In the 1950s, motorcycle culture in the UK was thriving, and a group of riders who would later be known as the “Ton Up Club” were stripping their bikes of any components possible in an attempt to hit 100 miles per hour, or “the ton”. These motorcycle enthusiasts found like-minded people and a place of refuge in the cafes along the newly laid roads across the country. Little did they know that their highly modified and stripped back motorcycles would lay the groundwork for not only the high-speed, performance bikes of today, but also for a revolutionary espresso machine at the hands of Sanremo.
Like the motorcycles before it, Sanremo wanted to create a machine where performance took absolute precedence while paying tribute to the rebellious spirit and aesthetics of the subculture. It was from here that the Cafe Racer was born. Strong, clean lines and a streamlined body echo the motorcycles' embellishments, while the exposed framework lends itself to industrial and mechanical craftsmanship. The Sanremo Cafe Racer espresso machine stands out with its groundbreaking features and nearly limitless customization possibilities. Crafted for baristas who prioritize both performance and style, the Cafe Racer offers complete technical excellence.
Pulling a shot on the Sanremo Cafe Racer.
While the Cafe Racer might just be one of the most unique commercial espresso machines to grace to market, it’s also got everything needed under the hood to create exceptional coffee.
Temperature consistency is crucial to making quality espresso, and this is where the Sanremo Cafe Racer truly shines. It features a multi-boiler system that maintains stable water temperatures, even during the busiest times of the day. Each boiler is dedicated to specific functions, whether steaming milk or brewing coffee, ensuring optimal performance. The PID temperature control system provides precise adjustments, so baristas can confidently dial in their settings at each group. Accurate temperature control helps in extracting the best flavors from the coffee, making each cup a true representation of the coffee’s potential. An insulated boiler system further adds to the temperature stability by reducing heat loss. This insulation ensures that the water temperature remains constant, enhancing both efficiency and performance.
A view of the display at the Cafe Racer's group head.
The Sanremo Cafe Racer has been designed with both new and seasoned baristas in mind. Its interface is intuitive, reducing the learning curve for new users, ensuring that even those with minimal experience can operate it efficiently.
The Cafe Racer features clear, odometer-style LCD displays at each group that provide real-time updates. It’s here that baristas can monitor shot times, boiler pressure, and water levels, aiding in maintaining consistency in every shot pulled. Programmable settings at the group heads allow for complete customization, opening up the possibility of using multiple roast profiles on a single machine. Pre-infusion times, temperature profiles, and extraction volumes can all be programmed by the barista, enabling the machine to handle a wide range of coffee profiles and preferences. The control panel includes easy-to-use buttons and dials that are designed with responsiveness and durability in mind: essential factors in fast-paced environments where speed, reliability, and efficiency are key.
The Cafe Racer by Sanremo.
Sanremo clearly delivered on every front where temperature stability and crafting espresso meet, but that doesn’t mean that other necessities of what makes a commercial espresso machine have been neglected. Ergonomically designed steam wands provide comfortable and precise control, allowing baristas to steam with ease to achieve that perfect microfoam for lattes and cappuccinos. Stainless steel construction ensures that the machine is not only stylish, but also robust. The materials used are meant to withstand the rigors of daily use in busy cafes. For added convenience, the Cafe Racer also features a large, adjustable drip tray to accommodate cups of all sizes.
The Sanremo Cafe Racer seamlessly blends decades of motorcycle culture and coffee expertise into a machine of unparalleled performance and customization, both cosmetically and functionally. From the bare bones, stainless steel frame reminiscent of vintage bikes to the unmatched temperature stability, the Cafe Racer stands out from the crowd of commercial espresso machines. To take an even closer look at this machine, check out this video review from our friends over at Moonwake Coffee Roasters.
If you have any questions about the Sanremo Cafe Racer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to talk all things coffee, and we would be glad to address any questions or concerns that you may have.