Pathfinder Heat Exchanger Espresso Machine with Flow Control
Pathfinder Espresso Machine Overview
Whole Latte Love and Quick Mill partnered to produce the Pathfinder with Flow Control, an Italian heat exchanger espresso machine with the ability to control extraction flow rates. 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. Equipped with flow control, you can truly unlock the power of this machine, enabling you to alter the flow rate of water as it hits the coffee bed. By doing so, you can extract different flavors from the coffee that you might otherwise never get to experience. 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-202306000147 |
| 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 Group Features | Flow Control Device |
| 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 |
Lola Taiwo –
We love this machine. Makes excellent coffees and once its warmed up it is so quick to use. Makes quite the statement sitting on the counter top. Recommend this machine to anyone that loves a good coffee and the art of making them.
Sofia Pettersen –
As far as the machine goes I’m in love with it, flow control great, aesthetically pleasing, brew and steam power amazing and recovery time for multiple shots is superb. My only problem is that 10 months ago on a video review of this machine Mark from HFC said that machines will be upgraded with no black rubber on steam and hot water dispenser, theRead more about review stating Excited not so exited!!!! one I received isn’t upgraded. But to me this gets uglier when in fact I’ve been the owner of an upgraded pathfinder without flow control for about 9 months now and don’t understand why this new one isn’t upgraded.
Henrik Lie –
I have trouble getting rich, thick, foamy crema like I see in so many pictures. I have tried different grinds, pressures, temps, etc. but it still comes out a little thin and a little too fast. Any suggestions?
I am still learning and experimenting with the flow control device.
I do love the power of the steam wand for frothing milk.