The Rancilio Invicta is not just an espresso machine – it is the machine of choice for the US latte championship. The Invicta is a commercial espresso machine offering a blend of precision, efficiency, and design that caters to modern café requirements.
SUMMARY: Rancilio Invicta
- Official machine of the US latte championship
- Makes incredible milk-based drinks
- Excellent choice for cafes and commercial settings
In the world of commercial espresso machines, the Invicta is a true champion – National Latte Art Competition Winner
Appearance
The Rancilio Invicta exudes a modern, streamlined aesthetic that would easily blend into any contemporary café, bakery, restaurant, bar, hotel, or office setting. Its compact, low profile body is specifically designed not only for aesthetics but also to facilitate customer interaction and service operations.
Clad in high-quality stainless steel, the body of the Invicta is not only durable but also sleek and sophisticated. Its shining surface reflects an image of cleanliness and attention to detail, which can help to elevate the overall ambiance of any establishment.
This commercial espresso machine comes standard in three elegant colors: Inox (stainless steel), Black, and White. These shades are not only timeless but can also easily fit into most color schemes. For those desiring a unique colorway to match their brand identity or interior design, Rancilio offers customization options to paint the stainless steel body panels in other colors based on customer requirements.
Further enhancing its aesthetics is the availability of an optional portafilter with an oak handle. This can introduce a warm, natural element into the espresso machine’s overall look, creating an appealing contrast against the shiny metal body.
To ensure the workspace is well-illuminated, the Invicta includes focused LED lights. Not only is this practical for precise espresso brewing, but it also accentuates the visual spectacle of espresso extraction – an experience that can intrigue and delight customers.
The Invicta is also designed with a large space (90 mm) underneath the machine. This can be utilized to keep scales or other working tools within easy reach, resulting in a clean, organized appearance and efficient workflow.
Overall, the Rancicio Invicta’s appearance is a well-thought-out blend of function and form. It is a machine designed to impress both at a glance and upon closer inspection.
Specification and Key Features
The Invicta comes as a 2 or 3 group machine. Rancilio also offers a number of customization options. Here are the main features of each.
| Technical Data | 2 Group Model | 3 Group Model |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 32.16 x 23.62 x 17.72 in | 41.61 x 23.62 x 17.72 in |
| Weight | 165.35 lb | 198.41 lb |
| Boiler Capacity | 11 L | 16 L |
| Power Supply | 220 – 240 V~ / 380-415V3N~, 50–60 Hz | 220 – 240 V~ / 380-415V3N~, 50–60 Hz |
| Wattage | 4600 W | 5400 W / 6000 W |
| Water Supply | Fixed water connection | Fixed water connection |
| Height of Drip Tray | 80-100-120 mm / 3-4-5 in | 80-100-120 mm / 3-4-5 in |
| Noise Level during Use | < 70 db | < 70 db |
Here’s a run down of the features of the Invicta that are shared by both the larger 3 group and smaller 2 group models.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | Touchscreen interface and digital display per group |
| Brewing | Steady Brew with brass groups with HDP insulation |
| Infusion | Pre and post infusion control |
| Cleaning | Easy clean with automatic group cleaning and rinsing cycles |
| Steam Wand | Cool touch, two-position steam knob |
| Portafilter | Ergonomic design with an option for wooden handle |
| Drip Tray | Height-adjustable |
| Lighting | LED lights illuminating work area |
| Advanced Diagnostics | Service function to quickly check circuits and components |
| Optional Extras | Cup warmer with temperature sensor, telemetry system, and more |
| Available Colours | Standard – Inox, Black, White. Optional – Custom colours on request |
Display
Central to the Invacta’s user-friendly design is the dedicated display for each group. This display includes a timer and progress bar that communicates vital information about the dispensing duration and the countdown for flushing.
In addition to the group-specific display, the Invicta is equipped with a 4.3” touchscreen interface. This vibrant display offers quick and easy access to all machine settings, making it effortless for baristas to control the machine and fine-tune their brews.
This touchscreen interface is designed with two types of users in mind:
The “easy” interface – ideal for less experienced baristas or those who prefer simplicity – includes only the main settings.
The “tech” interface – aimed at more experienced baristas – provides more detailed controls and customizations.
Further, there are three dedicated menus for different users: baristas, managers, and technicians. This personalized approach ensures that each user can access the most relevant settings and information, enhancing their interaction with the machine.
For baristas who crave manual control, the Invicta also provides a manual mode. This feature can be activated to manually manage the duration of the pre-infusion, extraction, and post-infusion phases using the buttons above the group.
Brewing Capacity
The Invicta, with its 11L boiler capacity, is built to handle high-volume service, ensuring that even during peak hours, your café can keep the lattes flowing. The machine allows for precise control over brewing parameters for each group, thereby guaranteeing consistency in each cup of espresso.
User Friendliness
This machine is designed with the barista in mind. The Invicta’s touchscreen interface and programmable brew buttons offer easy navigation and adjustment of brewing parameters. This, combined with the low-profile silhouette that promotes customer interaction, makes it a joy to work with.
Milk Frothing
The cool-touch steam wands not only make for a safer working environment but also prevents milk from sticking on, making the cleaning process easier. The machine is a dream to work with, cranking out lattes, cortados and cappuccinos using a variety of dairy and non-dairy milks. It’s fast, consistent and makes top quality milk.
“Steaming on the Invicta is a delight, just a quarter turn of the steam knob and you’re on your way to creamy, velvety milk.”
Andrew Bettis, Rancilio USA
Build Quality
Boasting a sturdy build, the Invicta is designed to withstand the rigors of a bustling café environment. The machine’s dimensions and weight testify to its solid construction, promising longevity and reliability.
One of the standout features is the Advanced Boiler Management (ABM). ABM is a specific software developed by Rancilio to optimize the machine’s performance during peak use conditions.
In addition, the Advanced Boiler Management allows control over the machine’s power absorption, reducing it to 2/3 of the normal value where power availability is low. This intelligent feature contributes significantly to the Invicta’s impressive build quality and performance.
The Invicta’s robust build, combined with smart features like ABM, underscores its position as a reliable, high-performing machine designed for the intense daily use of a commercial setting.
Cleaning And Maintenance
The Invicta features automatic backflushing, reducing the need for manual cleaning of the group heads. However, adherence to water specifications is mandatory. The use of a water softener and a good quality water filter like the Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration System is recommended to protect the machine’s internals and uphold the warranty.
Things we liked
- Advanced heat exchange technology promotes brewing efficiency
- User-friendly touchscreen interface and programmable brew buttons
- Real low-pressure pre-infusion for better espresso extraction
- Automatic backflushing for easy maintenance
- Advanced diagnostics to quickly check the circuits and components
- Optional extras, including a cup warmer with temperature sensor and portafilters with oak handles
Things we didn’t like
- Strict adherence to water specifications might require additional investment in a water softening system
- Single boiler system may limit simultaneous brewing and steaming capabilities
Do Not Buy This Espresso Machine If….
- You are looking for a home use espresso machine. The Invicta is a commercial-grade machine designed for high-volume settings like cafés, bakeries, restaurants, bars, hotels, and offices. If you want an espresso machine for your home, the Rancilio Silvia is a far better option.
- You want a classic or iconic commercial machine. The Invicta has a sleek, modern design that may not resonate with those who have a preference for classic aesthetics. If you want a more classic look and feel, try the La Marzocco Strada.
- Your water does not meet the machine’s specified water hardness standards and you don’t want to invest in a water softening system.
- You’re on a strict budget. Given its commercial-grade specifications and features, the Invicta comes at a higher price point compared to basic espresso machines. While it is an excellent machine for the price, those with less than 10k to spend should look for cheaper models, second hand machines or even rented equipment.
The Verdict
The Rancilio Invicta is an excellent commercial espresso machine. Its sophisticated design combined with its user-friendly interface and superior brewing capabilities make it a perfect choice for modern cafés. However, its commercial-grade specifications make it an overkill for home use. It’s an investment that is worth every penny for any establishment looking for a machine that guarantees excellent performance and customer satisfaction.
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
