Eureka Costanza R Heat Exchanger Espresso Machine
The Eureka Costanza R is a simple heat-exchanger espresso machine with a plumbable rotary pump and compact design that takes its cues from the ubiquitous Mignon grinders. Its PID-controlled boiler keeps brew temperatures stable, optional pre-infusion helps to reduce channeling, and the weekly program means it’s ready to brew whenever you need it to be.
Features and Benefits
The Eureka Costanza R’s PID-controlled boiler allows you to set your brew temperature to Warm (194°F), Hot (199.4°F), or Very Hot (204.8°F), which in turn adjusts your steam pressure between 0.75 and 1.25 bar. Pre-infusing your extractions is as easy as stopping the brew lever just past the first click—the machine will gently soak the puck until you raise it all the way to engage full brew pressure.
Like many prosumer-grade heat exchanger machines, the Costanza R takes about 20 minutes to warm up fully; however, the programmable weekly schedule allows you to pre-set turn on and turn off times for each day of the week, so it can be ready to brew as soon as you’re up in the morning. The Costanza R’s PID display doubles as a shot timer during extractions and displays notifications to remind you to fill the reservoir or check for an internal error; it also allows you to set the interval of inactivity after which the machine will enter standby mode—anywhere from 2 to 90 minutes—and run an automated descaling program.
Compared to the standard Eureka Costanza, the Costanza R features a fully-plumbable rotary pump, so you can avoid the task of refilling your water reservoir if you choose—the rotary pump is also quite a lot quieter than the vibration pumps found in comparable machines and achieves full extraction pressure more quickly due to its higher flow rate. The change in pumps does nothing to increase the height of the Costanza R which remains scarcely over 13 inches tall
Why You Should Get It
If you prefer a “set it and forget it” approach to your morning espresso preparation, the Eureka Costanza R is an excellent option. While this machine doesn’t give you the same degree-by-degree control over brew temperatures that other PID heat exchangers do, spending five minutes with the Costanza R’s menu will set you up to have your machine warmed up to brewing temperature by the time you wake up and need it in the morning—you may never need to touch the menu again. The plumbable rotary pump is another nice touch for those hoping to avoid refilling a water reservoir every day, and usually isn’t available on machines in this price range.