that's what Zuriga committed to at the time.
Zuriga has indeed realized much of this, even if the price of the Zuriga E2 today is CHF 1'480 for the variant without steam, thus exceeding the 2016 target cost limit of CHF 1'000. However, for what the machine delivers, its quality and market positioning as well as manufacturing in Zurich with predominantly Swiss-made components, it's impressively affordable. At this price, the machine is not only very competitive compared to machines with less performance from abroad, but also compared to other Swiss espresso machines – and there are quite a few of those now.
Indeed, we're slowly evolving from specialists in the manufacture of fully automatic coffee machines (Jura, Thermoplan, Schaerer, Franke and co.) to lever and semi-automatic specialists. Olympia Express is a pioneer and has been manufacturing espresso machines in Glarus since 1928. We have already dedicated a test to the Olympia Express Maximatic. The Cremina costs CHF 3'680 and the Maximatic demands a proud CHF 3'980 from your wallet.
The Gilda coffee machine is also produced in Switzerland and according to the manufacturer, 90% of components come from Switzerland. Cost for the Gilda: CHF CHF 3'995
For the sake of completeness, Unica and the Leva machine by Manument should be mentioned. Both are innovative and play in a completely different price league. The Unica price is CHF CHF 7'499 and a Leva pre-order comes to CHF 18'000.
So we should read the CHF 1'480 for the Zuriga E2 in this context as well. By the way, I would prefer the Zuriga in terms of performance to four of the other five machines – but then I'd rather save CHF 6'000 CHF.
The Zuriga E2 and E2-S models
The original Zuriga model has continued to develop over the years. Today we are discussing the Zuriga E2-S. This is the newest model, namely the one with milk frothing capability. The basic variant of the Zuriga, the E2, went without the ability to froth milk and thus prepare cappuccino for many years.
The E2-S differs from the E2 by a dual function of the large thin-film heater. While the previous model had a boiler responsible for milk frothing, the new model controls everything via the thin-film heater. As soon as the steam wand is swiveled forward, the machine switches to a pre-frothing mode and goes to the boiling point. The espresso shot button becomes the steam button and pressing it starts the frothing. The machine first spits out residual water from the steam wand and then goes to the target and steam temperature. We frothed a 600 ml pitcher in 45 to 50 seconds. The rolling phase was sufficiently present at all times. The temperature rise was slow.
The 17cm wide, 23 cm deep and 31cm tall stainless steel housing is otherwise identical for both the E2 and E2-S models. Both also use the same vibration pump.
We still need to measure the weight of the E2-S. According to the manufacturer it is 9.5 kg. However, with suction cups under the feet, the machine stands stably on the work surface.
The scope of delivery of the E2-S is supplemented with a 0.35ml milk pitcher, in addition to a perfectly fitting 58mm tamper, a portafilter with nut wood handle as well as a black cleaning cloth, the blind basket for cleaning as well as 1 and 2 group espresso baskets.
Medium volume and low power consumption
In terms of volume, much has changed on the market. There are now espresso machines that are really quiet. The peak values were only 53 decibels. The Zuriga E2 now comes in at 64 decibels. It's not as quiet as it looks. The delicate little machine might give the impression that it would also perform very quietly. Here we see the machine in the middle field.
The machine has taken another step with power consumption. The predecessor already delivers very well here. The new Generation 2 model improves further and comes in our power protocol to a peak value of 0.058 kWh for 5 double shots of espresso including heat-up time. That's phenomenal and it hardly gets any less.
For comparison: classic dual boilers typically require 0.25 kWh and up, and with dual boilers where the steam boiler cannot be turned off, we quickly reach 0.35 kWh and more for 5 double shots. This is mainly because a lot of water and a lot of sluggish material have to be laboriously and slowly heated up. Here the Zuriga E2 benefits from its quick heat-up time.
2 minutes heat-up time!
We mentioned it in the introduction and yet the heat-up time deserves its own chapter. Because 2 minutes is simply incredibly fast. If you're used to a capsule machine or fully automatic coffee maker, you might say: that's nothing special. In the world of espresso machines, however, the last decades have seen heat-up times of over 25 minutes as standard. Some manufacturers broke through the 20-minute sound barrier five years ago. And few reach under 10 minutes today. With high-quality and precise espresso machines, we can count quick heaters under five minutes on one hand.
The Zuriga E2 masters this thanks to the thin-film heater with flying colors. And after 2 minutes it's not just roughly at operating temperature, but right on the dot.
Temperature consistency as core competency
When evaluating temperature consistency, we test typical usage scenarios of espresso machines and assume best practice values that we have verified in test series. To determine the heat-up time, we check when a machine is able to achieve an average brewing temperature of 92 degrees (measured from the 5th to the 25th second of extraction).
Our target temperature and test temperature is basically 93 degrees. When possible, we set machines to 93 degrees and check the deviation from this temperature. 93 degrees is a very good brewing temperature that produces good taste results for the broadest range of coffee.
Zuriga also aims for 93 degrees brewing temperature. The machine's temperature cannot be adjusted.
KM Temperature Protocol
To test the temperature, we flush hot water through the portafilter after 2 minutes and then extract the brewing water at one-minute intervals for 5 double shots (KM protocol).
In the first shot we achieve an average temperature of 93.07. Over five shots, the average temperature is 92.85 degrees. The standard deviation across all shots was 0.93. These are very good and precise values. They are the best values we have measured so far in an espresso machine with a vibration pump in our current test protocol.
The KM protocol simulates usage behavior that mimics typical behavior at home. But it should also test whether the machine would be suitable to supply further guests or family members with espresso. This is the case from the first shot, with shots 2 through 5 being even more precise.
WBC Temperature Protocol
In the second step, we subjected the machine to the temperature protocol of the World Barista Championship. 14 shots are measured at increasingly fast intervals. Even in this test scenario, the Zuriga E2 delivers. The standard deviation is 1.15 degrees. In the WBC protocol, measurement starts at the fourth second of the shot. Since the Zuriga is equipped with a vibration pump that delivers less water at the beginning of the shot, it takes about 9 seconds for the machine to be at full power and temperature. All vibration pumps have this in common. Therefore, the WBC protocol measurement is only partially meaningful in comparison with espresso machines with a rotary pump. If we take the point in time when the pump and machine are at full power – for example 8 seconds – as our measure, we get a standard deviation between all shots of only 0.41 degrees. This would make the Zuriga even WBC-compliant. That's already really impressive!
Brief note: I really like the slow pressure increase. Unlike the rotary pump, the full pressure of the water is not immediately pressed onto the coffee bed. For entry-level espresso machines, I often think vibration pumps are the better choice.
Smart and functional is the Zuriga
Two buttons and a milk wand, that's all the Zuriga needs to receive operating commands. Admittedly, the feature set is also reduced. The espresso can be brewed using start and stop buttons - a volumetric control or programmable extraction time is not available. There is also no digital display or water volume control.
To brew good espresso, therefore, an espresso scale is necessary. This not only shows the extracted amount but also the brewing time. This makes it easy to realize espresso recipes. For example, we dosed 18 grams of coffee into the portafilter and extracted twice 22.5 grams in 25 seconds. We've written more about brewing and adjusting good espresso here.
Similarly simple and even a bit smarter is the start and stop function of the milk steam. The steam wand is moved forward and at that moment the steam module begins its heating process. The two LED button edges now light orange instead of white. The machine is ready to froth when it goes from blinking to steady yellow.
External details
The small machine naturally also has implications for the drip tray and water tank. While the water tank at 700 ml lasts a while and fresh water is recommended anyway, the drip tray can get annoying fast. This especially happens when flushing the portafilter to warm it up and cleaning the shower between shots. Daily emptying should become part of the routine, otherwise the trip to the sink becomes an odyssey.
The water tank made of lab glass is not only super robust but also really beautiful. It would also make a good flower vase. However, removing it and putting it back into the espresso machine is not quite as simple, as there is no handle. But that's more high-level criticism.
The machine's stability is a positive feature. 9.5 kg is not so heavy that the machine would stand well on its own. Many lighter espresso machines shift when tamping and removing the portafilter. The Zuriga stands solidly though, even without holding it. We can report good base feet.
The cover over the water tank, which like the tamper and portafilter handle is made of nut wood, is also high quality and beautiful.
Conclusion and summary Zuriga E2-S
The Zuriga does many things right and not just because it delivers good espresso and in the E2-S version also milk steam. It's above all a modern espresso machine that breaks with existing concepts. Instead of a large boiler, it heats up what it needs. The company demonstrates what the thin-film heater can do. Precision, speed and low energy consumption. Together with very good control and measurement technology, this results in nothing more and nothing less than the best espresso machine in the under 2000 euro price range.
As if that weren't enough, the machine is built in Switzerland and focuses above all on components that are also manufactured in Switzerland by SMEs. The company is accessible and has a forward-thinking commitment to sustainability, transparency and closeness to customers.
Quality is easily recognizable at Zuriga both externally and at a glance inside. Yet it manages, despite the expensive production location, to create not only for Swiss standards an affordable product that is also not prices at a disadvantage compared to imported products.
The Zuriga E2 is an espresso machine we can recommend to you without reservation. We can imagine the machine in numerous scenarios. It fits stylishly in your home living room or kitchen. But it also looks good in the office or even while traveling. The new grinder with Grind by Weight technology also makes a good impression but will be discussed in a separate test report and video by us.
Of course, in the office or with frequent use, the small water tank and small drip tray become a problem. But those are problems you can manage if the quality of the espresso is right.
There's little room for criticism. We still have something on our wish list though: volumetrics, i.e. programming the extraction volume, would improve the Zuriga even more. But maybe Zuriga has also decided here that other manufacturers still need arguments for their machines when the new generation can't be beaten in terms of temperature consistency, power consumption and heat-up time.
Appendix and archive
The operating principle of the first generation E2 and E2-S
The E2-S differs from the E2 by a second heating element for steam production and the milk wand that can be swiveled forward. The 17cm wide, 23 cm deep and 31cm high stainless steel housing is otherwise identical, as are the 700 ml water tank or the 70ml titanium-coated aluminum main boiler. The weight of the E2-S is about 500 grams heavier due to the additional components and comes in at 9.5 kg.
Note: This machine is no longer built this way. However, we leave this information available as an appendix to the article for everyone who bought a Zuriga before mid-September 2024 or buys an older model used.
The operating principle of the classic Zuriga E2 is that of a single boiler espresso machine and is reminiscent of the Gaggia Classic. The boiler does nothing more than target a temperature of 93 degrees Celsius. However, with the E2 model, Zuriga does not follow the single boiler compromise and offer a switch function for milk frothing, but rather consistently does without it (similar to Quickmill Carola). The compromise in single boilers usually runs to the effect that the brewing temperature is not constant and the frothing capability leaves much to be desired.
Instead, the E2 has no milk froth. The E2-S now brings a second heating element into play. This "steam module" is activated when the steam wand is moved forward. Now the water in the boiler supplies the steam module and this provides sufficient steam to froth cleanly.
Here the Zuriga E2-S now functions more like a dual boiler, but without the ability to froth and extract espresso in parallel. The big advantage of this system. The brewing boiler remains at brewing temperature and is not affected by the frothing process. This is why it's possible to extract the next espresso immediately after frothing.
Only with further shots did the brewing temperature settle at around 91°C. In our view, this temperature is too low for many espressos, especially considering that the temperature drops by up to two degrees over the course of extraction. We were able to establish this result even when we heated the Zuriga for longer.
The lower setting temperature can be explained by the fact that Zuriga measures temperature with a sensor below the boiler and controls the temperature in the boiler via it. Our measurements are taken directly above the coffee bed with the SCACE measurement module. This location also corresponds to the measurement location we used when investigating the perfect espresso temperature.
In summary, it should be noted here that the Zuriga cannot match any of the dual boiler espresso machines we tested in terms of temperature consistency during extraction. It performs well, however, when tested over 5 shots in terms of temperature drop from extraction to extraction. If we give the machine, as defined in our test protocol and also applied to dual boilers, one minute between shots, it runs the exact same curve again. Many dual boilers have lost significantly more temperature and by the fifth shot in the series have begun with 3 degrees temperature loss.
Notes from Zuriga, March 2023
Since this week we have been supplying our ZURIGA E2 and E2-S with slightly adjusted control parameters. Prompted by your measurements @Kaffeemacher, we've also done measurements again in our development laboratory. Based on this, we've adjusted the control parameters of the electronic controller. The result is even more precise temperature and also slightly higher temperature in the brew group. Then we invited our neighbors from Vicafé and did a direct comparison with them using various roasts. The adjustments are noticeable for certain varieties and roasts – however, this requires a trained sensory nose and direct comparison of two different machines.
We're pleased with the feedback from you @Kaffeemacher. It sparked a small but relevant further development. And we're grateful to you for that!
P.S.: We're also implementing the changes for all existing machines that are with us in the manufactory for service and repairs. If you want a temperature adjustment, it's best to book a workshop service.
Do you have experience with the Zuriga?
We very much look forward to your experience reports with the Zuriga to complement or correct our picture. This helps all those interested in the machine very much. We're happy to hear from you in the comments. Thank you.
