Minimalism at Its Finest – ZURIGA E2-S

Two buttons, stainless steel, walnut handles – that’s it. The ZURIGA E2-S isn’t a playground for tech nerds, but a Swiss design object that pushes minimalism to the extreme. Its promise? Top-tier espresso and cappuccino – no waiting around, no gimmicks, and no compromises when it comes to looks.

This review is part of our group test: “7 Espresso Machines in Review – What Is the Best Espresso Machine for Your Home?”. We examined models ranging from €300 to €6,000 – from compact entry-level machines to high-end barista dreams. Along the journey came latte art experiments, a few scorched fingers, and more than enough caffeine coursing through our veins. Here’s the guide and overview of all machines tested.

The ZURIGA E2-S is the purist in our test field – along with the Olympia Mina. It doesn’t compete with feature-packed giants like the Sanremo YOU or La Marzocco Linea Micra – instead, it takes the opposite approach: Swiss engineering, refined tactility, and uncompromising simplicity. Its model story is short and sweet: The E2 is the base version, designed solely for espresso – pure, precise, and stripped down to the essentials. The ZURIGA E2-S, also known as Generation 2, adds steam functionality to the mix, making room for cappuccino and latte art. That opens it up to a wider audience, while staying true to its minimalist roots: two buttons, no app, no display.

ZURIGA is a young design label from Zurich that’s been turning heads with its clean aesthetics and handcrafted quality. The E2 is their signature model – a small espresso machine that blends slim design, simplicity, and effortless style for the minimalist coffee crowd. At €1,890, it sits in the upper mid-range price bracket, but delivers something many others forget: calm, elegance, and precision. Whether that holds up in the aroma-filled chaos of daily life – that’s what this ZURIGA E2-S review sets out to find.

ZURIGA E2 Generation 2 in Review – So, What’s It Like Living With This Espresso Machine?

Specs are one thing, but how does the Micra actually perform in everyday life? From materials and handling to workflow and that first cappuccino – here’s what it’s like to use this machine day to day.

You know that special kind of fondness certain objects can evoke? The kind that makes you want to check in on them before going to bed, just to make sure they’re still there? The E2-S has that effect. Made of stainless steel, wood, and glass, the ZURIGA feels more like a piece of design art than a household appliance – a machine for aesthetically-minded souls.

The look channels the spirit of the Bauhaus workshops and Swiss functionalism: clean lines, honest forms, and a purpose for every minimal detail. The body, made from stainless steel and anodized aluminium, has a soft, satin sheen. The walnut handle feels warm in your hand, while the handcrafted water tank, made from lab glass, looks like it belongs in an architectural model. The simple walnut lid, which loosely covers the tank, blends seamlessly into the petite cup tray. It’s the kind of machine you almost want to whisper goodnight to.

Add to that a truly satisfying user experience: at just 23 x 17 x 31 cm, the ZURIGA E2-S is the most compact machine in our comparison test. But with a solid 8.1 kg, it feels at least 20 times sturdier than its slightly bigger rival, the De’Longhi Dedica Duo EC. While the De’Longhi slides around when you lock in the portafilter, the ZURIGA remains rock solid, as steadfast as a granite block from the Swiss Alps. Nothing shakes, nothing shifts. It’s the design equivalent of a Le Corbusier villa: compact, minimalist, and perfectly proportioned.

ZURIGA E2-S Review: Heat-Up Time & Workflow

Espresso in under two minutes? Easy. Seriously. The ZURIGA’s real superpower are the lightning-fast startup times. In our test, the illuminated brew button signaled readiness after just 38 seconds. The official spec says 90 seconds, but it’s usually much quicker. Switching from brewing to steam takes all of two seconds. While dual boilers like the Sanremo YOU are still warming up, the ZURIGA E2-S has already pulled your first shot. If you’re half-awake in the morning and just need coffee – you’ll have it ready before you’ve even burnt your first slice of toast. Power on, grind, pull a shot. Done. And the best part: it stays consistent even after several rounds. No reheating pauses. No noticeable temperature drop.

So how does it do that? With some clever tech: instead of heating water in a traditional boiler, a thick-film heater warms only the water needed as it flows through. A second heater quickly brings the brew group and portafilter up to temperature. It’s fast, compact, and energy-efficient – earning the ZURIGA an A-rating for energy consumption. This setup makes the E2-S one of the most everyday-friendly machines out there. Perfect for quick coffees and spontaneous espresso moments at home. Just switch it on, pull a shot, and go – no waiting, no rituals, no rinsing.

 

Ease of Use & Settings

Two buttons. No display. Zero distractions. While many machines in this comparison test are overflowing with features, the ZURIGA takes the opposite approach. One button for power, one for brew/steam – that’s it. No app, no screen, no menus. It’s minimalism at its purest, which sets it apart from machines like the Bezzera DUO DE or Sanremo YOU, which all feature PID controllers, brew profiles, and menu mazes that could fill a novel.

But even simplicity takes a little getting used to: the brew button changes its function when you swing out the steam wand – it goes from espresso mode to steam mode, signaled by a glow shift from white to gold. Without reading the manual, it’s a bit puzzling at first. But once you’ve figured it out, it clicks. Like with an Apple product, there’s a clear logic behind the minimalism – it just takes using it to really get it.

That also means there are no extra frills. No volumetrics like you’ll find on machines from De’Longhi, Bezzera or Sanremo. No custom profiles. No temperature settings. The ZURIGA E2-S isn’t for those who like to tweak every parameter – it’s for people who just want a damn good espresso in the morning. Fast, beautiful, and reliable.

How Well Does It Handle Coffee and Milk Texturing?

Set and forget – the ZURIGA pulls shots with thick crema, rich body, and clean structure. And thanks to the thick-film heater, there’s no waiting time between shots or between espresso and steam. Unlike the De’Longhi Dedica with its pressurized basket that leans more toward beginner brews, the ZURIGA E2-S handles lighter roasts and finer grinds with confidence. It’s a small espresso machine built for serious coffee.

When it comes to milk frothing, the ZURIGA reaches the edge of its technical capabilities: the steam wand starts off a bit timid but quickly picks up power. After a short delay, it produces creamy, fine-pored foam – hot enough for a cappuccino, without the risk of scorched milk or burnt fingers. That puts the ZURIGA E2-S above entry-level machines in this regard, though it doesn’t quite reach the consistent pro-level results of dual boilers like the La Marzocco Linea Micra.

What stands out negatively is the noise: the vibration pump emits a metallic buzzing during brewing, and steaming adds a distinct knocking sound. In a quiet kitchen, it feels slightly out of place – especially considering how refined the machine looks. A simple rubber mat underneath might help reduce some of those vibrations.

Also worth noting: there’s no hot water function. So if you’re after Americanos or tea, the ZURIGA E2-S won’t deliver.

Who Should Take a Closer Look at the ZURIGA E2-S?

• Design lovers and minimalists who value form and function in equal measure.
• Anyone who wants their morning espresso fast – no waiting, no fuss.
• Small kitchens where every centimeter counts.
• Plug-and-play fans who have no interest in menus or apps.

Who is it not for? Anyone hooked on Americanos, techies who want to tweak every detail from temp to flow rate, or pros looking for a café workhorse. This isn’t about ultimate control – it’s about everyday coffee, done with style.

Does It Live Up to the Hype?

The ZURIGA E2-S promises barista-quality espresso without the wait – and that’s exactly what it delivers. It’s easy to use, heats up in record time, and pulls shots that impress even seasoned coffee lovers. The promise of longevity and quality materials holds up too: stainless steel, aluminium, and glass instead of plastic, plus a user interface that stays out of the way. Its limits show where others bring the muscle – in steaming power and customisation. But that’s intentional. This small espresso machine is about less tuning, more Zen.

Conclusions

The ZURIGA E2-S is the style icon among espresso machines. It proves that less isn’t just more – it’s more beautiful. Premium materials, intuitive operation, and espresso without the wait – all housed in a design that looks straight out of a Bauhaus workshop. The ZURIGA E2-S embodies passion for design, minimalism, quality, and a genuine zest for life – values we share at DOWNTOWN. That’s why it’s our top choice.

For more info, visit ZURIGA.

This article is part of our Coffee Special, full of product tests, exciting insights and some valuable new perspectives on coffee. Curious? Then click here!

The Test Field

Click here for the full group test.

All machines reviewed: Bezzera DUO DE | De’Longhi Dedica Duo EC 890.M | La Marzocco Linea Micra | LIGRE youn | Olympia Express Mina | Sanremo YOU | ZURIGA E2-S

 

Words: Felicia Nastal Photos: Jan Fock