Vibratory Pumps vs. Rotary Pumps

July 1, 2023

When it comes to espresso machines, the type of pump used can have a significant impact on the quality of your coffee. Two common types of pumps used in espresso machines are vibratory pumps and rotary pumps. In this article, we'll explore the differences between these two pump types and help you understand which one might be the best fit for your espresso machine.

Vibratory Pumps

Vibratory pumps are the most common type of pump found in home espresso machines. They use an electromagnetic coil to create vibrations that force water through the coffee grounds. Vibratory pumps are known for their affordability and compact size, making them popular choices for entry-level and mid-range espresso machines.

Pros of Vibratory Pumps:

Cost-effective: Vibratory pumps are generally more affordable than rotary pumps, making them a great option for budget-conscious coffee enthusiasts.
Compact size: Vibratory pumps are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for home use where space might be limited.

Cons of Vibratory Pumps:

Limited pressure consistency: Vibratory pumps can struggle to maintain consistent pressure, which can result in variations in the extraction process and impact the quality of your espresso.
Noise and vibration: Vibratory pumps tend to be noisier and produce more vibration compared to rotary pumps, which may be a concern for some users.

Rotary Pumps

Rotary pumps, also known as commercial-grade pumps, are commonly found in high-end espresso machines and commercial setups. They use a motor-driven rotor to generate pressure and move water through the coffee grounds. Rotary pumps are known for their reliability, consistency, and ability to handle high volumes of water.

Pros of Rotary Pumps:

Pressure consistency: Rotary pumps excel at maintaining a consistent pressure throughout the brewing process, resulting in a more precise extraction and better-tasting espresso.
Quiet operation: Rotary pumps operate quietly, making them suitable for environments where noise is a concern, such as office settings or coffee shops

Cons of Rotary Pumps:

Higher cost: Rotary pumps are typically more expensive than vibratory pumps, which can be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
Larger size: Rotary pumps are larger and bulkier compared to vibratory pumps, requiring more space and making them less suitable for compact home setups.

Which Pump is Right for You?

Choosing between a vibratory pump and a rotary pump depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're a beginner or have limited space, a machine with a vibratory pump might be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you're a coffee enthusiast seeking precision and consistency, a machine equipped with a rotary pump is worth considering, especially if you're willing to invest in a higher-end espresso machine.

In conclusion, both vibratory pumps and rotary pumps have their pros and cons. Consider factors such as budget, space availability, noise tolerance, and desired extraction precision when selecting the pump type for your espresso machine. Regardless of your choice, a well-built and properly maintained machine, paired with quality coffee beans, will pave the way for a delightful and flavorful cup of espresso.

Solid piece and great service!

A great buy for beginners, a solid machine. Great service from Nick and super fast shipping! We’ll definitely come back here for an upgrade later on.

Outstanding Machine (But Takes Practice)

This is my first manual espresso machine after starting with a cheap full auto and later upgrading to a semi-auto BES870XL. I love the sheer amount of control that I have over my shots, from the pressure the machine brews at to the amount of water that goes into the shot (more so with a double), pre-infusion time, and flow of the steam coming out of the wand. It takes a lot of time getting dialed in right to produce a good shot, and I am still working on my technique, though it has improved greatly in the past few weeks that I've had this machine.

Out of the box:
I'll start with the most disappointing thing for anyone who reads this: The tamper this machine comes with is a cheap, flimsy, plastic 48mm disc that doesn't even cover the surface area of your 49mm portafilter. If you don't have one already, save yourself the extra wait and get yourself a nice, heavy 49mm tamper when you buy this (I got a solid stainless tamper by Silmur and it's perfect) and throw the plastic one into the trash upon arrival.
Now for the good: Everything was well-packaged in molded styrofoam to minimize the chance of impact damage. Everything came out looking shiny and beautiful with no damage. Assembly was pretty straightforward, and the owner's manual gives you just enough information to get started. Disclaimer: the manual does not tell the user how to adjust the pressurestat if you find that your machine is not in the right zone out of the box, or if you really want to fine-tune your extraction. But fear not: simple but tedious pressurestat adjustments are a quick Google/YouTube search away (butter knife and small ratchet with phillips and flat head bits to get the job done not included).

Brewing with this bad boy requires a ton of patience. If you're new to manuals, do not expect to pull amazing shots right away. Even semi-autos have their nuances, though not nearly as many. First, make sure that you can see the meniscus (that bottom line at the top of your water) in the sight glass. This will ensure that your boiler is neither under nor overfilled. It doesn't take long to heat up and get to pressure. Once it's ready to go, the rest is up to you (take lots of notes; it helps!). After a few weeks of active use, I've just about gotten it down (until I get different beans, that is). The steam wand is another well-designed piece of this machine, and produces the silkiest microfoam I have ever made. You control the output, and it is immediate steam on demand. Do let some out to get the wand up to temp and avoid it shooting straight hot water into your pitcher before frothing it up. Back to brewing: It does seem to run a bit hot, and I've read that the general consensus is that the ideal brewing temperature is right when it gets up to pressure, and then after that the user should to apply a cold cloth to the groupset to keep temperatures down and avoid burnt shots. I'll start following that advice and see how my extraction improves.

I've been having a ton of fun with this machine, and don't think I could ever go back to anything short of a manual espresso machine after this experience. It's definitely one of my favorite additions to my coffee-making collection, and I'll probably love it even more when I finally do pull that perfect shot.

Single dosing blow up

Comiso Coffee is my go to for me espresso machine and Eureka grinder. Fast delivery and free shipping.

Vibratory Pumps vs. Rotary Pumps