What is a PID in an espresso machine? How important is PID on espresso machine? A perfect brewing temperature is essential for espresso-based beverages. Many espresso machines come with sophisticated heating systems (thermoblock, thermocoil or boiler) to deliver sufficiently hot water. Some manufacturers install PID temperature controllers in espresso maker. So, do you need a PID in your espresso machine? Let’s find out!

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What is a PID in espresso machine? I am torn between an espresso maker with a PID and without one. How important is PID in espresso machine, and do I need PID in my espresso?

Owly Choice reader Chris

Chris wonders about PID and its importance in espresso machines. So, what is a PID in espresso machine?

In short, PID, or a proportional-integral derivative, is a temperature controller that helps deliver consistently hot water in espresso machines.

Make no mistake, PID is different from a heating system. Although all espresso machines come with some kind of a heating system, whether it is a thermoblock, thermocoil or a boiler, not all espresso machines come with a PID.

PID temperature controller is a kind of an add-on that can be available in a machine with a thermoblock, a thermocoil or a boiler.

If you have been following Owly Choice, you must know that the temperature is among the most important factors determining the quality of espresso drinks. To ensure proper environment for brewing, PID controller is useful to ensure temperature stability throughout the brewing process.

PID in espresso machines

Because temperature consistency is a key in brewing excellent espresso, we believe that PIDs are worth an extra cost in espresso machines.

After all, the coffee barista should never wonder whether inconsistent water temperature has negatively impacted the extraction of espresso. PIDs give coffee baristas even more confidence in consistency of perfect brewing temperatures.

PROs and CONs: PID espresso machine

Ultimate Guide: PID espresso machine

What is PID in espresso machines?

So, what is a PID?

PID is a shortcut for Proportional-Integral-Derivative. While PID is generally a set of mathematical equations, PID controller is a physical manifestation of the algorithm in espresso machines. Therefore, when we refer to a PID espresso machine, we mean an espresso machine that comes with a PID controller.

PID controller allows to reach temperature stability and consistency in espresso machines. It finely controls temperature in two ways:

  • PID continuously reads and models the temperature of the boiler, and
  • PID continuously switches the boiler on and off so that the temperature stays as close as possible to the desired operating temperature.

What is the difference between an espresso machine with PID and without one?

Espresso machines can come with PIDs or thermostats. What is the difference between a PID espresso machine and a thermostat espresso machine?

Thermostats turn off the heating element as soon as they reach a desired temperature. They turn it back on when the temperature drops below a certain target.

With that, there’s a lot of instability of water temperature. Thermostats measure temperature only in one specific area (water in other areas of the boiler may be cooler). Further, they turn on and off at larger time intervals. Therefore, temperatures tend to be more inconsistent and more unstable.

On the other side, PID controllers use complex mathematical algorithms to keep espresso machines at the right temperatures at all times. Instead of turning on and off when the temperature falls above or below a target, PID controllers continuously monitor the water temperature to keep it to the optimal as closely as possible.

Temperature stability over time

How important is PID in an espresso machine?

PIDs can be very important in espresso machines as they provide temperature stability and consistency.

If you have been following Owly Choice, you must know that the perfect temperature is essential in brewing espresso.

When water is too hot, it burns coffee beans and thus causes over-extraction. The end result is very bitter coffee. On the other hand, when water is too cold, it does not extract coffee beans sufficiently, this yielding under-extraction. The end result is weak and insipid coffee.

To provide more confidence in brewing temperatures, manufacturers have designed different heating systems (thermocoil, thermoblock and boiler). The espresso machines with these heating systems typically come with thermostats, unless they have PIDs.

Do I need a PID in my espresso machine?

Whether or not you need a PID in an espresso machine is an individual matter.

If you are someone who values nuanced coffee flavors and aspires to brew better coffee, a PID controller will be an essential part of your coffee brewing set. It will afford you confidence in temperature stability and consistency.

However, if you are a novice in coffee brewing and are just learning different espresso techniques, we may not necessarily need a PID controller. Again, those are helpful, but we feel learning how to brew proper coffee with the right pressure, time, volume of coffee grounds should come first.

Owly’s conclusion

Temperature consistency is among the most important factors in brewing delicious espresso and espresso-based beverages.

Coffee baristas and coffee aficionados have 2 decisions to make: a type of a heating system (thermoblock, thermocoil and boiler) and PID. In our opinion, PID is very valuable (and nearly essential) in brewing great espresso drinks.

PID espresso machines remove one of the problems in espresso: too hot or too cold water.

Should you choose an espresso maker with a PID controller? Well, the answer to this depends on what you would like to accomplish. We feel that PID will be extremely useful, but may add to the cost of the machine. However, there are several espresso makers that come with a PID controller and cost under $200.

What do you think?

Have you used a PID espresso machine? What do you find most challenging about using PID controllers? Has your coffee improved with temperature stability?

Let us know in the comments!

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