VA388 Black Eagle T3 Gravimetric 2 and 3 Group Espresso Machines

Espresso technology has advanced in its pursuit of precision and consistency by measure of leaps and bounds over recent years. There were shot timers, then there were volumetrics. Taking the pursuit a step further, Victoria Arduino’s Black Eagle T3 espresso machine introduced a take on a new concept for automatic machines -- weight based espresso, also known as “Gravimetrics”.

Designed in part by a world barista champion, the Black Eagle is one of the most unique and sophisticated espresso machines in the world and is landing in quality-minded cafes across the industry. The Black Eagle is an invaluable tool, embodying the coffee industry’s most progressive ideas and innovations and setting the bar for the future of espresso technology. Constructed primarily of glossy stainless steel, the Black Eagles exterior aesthetic is designed to make an immediate impression.

Its rhombus-shaped sides display a sense of speed, and the rectangular lines imprinted in the side panels resemble an eagle’s wings in flight. The machine’s profile is relatively low, standing only 19.5” high and creating a more open environment between the customer and barista. An attractive TFT display and rotary switch on the front panel offer straightforward control over brew weight, brew boiler temperature, steam boiler temperature, group head temperature, pre-infusion, and even energy saving options.

A massive 17 liter steam boiler (3-group) promises virtually endless steam to both steam wands, meaning two baristas can comfortably work simultaneously. Its 9900 watt (2-group 7100 watt) heater recovers water temperature quickly, and gives the Black Eagle the ability to keep up with the most demanding cafe environments. Gravimetrics There are no flow meters to be found in the Gravimetric Black Eagle.

Instead, built-in scales located in the drip tray underneath the group heads measure liquid flow by weight. While flow meters measure only the water entering the portafilter, scales weigh the liquid dispensed from the portafilter. This allows for a higher degree of precision and more accurate measurements.

As dry doses fluctuate, and as coffees of varying densities are used, The Black Eagle’s weight based system compensates for these variables and delivers consistent liquid volume with only a 1ml variance. Place your cups or shot glasses directly onto the scale and the machine automatically tares the weight to zero. As your shot progresses, weight is displayed in real time on the digital display above the group.

Program up to six weight presets in the 3-group, and up to four in the 2-group. T3 Temperature Technology Victoria Arduino’s patented T3 technology offers complete control over water temperature in the Black Eagle. Independent control over the steam and brew boilers allows the barista to optimize pressure for milk texturing, and to precisely maintain a desired brewing temperature.

Each group head of the Black Eagle has its own .7L brew boiler, making it easy to accommodate multiple coffees. The third segment of temperature control is the saturated group head. Manipulating group head temperature serves as a way to make quick changes to brew temperature to manipulate extraction.

If a quick adjustment is needed and you’d prefer not to adjust grind size or liquid volume, there is no need to wait on the brew boiler to reach a desired temperature. Features Weight based espresso Cool-touch steam wand handle T3 Temperature control technology Raised group heads Individual brew boilers per group Digital TFT Display 2 Year Parts Warranty, 1 Year Service Warranty NSF standard 4.