Kees van der westen espresso machine

Kees van der Westen is a Dutch company famous for its high-end, high-precision espresso machines. These machines are renowned for their striking, retro designs and sporty aesthetics. 

In 2001, Kees van der Westen released its breakthrough machine, the Mirage: a thermo-siphon heat exchange workhorse, offering a stable coffee water temperature plus great steam capacity. Since then, they’ve produced a wide array of other espresso machines, including the Speedster, the Spirit, and the Slim Jim, all available here at Pro Coffee Gear. 

Where are Kees van der Westen espresso machines manufactured?

Kees van der Westen is a high-end espresso machine brand manufactured in the Netherlands. Founded in the 1980s, it has since established itself as a leading manufacturer of espresso machines, particularly for the specialty coffee industry.

Why are Van der Westen machines great for Cafés and Coffee Shops?

Kees van der Westen espresso machines are renowned for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and performance. Here are some key factors that contribute to their reputation:

Design and Aesthetics: Kees van der Westen machines are known for their striking and innovative designs. They are often considered works of art, combining form and function seamlessly. The machines are meticulously crafted with attention to detail, featuring sleek lines, beautiful curves, and high-quality materials.

Engineering Excellence: These machines are built with precision and engineering expertise. Kees van der Westen leverages advanced technology and craftsmanship to ensure optimal performance and durability. The internal components, such as the brewing system, temperature stability mechanisms, and pump, are engineered to deliver consistent and outstanding espresso extraction.

Performance and Extraction Quality: Your Kees van der Westen machine can consistently produce exceptional espresso shots. They are designed to provide precise control over various brewing parameters, including temperature, pressure, and pre-infusion. This level of control allows baristas to achieve optimal extraction and bring out the best flavors from the coffee beans.

User Experience: These machines are user-friendly, intuitive, and designed with the barista in mind. They offer ergonomic features, easy-to-use interfaces, and efficient workflow capabilities. The combination of functionality and user-friendliness allows baristas to play and have fun in the workspace. 

What Kees van der Westen machine should I buy?

Slim Jim- The Slim Jim espresso machine features a sophisticated boiler system designed for high-performance coffee brewing. It includes a large stainless-steel steam boiler for hot water and steam production, as well as individual stainless-steel coffee boilers for each group. The system incorporates a heat exchanger with balanced cross-flow and precise electronic temperature control for the coffee boilers, ensuring temperature stability even for high-volume extraction.

The Slim Jim's pre-infusion system uses a restrictor and a pre-infusion cylinder with a double spring mechanism to control pressure and ensure consistent extraction. A pressure gauge displays extraction pressures, giving baristas precise control over brewing. After each brew, the group valve is deactivated, releasing pressure and flushing out any remaining coffee grinds.

Speedster- The Speedster is equipped with two separate boilers, one for producing hot water and steam and another for brewing coffee. Each boiler has its own control system, heating element, and safety mechanisms, ensuring that it can maintain precise and stable temperatures.

With its 3.5-liter capacity, the steam boiler is constructed from durable stainless steel and comes with a PID controller. The brew boiler is also made from stainless steel with a 2.1-liter capacity.

The speedster's infusion system ensures even wetting and swelling of coffee grounds, reducing the chances of uneven extraction or clogging. One interesting feature is the lever control, which has three positions. It allows for manual control of the infusion process, enabling the barista to experiment with different pressures and durations.

Mirage- The Mirage, the brand's original model, remains popular due to its traditional E61 technology with unique upgrades for improved temperature stability. It offers shot-pulling options with a bastone lever or touchpad, featuring 2 or 4 programmable shot volumes per group. The Mirage also includes a patented pre-infusion cylinder for a finer grind and richer flavor.

Additionally, it incorporates energy-saving features like an efficient hot water tap for Americanos and the ability to enter a low-power ECO mode when not in use, making it cost-effective for continuous operation.

Spirit- If your café often deals with long lines of thirsty customers, the KVDW Spirit espresso machine is the ideal choice. It is packed with features aimed at boosting efficiency without compromising on quality.

One standout feature of the Spirit is the two external pumps. One to extract coffee and another one to refill the steam boiler and to add some cold water to the hot water spout. This is to ensure the steam boiler will be refilled without affecting the coffee extraction, even during peak hours. 

Each group is equipped with a 2-liter coffee boiler controlled by a PID temperature controller. Additionally, a group head display allows you to program temperature settings and shot volumes while also serving as a shot timer.