The Dalla Corte Mini features unbelievable temperature stability and an almost endless supply of steam. Boasting dual boilers, the Mini allows you to brew and steam simultaneously, and there is never a wait time for the boiler to heat up or cool down. A large Steam boiler can produce continuous steam at any time to foam milk for hot chocolate or cappuccino, or your favorite frothy drink. The GCS (Grinder Control System) measures and adjusts the degree of grinding and grindamount for that perfect consistency.
Composed of the same high-quality components found in commercial machines, the Mini provides great temperature stability and the ability to change brew temperature with the turn of a knob. The DTCS (Direct Temperature Control System) controls the temperature of each single brewing unit and the boiler to 1/10th of a degree Centigrade. This is achieved through a special electronic measurement system where each brewing unit can be assigned a separate brew temperature. It requires no special power supply, and affords low service and maintenance costs.
Heavy Duty Commercial Portafilter
The Dalla Corte features a 54mm commercial grade portafilter. Despite its smaller size, the portafilter on the Dalla Corte is heavier than most, largely in part because of its marine grade chrome-plated brass construction. Also comes with a 53mm flat Reg Barber Aluminum Tamper.
Commercial Brew Group
The Dalla Corte Mini’s brew group is of the same quality brass that is found on many commercial machines. All Dalla Corte machines have a DTCS direct temperature control system that provides unparalled temperature stability for brewing.
Programmable Pre-Infusion
The Dalla Corta Mini espresso machine was designed to pre-infuse for either 4 or 2 seconds, depending on your preference. This feature allows the coffee grounds to moisten within the portafilter and aromatic oils to release as the high-pressure pump extracts the perfect crema.
Commercial Design Double Boiler System Construction
The Dalla Corte’s double boilers make it possible to brew and steam simultaneously--there’s never a wait time for the boiler to cool off, or heat up. The 0.5 liter group mounted brew boiler on the Dalla Corte Mini is constructed of heavy-grade nickel plated brass, while the 1.5 liter steam boiler is constructed of stainless steel.
Brew Temperature Control
The engineers at Dalla Corte figured coffee aficianodos would want full control of their machine, that’s why they included an adjustable temperature setting. Located on the front of the machine, the knob indicates the brewing temperature and can easily be adjusted between 85 degrees and 110 degrees Centigrade by simply turning left or right.
3-Way Solenoid Valve
Another feature on the Dalla Corte is the 3-way solenoid valve. Found on very few at-home models, the 3-way solenoid valve will eliminate excess water from the group head, draining excess water from the coffee puck – leaving you with a manageable puck for disposal.
Cup Warmer
Utilizing the heat from within, the Dalla Corte Mini has a passive cup-warming tray that will hold up to six cups. We recommend brewing your espresso into a warm cup, because it preserves the temperature and taste.
Keypad
The keypad is easy to use and comfortable to touch--not flimsy and slippery. The on/off switch is located on the left, and the temperature adjustment and three dosing buttons on the right. There are buttons for one and two cups and a manual button that you press to turn on and then press again to turn off.
Hot Water Dispenser
The Mini does not come with a separate hot water dispenser, but if you’re looking to heat water for a café Americano, simply submerge the steam wand into a mug of hot water, steam, and then brew your shot.
Steaming
The Dalla Corte Mini has extremely powerful steaming capabilities because of its 1.5 liter steam boiler that is completely dedicated to foaming and steaming. The Dalla Corte Mini comes with a 3-hole steam tip that steams and foams milk beautifully. The steam arm is made of stainless steel, rather than chrome, which from a durability standpoint, will hold up to daily wear and tear.
MA-TER XP700 pressurestat
The Mini comes with the MA-TER XP700 pressurestat, for optimal steam boiler temperature.
Water Reservoir
The water tank holds 3 liters of water and can be removed to be filled. When the tank needs to be filled, 3 LED lights on the push-button panel will flash in sequence. No further operation of the machine is possible until it’s refilled with water.
Maintenance and Housing Construction
The Dalla Corte Mini is easy to keep clean by simply wiping it down with a damp cloth. This will keep the stainless steel and plastic housing clean shot after shot. To keep your Dalla Corte Mini brewing seamlessly, you’ll want to backflush your machine regularly.
Suitable Environment
Few things make a customer feel at home like a hot, delicious beverage. What better way to show your hospitality than with the Dalla Corte Mini, ideal for use in small offices, retail stores, boutiques, and hair salons that want to offer employees and customers high quality espresso. It's easy to use, easy to install, requires no special power supply, affords low service and maintenance costs, and cleanup is a breeze. Made of durable plastic and stainless steel housing,it is both functional and stylish.
Have a Question? Then ask the community...
Get answers from in-house espresso experts & customers.
I have brewed shots on my Rancilio Silvia for the last 4 years. I would like to purchase a new machine that delivers more consistent temperature during the course of pulling a shot, that re-heats more quickly after pulling a shot, and that runs a little more quietly than the rattle-prone Silvia. Does the Dalla Corte do all this? Thanks,
Jeff
The Dalla Corte is one of my favorite machines. It will brew a extremely consistent shot and a is an amazing steamer. It will be somewhat quieter than what you have now. The double boiler syste will deliver shot after shot at the same temperature. It paired with a great grinder will give you shots as good as you will get anywhere. It also allow you to steam milk effortlessly if you have a some guests. Please let me know of any questions you may have.
07-08-2011 8:27am
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Dalla Corte Mini Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine Blogs
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How To Choose An Espresso Machine
Posted By: Mark Jackson
Posted At: Feb 8, 2011 at 3:29 PM
Related Categories:
Coffee Talk
17569 views
If you would like to know a little about the many types of espresso machines we sell, this would be a good video to get you started. This video covers the machines we sell and based on your lifestyle, what you like to drink, and ease of use. It will give you an overview of different espresso machines and help you determine which one best suits to your needs.
I would watch the video and focus on a particular kind of machine—prosumer, semi-automatic, and super-automatic to decide which kind is ideal for you. Then, you can go and look at individual models to get a better idea of exactly what you want. Of course, if you narrow it down to a few espresso machines and are still undecided, give us a call and we would be glad to help!
This is a great machine. After a few months of using it now, I'm still impressed by it every day. It's a machine with commercial temperature stability and steam power packed within a home machine footprint on the counter. At first I was not very impressed by the potentiometer style temperature control knob but I now enjoy the ease of use. I've measured the outlet temperature with a fluke and found the targeted temperatures are accurate and flat. If you can taste the differences in 0.5 deg C brew temperature increments, more power to you because I can’t – and that’s what this knob has taught me; that is, not to worry about the half degree temperatures and focus more on what I can actually taste. I haven’t looked back since. I've also adjusted the OPV valve to different pressure gauge readings and found it to be consistent. The steam power is impressive. My previous machine was a HX machine and there's no comparison. It still makes me grin sometimes when I blow out the condensate before frothing. Some are turned off by the black carbon fiber but I actually like the way it looks. I also like it as a more thermally efficient and safe alternative to the classic E61 heads. And lastly, all of this is in the smallest double boiler machine on the market.
How Long Have I Been Using This Product?
1 - 6 months
What's Best About this Product?
The brew temperature adjustment, temp stability, steam power, compact size, looks, quality of construction (like a tank)
Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:
You'll want a funnel to fill the reservoir. Additional tie-wraps will probably be needed for the inline filter on the reservoir water line. Also, hit the brew button right after the light goes off above the temperature knob. This gives the best temp accuracy (as measured by a fluke). Also, keep in mind that any machine is just one of the factors in all of this. Use freshly roasted coffee and a commercial quality grinder. Get a bottomless portafilter and make sure your grinder and prep techniques are resulting in good, even extractions.
My Experience With Using This Product:
Coffee Lover
The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:
Lavazza, Illy, Counter Culture, Vivace, Black Cat
Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:
You can't really dose more than 16 grams because the coffee gets jammed into the screen. Perhaps a deeper after market portafilter and basket will show up soon?
mjackson ♦ Jeff,
The Dalla Corte is one of my favorite machines. It will brew a extremely consistent shot and a is an amazing steamer. It will be somewhat quieter than what you have now. The double boiler syste will deliver shot after shot at the same temperature. It paired with a great grinder will give you shots as good as you will get anywhere. It also allow you to steam milk effortlessly if you have a some guests. Please let me know of any questions you may have.
07-08-2011 8:27am |