Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima Review: A Stylish Powerhouse

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

Our review process | Our team

For decades, Victoria Arduino has been the name to make professional baristas weak in the knees. With the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima, they've crammed their commercial expertise into a stylish, single-group machine.

For decades, Victoria Arduino has been the name to make professional baristas weak in the knees. With the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima, they’ve crammed their commercial expertise into a stylish, single-group machine.

I’ve decided to take a first look at the Eagle One Prima, with a view to testing things out later for myself. So, without further ado, let’s preview this intriguing espresso machine to see if it’s got the goods.

High-tech espresso

Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima

A drool-worthy commercial espresso machine

Stylish design

Sophisticated app

Dual boilers

Tons of high-tech features

Extremely powerful machine

Very expensive

Overview: Victoria Arduino E1 Prima Review

The Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima is what happens when Italian coffee culture meets coffee innovation. It boasts a chrome-heavy build, and a stylish, almost architectural silhouette. Yet, its footprint remains manageable. As such, it’s the perfect partner for small coffee shops, high-end offices and serious home setups.

What immediately stands out for me is the exposed group with NEO (New Engine Optimization) display. This intuitive touchscreen is poetry itself. Coupled with a precise volumetric dosing system, it consistently nails shot volumes to within 0.5 grams.

I’m also impressed by the dual boiler system. Instead of a traditional setup, Victoria Arduino leverages a thermal energy recovery (T3) system that captures and recycles heat that would normally go to waste. For high-volume coffee shops, these energy savings can offset costs over time.

My second favorite feature is the cool-touch steam wand with an attached temperature probe. It delivers powerful and precise steam pressure needed for silky microfoam. Together with the machine’s smart water path design, it showcases Victoria Arduino’s commitment to drink quality.

The E1 Prima also comes with a useful companion app, a mobile command center of sorts. Activated via Bluetooth, it delivers real-time machine data. You can use it to manage parameters like temperature, pressure, extraction and coffee profiles directly from your phone.

I love, love, love that this machine comes with quite a few espresso accessories. These include a branded weighted tamper, cleaning supplies, group brush, plumbing kit, water hardness test kit and portafilters with a host of basket options. It also includes a quick start guide, comprehensive user manual and safety and water quality posters. 

Subject to a full review, the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima gets a firm thumbs up from me. It’s the embodiment of small-scale professional espresso brewing, and a fantastic showpiece!

Victoria Arduino E1 Prima Price

While the Eagle One Prima carries a premium price tag, it’s one of those rare machines where you can actually see where the money went. Prices range from $6,500-$8,000 with a standard 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

This price positions this machine squarely in the high-end commercial sector. Consequently, the E1 Prima plays alongside competitors like the La Marzocco Linea One Group ($8,800) and the Slayer One Group ($11,000).

As much as this is a commercial espresso machine, it’s not beyond the reach of home users. Still, you’ll mostly find it in high-end restaurants and coffee shops.

Other Victoria Arduino Espresso Machines

How does the Eagle One Prima compare to others in its family tree? Well, I think of it as an innovative middle child. It’s more refined than its older siblings but not quite as complex as newer top-tier models.

Take, for example, the Victoria Arduino White Eagle. This machine is classic espresso brewing personified. It’s traditional and reliable and boasts an unmistakable Italian aesthetic. While it lacks fancy tech, it’s still respected for its consistency and durability.

On the other hand, the Black Eagle represents the family’s academic achiever. It’s no wonder you’ll spot it at most barista championships. Its claim to fame? Revolutionary gravimetric technology (weighs shots in real time) and pure brew technology (pulsating water pressure for purer extractions). This has made it the go-to for coffee perfectionists.

Enter the Victoria Arduino Prima. This tech-savvy machine boasts innovative features like thermal energy recovery, a sleek interface and groundbreaking app. What’s particularly impressive is how it manages to be both more energy-efficient and user-friendly. Notably, the E1 Prima Pro takes this concept even further. It’s an espresso and filter coffee machine in one with extra automation features.

What’s fascinating is how each Victoria Arduino machine reflects its era in coffee culture. The White Eagle represents traditional Italian espresso craftsmanship. The Black Eagle marks third-wave coffee’s obsession with precision.

The Prima and Prima Pro? They’re carrying this torch into a new coffee wave. An age where sustainability and user experience share the spotlight with shot quality.

In short, each machine has its place. But the Prima series is more in line with where the industry is heading.

Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima Features

Now onto the most important part of this VA Eagle One Prima review. Let’s unpack the features of this beauty to see if the machine does it for you.

Victoria Arduino Single Group Size and Design

Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima User Interface

The Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima is a masterpiece of compact design, measuring 15.7 inches tall, 32.7 inches wide and 38 inches deep (39.8 x 83 x 96.5 centimeters).

This machine features a strategically placed group head, digital display, portafilter and drip tray for optimal workflow. The right side houses a dual setting steam-by-wire system with a cool-touch steam wand and temperature probe. The left features a dual-setting hot water button.

A steam boiler pressure gauge is also visible. It’s important to note that this machine doesn’t have a group head pressure gauge, whose parameters are only viewable via the app.

The sleek design also includes a functional cup tray and a removable 33.8-ounce (1-liter) water reservoir. Control elements are thoughtfully placed, with a pump pressure adjustment dial at bottom left and power button at bottom right.

Essentially, Victoria Arduino took everything we love about traditional Italian espresso machines. Then, they gave this model a modern, space-conscious makeover. It’s the kind of machine that makes you want to become a better barista just by looking at it!

Eagle One Prima User Interface

The centerpiece of this gorgeous machine is a digital display. It has two dose buttons and a manual run button that allows you more control over pre-infusion times, water flow and pressures. Its minimalist design with clear icons and real-time data make it a stand out feature.

What’s also clever is how Victoria Arduino has organized the workflow. The main screen shows your essential info – temperature, pressure, shot timing. Dive deeper and you’ll find profiles for different coffee types, each customizable down to a tenth of a degree.

But my favorite feature has to be the smart steam wand controls. These make adjusting steam pressure as intuitive as turning up the volume on your phone.

In short, Victoria Arduino has managed to pack all this tech into an interface that feels both professional and playful. It’s seriously next-level stuff!

Dual Boilers

The Eagle One Prima’s dual boilers are like two high-performance engines working in harmony. The brew boiler is your precision instrument. It uses PID control to maintain temperature stability to within 0.2 degrees Celsius. At 4.7 ounces (140 milliliters), it’s rather small, but can do back-to-back shots without breaking a sweat. What’s more, the thermal stability means your third espresso will taste as good as your first.

Now, the steam boiler? That’s this machine’s your powerhouse! What’s genius about this 50.7-ounce (1.5-liter) boiler is how it maintains consistent pressure even during a peak rush. You can steam pitcher after pitcher of milk without that dreaded pressure drop.

The real magic is in how these two boilers communicate with each other. Through patented T3 technology, they constantly adjust like a pair of synchronized swimmers. This ensures optimal performance whether you’re pulling a single shot or cranking out drinks for a morning rush. And the best part? The NEO’s insulation systems mean all this power comes with surprising energy efficiency.

Thermal Energy Recovery System

The NEO system on this espresso machine is a game-changer. Instead of letting all that excess heat escape into the atmosphere, the Prima captures and recycles it. How? By intelligently redirecting thermal energy from the steam boiler to incoming water. This loop significantly reduces the energy needed to get the machine to brewing temperature.

What’s mind-blowing about all this is that it also helps the machine maintain perfect thermal equilibrium. Traditional machines can’t compare. Much like a thermostat, the Prima’s smart system constantly monitors and adjusts.

But how does this work? In essence, this espresso machine splits power between the steam boiler and the T3 system. A heat exchanger in the steam boiler runs into a micro-boiler and a heating element within the group. During this process, there are three points for temperature correction. This ensures you’re only using energy when you need it.

Still, is it worth it? From my research, it seems so. Owners report up to 8 percent better temperature stability. They also report, on average, a whopping 23 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to traditional machines. Can someone say smart coffee tech?

Volumetric Dosing

The E1 Prima’s volumetric dosing system is precision itself. What makes it special is its advanced flow meter. It claims to measure every drop of water passing through the group head. You can also use it to program different volumes for different coffees; the Prima remembers them all.

Another cool feature is how this machine adapts to different coffee profiles. Whether you’re pulling a tight ristretto or normal espresso, it maintains the utmost consistency.

I also love that the system compensates for different flow rates during pre-infusion and the main extraction. And you know what that means, right? No more eyeballing shots or counting seconds. This is precision coffee making at its finest!

Cool Touch Steam Wand

Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima Steam

Most espresso machine steam wands have the annoying problem of being too hot to handle. This machine’s cool-touch “Easy-Cream” steam wand eliminates that problem.

The secret sauce is in its double-walled design. Think of it like a high-tech thermos. Steam travels through the inner tube while the outer wall stays cool to the touch. Safety personified!

I also love how Victoria Arduino has maintained perfect steam performance. This wand’s steam-by-wire system has an inbuilt air compressor that dispenses steam with a pressure of up to 2.5 bar. This ensures a velvety milk texture and silky microfoam, perfect for cappuccinos and lattes.

Crucially, the ergonomic positioning makes steaming milk a breeze for baristas. Also, the steam tips are easily removable for cleaning. Clearly, Victoria Arduino read every barista’s wish list and checked off “burn-free steaming” first!

Portafilters

This Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima model comes standard with precision-engineered 58-millimeter portafilters. Made from chrome-plated brass, they provide exceptional thermal stability for perfect extractions.

I especially love the range of baskets offered. The standard set includes precision-cut baskets for single shots (7 grams), doubles (14-18 grams), and triples (21 grams). It also comes with a backflush basket for cleaning.

The portafilters themselves are works of art. They look weighty enough to ensure the perfect tamp. They also boast an ergonomic leather handle that prevents wrist fatigue. Plus, perfectly angled spouts for excellent stream separation.

My favorite detail, however, is the competition-grade coating on the basket interior. It prevents coffee oils from building up and affecting shot flavor. And if you want to get really nerdy, these portafilters are compatible with VST precision baskets for the ultimate shot. Clearly, Victoria Arduino thought of everything a coffee perfectionist could want!

Drip Tray

This machine’s drip tray shows that Victoria Arduino understands what baristas need in the trenches! It isn’t your average water catcher, but an example of practical design.

The tray itself boasts a beautiful stainless steel grate. It’s sturdy enough to handle heavy cups and precisely perforated to prevent splash-back. You know that annoying espresso spray that somehow always ends up on your shoes? Yeah, this design says goodbye to that!

I also like the capacity; it’s deep enough to handle a full day’s worth of shots without needing constant emptying. However, it’s not so deep that it’s a workout to remove when full. This tray also has an ingenious water level indicator that lets you know when it’s time to empty.

The only drawback is that it’s not a plumb-in. However, Victoria Arduino has designed the drainage system to prevent clogging. In addition, the entire assembly comes apart easily for cleaning.

Victoria Arduino E1 App

The E1 Prima’s companion app is a coffee command center right in your pocket! It’s super intuitive, and connects to your Prima via Bluetooth. Its main selling point is the unprecedented control and monitoring capabilities it gives you.

Wanna check your machine’s performance while you’re in the back doing inventory? Just pull out your phone! The interface shows you everything from boiler temperatures and pressures to extraction times. The best part? It’s all displayed in beautiful, easy-to-read graphics.

What really got me excited is the profile management system. You can create, edit and save different coffee profiles right from your phone. Then, you can sync them directly to the machine. In a sense, this feature acts like a digital recipe book that automatically updates your machine’s settings.

This app also gives you detailed analytics about your machine’s performance over time. Track consumption patterns, monitor energy efficiency, auto-purge your machine and even schedule maintenance reminders. It basically helps you analyze every aspect of your operations, essential for commercial setups.

You can also export reports, track consistency across different baristas and even predict when you might need to adjust your grinder settings and change water filters. Importantly, the technical settings menu is password-protected for the ultimate security.

In short, the Eagle One Prima app is the digital assistant you need to help your Prima make great coffee every time!

The Victoria Arduino E1 Prima in Use

Using the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima seems like a straightforward process. Before starting, make sure you’ve connected your water supply and then flip on the main power switch. You’ll want to give this machine 20-30 minutes to come to temperature. This is the perfect time to prep your workspace and weigh some espresso beans.

Coffee for Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

Coffeeness Signature Espresso Blend

High-quality beans through direct trade

Notes of Chocolate & Hazelnut

Easy on the stomach

Freshly roasted right in Brooklyn

Medium roast

Discover now

While you wait, you should see the display showing your group head and steam boiler temperatures climbing to their ideal settings. This is typically around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). Before pulling that first shot, it’s essential to run a blank shot through the group head. This cleans the shower screen, warms up the components and verifies that your water flow and pressure are on point.

When it comes to pulling shots, precision is your best friend. You’ll want to dial in your grinder to achieve a dose of 18-20 grams for a double shot, aiming for an extraction sweet spot of 25-30 seconds.

The magic ratio is about 1:2 – for example, if you’re starting with 18 grams of coffee, aim for about 36 grams of liquid espresso. In this regard, the Prima’s touch screen makes it easy to select and adjust your desired profile. Plus, the touchscreen allows you to monitor your extractions in real time.

Before locking in your portafilter into the group head, ensure the following achieve the perfect shot:

  • Dry the portafilter basket thoroughly

  • Dose your ground coffee

  • Distribute the grounds evenly using gentle taps

  • Tamp with approximately 30 pounds of pressure and place a puck screen on top of your grounds (optional)

  • Ensure the portafilter rim is clean

  • Then, place your espresso cup on a coffee scale, confirm your selected profile on the touchscreen, tare the scale and press the start button. Remember to check for final extraction and weight outputs.

Programmable Espresso Profiles

Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima Espresso

One of the E1 Prima’s standout features is its programmable shot profiles. Through the touchscreen interface, you can customize everything from:

  • Pre-infusion times and pressures

  • Extraction pressures

  • Temperatures

  • Shot volume/weight targets

To use it access the settings menu via the touchscreen. Think of these profiles as a recipe book that helps you save different settings for different espresso coffees or styles of drinks.

Milk Steaming

Milk steaming on the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima is smooth sailing once you get the technique down. Always start by purging the steam wand and always use fridge-cold milk. Then position the wand in your pitcher and open the steam valve fully.

You’re looking for a smooth whirlpool to give you velvety milk with a silky microfoam. Heat until the pitcher is warm to touch (around 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 65 degrees Celsius), then immediately close the steam wand, wipe it with a damp cloth and give it another quick purge.

Pro Tips

  • Never remove a portafilter mid-shot

  • Keep your hands away from hot surfaces

  • Train all baristas (and yourself) thoroughly before using the machine

Victoria Arduino Coffee Machine Cleaning

Maintaining your Prima is crucial for consistent, delicious shots. Daily cleaning is non-negotiable – backflush the group using a blind basket. Run this cleaning cycle via the menu, following all on-screen prompts.

While you’re at it:

  • Clean all portafilters and baskets thoroughly

  • Wipe down all surfaces including the steam wand, group head, drip tray, grate and exterior.

Weekly, go a step further by removing and deep cleaning the shower screens, diffusers and removable parts. Oh, and don’t forget to give special attention to the steam wand’s tips. Unscrew the steam tip, soak in detergent solution, use a steam tip cleaning tool and check the integrity of the O-rings.

Also, soak all portafilters and baskets in espresso cleaning solution. The modular design makes everything easily accessible – even the water softener is a breeze to change.

Victoria Arduino Coffee Machine Maintenance

If you run into issues, the Prima is quite communicative about what’s wrong. Low pressure? Check your water supply and pump operation. This problem could also be due to scaling in the group head or a dirty shower screen.

Inconsistent shot times often point to distribution problems or grinder issues. And steam troubles? This usually comes down to temperature settings, low water levels or the cleanliness of the steam tip.

For commercial setups, I recommend professional maintenance every 3-6 months. Your tech will:

  • Replace group head gaskets

  • Test and tweak pressures

  • Give all valves and pumps a once-over

  • Check the water filtration system

  • Ensure the steam wand is in top shape

Annually, they’ll do more of a deep dive. This includes:

  • Comprehensive pressure testing

  • Complete boiler inspection

  • Detailed check of all major components

If your machine starts acting quirky between visits (unusual noises, inconsistent shots or just not feeling right), don’t wait for the scheduled maintenance. Give your tech a call.

Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima Specifications

Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima
Manufacturer

Victoria Arduino

Model number

E1 Prima

Product category

Manual espresso machine

Housing material

Stainless steel

Color options

Black, White

Milk frother

Steam wand

User interface

Text display with buttons

App

User profiles

10

Portafilter size

58 mm

Tamping

Manual

Removable water reservoir

Water reservoir capacity

50.7 fl oz / 1.5 l

Number of boilers

2

Pump pressure

15 bar

Maximum cup height

4.0 in / 10.2 cm

Grinder

N/A

Grind adjustment levels

N/A

Bean hopper capacity

N/A

Specialty drinks

1

Pre-infusion

Adjustable coffee temperature

Adjustable milk foam temperature

2-cup function

Yes (non-milk drinks only)

Hot water function

Hot milk function

Milk foam only option

Water filter

Power consumption

1600 W

Weight

50.0 lb / 22.7 kg

Dimensions

15.0 x 16.3 x 20.0 in
38.1 x 41.4 x 50.8 cm

Warranty

1 year

Notes

Included Accessories: User manual, 2 x portafilters, 3 x filter baskets, metal tamper, cleaning supplies, microfiber towel

All specifications

E1 Prima vs Other Espresso Machines

So, how does this beauty measure up against other espresso machines in its category? Let’s see what’s what.

Victoria Arduino vs La Marzocco Linea Mini

La Marzocco Linea Mini

Comparing the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima and La Marzocco Linea Mini is like comparing a Tesla and a vintage Porsche – both are leaders in their game but abide to very distinct philosophies.

The E1 Prima represents cutting-edge innovation. It boasts a chrome-heavy design, LED-lit workspace and touchscreen interface offering multi-gesture controls and real-time pressure profiling. In contrast, the slightly larger Linea Mini embodies classic Italian craftsmanship, with an iconic paddle wheel and mechanical controls.

Technically, the Prima’s dual-boiler system with NEO technology offers precision temperature control and advanced stability. The Linea Mini takes a more traditional approach with integrated boilers and PID control.

Going further, the Prima features gravimetric technology and real-time monitoring, plus a cool-touch steam wand with anti-stick coating. It’s complemented by a comprehensive app for remote management.

On the other hand, the Linea Mini offers a more hands-on approach. It leverages a traditional pre-infusion chamber and basic app functionality.

At $6,500-$8,000, the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima targets tech-savvy enthusiasts craving precise control. At around the same price, the La Marzocco Linea Mini appeals to traditionalists who value a more hands-on approach.

Both prosumer espresso machines help you make exceptional espresso – it’s a matter of whether you want to be a coffee scientist or a coffee artist as you do it.

See Also: La Marzocco Linea Mini Review

Slayer vs Victoria Arduino

In the rarefied air of premium espresso machines, the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima and the Slayer Single Group couldn’t be more different. The Prima showcases modern Italian design with clean lines and LED lighting. The Slayer? It commands bohemian attention boasting needle valve handles and wood accents.

Their interfaces tell a similar story. The Prima speaks digital, with touchscreen controls and real-time pressure profiling. On the other hand, the Slayer offers a more tactile experience through its signature paddle.

Under the hood, the Prima’s multi-boiler system with NEO technology brings space-age precision. In contrast, the Slayer’s dual-boiler system delivers through mechanical excellence. The Prima also offers gravimetric dosing. This contrasts with the Slayer’s legendary needle valve system, which gives excellent manual control.

Both machines represent significant investments. Expect to pay $6,500-$8,000 for the Prima, and $9,000-11,000 for the Slayer. Ultimately, choosing between the two machines is less about which is “better.” Instead, it’s more about which coffee philosophy speaks to your soul.

Verdict: Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima Review

High-tech espresso

Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima

A drool-worthy commercial espresso machine

Stylish design

Sophisticated app

Dual boilers

Tons of high-tech features

Extremely powerful machine

Very expensive

After writing this Eagle One Prima preview, I’m initially impressed. This machine delivers where it matters most – shot consistency, steam power and build quality. While the learning curve is steep, the reported payoff in cup quality makes it worthwhile.

That said, the price point puts it in a unique category. So, how to choose an espresso machine in this instance? As a home user or small café owner, I would carefully weigh my needs against my budget before buying this beauty.

I plan to add the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima to my testing rotation and keep it there for at least six months. I’m especially curious about how its thermal stability holds up under heavy use. Also, I’d like to assess its maintenance needs and whether the innovative eco feature delivers on its promise. So, keep checking back in!

Have you had any experience with Victoria Arduino machines? Or are you considering making the leap to a prosumer espresso machine? I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have about the Prima.

Victoria Arduino E1 Prima FAQ

Thanks to its dual-boiler system, the Victoria Arduino Eagle One Prima takes approximately 20-30 minutes to reach optimal brewing temperature from a cold start.

The Simonelli Group, an Italian company that owns Nuova Simonelli, also owns Victoria Arduino. Pier Teresio Arduino founded the company in 1905, but the Simonelli Group later acquired the company in 2001.

The Eagle One Prima operates with an adjustable steam boiler pressure of 1.5-2 bar.

To turn on the E1 Prima, press and hold the power button on the bottom right of the machine for 3 seconds. The display will illuminate and the machine will begin its heating cycle.

Coffeeness US Community Updates
Stay informed about the latest test reports, blog posts and products on Coffeeness.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Your coffee expert
Team Image
Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

1 Kommentar
Newest
Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Table of Contents