E61 Group
The classic Faema E61 brew group — a thermosiphon-fed cast brass group with built-in pre-infusion and a 3-way valve, found on most prosumer HX machines.
Category: Espresso Machine — Groups & Brew Path
The classic espresso group head designed by Faema engineer Ernesto Valente in 1961 (hence E61). A thermosiphon-fed brass group, around 2–4 kg of brass mass, with a mechanical pre-infusion chamber. The most copied group design in espresso history.
Why it matters — The E61 group is at the heart of most prosumer espresso machines — Rocket, ECM, Profitec, Bezzera, Lelit, Izzo, Quick Mill, and many more. Its thermosiphon design means the group stays hot through convection from the boiler, and its mechanical lever creates natural pre-infusion.
Good to know
- E61 machines need 25–30 minutes from cold to fully heat — the brass mass takes time to warm.
- The E61 lever is mechanically connected to the brew valve; lifting it slowly produces a gentler pre-infusion than pulling it all at once.