Pathfinder Heat Exchanger Espresso Machine
Pathfinder Espresso Machine Overview
The Pathfinder is an Italian heat exchanger espresso machine born from a partnership between Whole Latte Love and Quick Mill. From top to bottom, the Pathfinder delivers a revelatory user experience that will reshape your understanding of home espresso. We understand that crafting the ultimate coffee in the comfort of your own home is a journey, and we’ve created the Pathfinder to reveal the way.
Features and Performance
The Pathfinder modernizes traditional espresso machine design, favoring a super compact shape, a clean appearance, and practical features. At the heart of the machine is a 60.8 oz stainless steel HX boiler heated by a powerful 1400W heating element, offering a quick 15 minute heat up time, and the ability to brew and steam at the same time. Because of the incredible heating element, you can expect higher steam pressure and fast steam recovery, useful for when lattes and cappuccinos are in high demand. High quality copper tubing delivers water throughout the system, and everything is mounted on an INOX 304 steel frame. On the bottom of the machine, you’ll find a panel that can be removed for quick access to the heating element connections.
Wrapping the outside is a gorgeous, polished stainless steel housing, easily removed for work or maintenance. On top, you’ll find a large cup tray, fitted with soft foam padding to prevent rattling during operation. Rubber grips at the edges of the tray let you remove the tray comfortably and without hassle. The front of the machine is simple to read, keeping only the essential LEDs, favoring instead a single white LED above the power switch. A black double gauge presents both the steam and brew pressure for quick reference during operation. The iconic E61 group, equipped with a larger group nut, fits commercial standard 58 mm portafilters.
Cool Touch steam and hot water allow for more tactile handling and prevent milk from burning on. The large drip tray is magnetic for easy removal and replacement. The 84 oz water reservoir is located below the cup warming tray, and is smooth to remove, unlike many other espresso machines.
All of this in a tight design with a profile of 17.7“ D x 10.5” W x 13.9” H.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | HFC-202306000124 |
| Boiler Configuration | Heat Exchanger |
| Number of Boilers | 1 |
| Brew Boiler Auto-Fill | Yes |
| Brew Boiler Heater Location | Internal |
| Brew Boiler Insulation | Yes |
| Brew Boiler Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brew Boiler Orientation | Vertical |
| Brew Boiler Volume (Oz) | 60.8 oz |
| Brew Unit Material | Chrome-Plated Brass |
| Brew Unit Type | E61 |
| Three-Way Valve | Manual |
| Back Flush Capable | Yes |
| Brew Group Type | E61 |
| Recommended Application | Home / Residential |
| Type of Controls | Lever |
| Cup Warmer Material | Stainless Steel |
| Cup Warmer Size (L-in x W-in) | 9.1 x 10 |
| Cup Warmer | Passively Heated |
| Drain Line Adaptable (Plumbable) | No |
| Drip Tray Capacity (oz) | 27.6 oz |
| Drip Tray Cover Material | Stainless Steel |
| Drip Tray Material | Stainless Steel |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel |
| Housing Color | Stainless Steel |
| Housing Material | Stainless Steel |
| Depth (Inches) | 17.7 |
| Height (Inches) | 13.9 |
| Weight (Lbs) | 44 |
| Width (Inches) | 10.5 |
| Portafilter Handle Material | Plastic |
| Portafilter Material | Chrome-Plated Brass |
| Number of Portafilters Included | 2 |
| Portafilter Type | Commercial Style |
| Adjustable Brew Pressure | Yes |
| Pump Pressure (Max. Bar) | 16 Bar |
| Pump Type | Vibration |
| Manufacturers Warranty Period | 2-Year Parts and Labor |
| Steam Tip Hole Count | 2 |
| Steam Wand Material | Stainless Steel |
| Steam Wand Movement Type | Fully Articulated |
| Steam Wand | Commercial Style |
| Water Reservoir Access Location | Top |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 84 oz |
| Water Reservoir Features | Empty Detection |
| Water Source | Reservoir |
Edgaras Kubilius –
After being out of the specialty coffee game for a while, I was pleasantly surprised to find that home espresso machines have come a long way and now rival their commercial-grade counterparts. However, when I was researching for videos and reviews on this specific machine, I found very limited information available. Despite this, I decided to takeRead more about review stating Espresso Yourself the leap and try it out for myself.
While the Pathfinder doesn’t boast all the bells and whistles of some pricier models, it delivers on creating great espresso and makes it possible for me create latte art once again. Its compact size is perfect for my kitchen, yet it still exudes sophistication and elegance.
Overall, I’m pleased with my purchase and would recommend this machine to anyone seeking an affordable yet high-quality option for creating specialty coffee drinks at home.
Antanas Stanulionis –
Makes great espresso! Steam is a plenty but I rarely use it. Hot water is great for tea! Staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. Like with any new machine you have to dial in your beans to find that sweet spot. Once you do that, the espresso is perfect every time. However, if you switch beans you will most definitely have to dial in your shot agRead more about review stating Simply Amazing Machineain but that is standard practice no matter the machine.
Linas Jurkevičius –
Beautiful machine. Makes a great espresso every time.
Faustas Miliauskas –
This is my first real espresso machine. Machines are not cheap, so I did a lot of research and found this machine at A HARFAN COFFEE priced below other machines of comparable build. I wanted a heat exchanger type machine and this one checked all my boxes.
Using it is a dream, it pulls great shots and I can steam milk at the same time, so yRead more about review stating Pathfinderou get a nice hot latte.
It has great steam power and I find I don’t turn the steam on all the way when ripping in air, but turn it up to finish the microfoam. There seams to be no recovery time. By the time I prep the next shot the machine is up to pressure and I assume that means temperature also. I couldn’t be happier with this machine and highly recommend it for anyone looking at a heat exchanger unit.