Wednesday, 7th September, 2022
Since 2009, I’ve had the privilege of working with both Synesso and Slayer espresso machines, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how these high-end machines can elevate the coffee experience. This extensive hands-on experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the unique nuances and performance capabilities of each brand. Considering a competitive specialty coffee market like the UAE, choosing the right espresso machine is crucial for ensuring the highest quality and consistency in every cup served. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison between the Synesso MVP Hydra and the Slayer Steam LP to help you make a more informed decision.
Build Quality and Design
| Synesso MVP Hydra | Slayer Steam LP |
|---|---|
| Materials: Synesso machines are built like tanks, using high-grade stainless steel, brass, and copper. This makes them incredibly durable and reliable, perfect for high-volume coffee shops. Design: Synesso machines feature a sleek, minimalist design that can be customized with various colour and wood options. This allows you to match the machine to your shop’s aesthetic, creating a cohesive and attractive setup. | Materials: Slayer machines are equally robust, featuring stainless steel components and unique wooden handles and paddles. This combination adds a touch of elegance and warmth. Design: The Slayer Steam LP stands out with its distinctive, raised legs and sleek design. Its vintage yet modern look can make it a centrepiece in any café. |
Technology and Features
| Synesso MVP Hydra | Slayer Steam LP |
| Pressure Profiling: Synesso’s 4-stage pressure profiling allows baristas to fine-tune the extraction process, ensuring the full flavour profile of specialty coffee is captured. Temperature Control: Advanced PID controllers provide stable and precise brewing temperatures across all group heads, crucial for maintaining consistency. Customisation: The MVP Hydra offers extensive customisation options, from colours to wood accents, allowing coffee shops to create a unique setup that reflects their brand. | Pre-Brew Timer: Slayer’s patented needle valve technology offers precise control over the pre-brew process, enhancing extraction quality. Temperature Control: Like the Synesso, Slayer uses PID controllers for precise temperature management, but also boasts a unique steam boiler design for efficient steam production. User Interface: The intuitive interface and programmable pre-brew options make the Slayer user-friendly, even for less experienced baristas. |
User Experience
| Synesso MVP Hydra | Slayer Steam LP |
| Ease of Use: Synesso machines are known for their user-friendly operation, making it easy for baristas to dial in recipes and maintain consistency. Maintenance: With externally accessible rotary pumps and easy-to-clean steam wands, the MVP Hydra ensures minimal downtime and efficient maintenance. | Barista Focused: The Steam LP is designed with the barista in mind, featuring ergonomic touches and intuitive controls that streamline the workflow. Maintenance: While Slayer machines are generally reliable, some users have reported issues with certain components. However, the brand has been working on improving customer support and technical service. |
Performance in High-Volume Settings
| Synesso MVP Hydra | Slayer Steam LP |
| High-Volume Capability: The MVP Hydra excels in busy environments, with its independent pumps and brew boilers ensuring consistent performance even during peak hours. Consistency: The precise control over pressure and temperature ensures that every shot of espresso meets the highest quality standards, making it ideal for specialty coffee shops. | Efficiency: The Steam LP’s innovative steam system allows baristas to froth milk quickly and efficiently, reducing wait times during busy periods. Quality: With its pre-brew control and consistent temperature management, the Slayer Steam LP produces rich, balanced espresso shots, pleasing even the most discerning customers. |
Brand Reputation and Support
| Synesso MVP Hydra | Slayer Steam LP |
| Reputation: Synesso has established itself as a leading choice in the UAE’s specialty coffee scene, known for its innovation and quality. Many top-tier coffee shops in the UAE, and pioneers of regional specialty coffee such as The Espresso Lab, Ratios Coffee and Stomping Grounds Café, trust Synesso machines. Support: Specialty Batch, the exclusive distributor of Synesso in the UAE, provides comprehensive training and robust after-sales support, and an always-available local inventory of spare parts – ensuring that machines face minimal downtime and is always in top condition. | Reputation: Slayer is also highly regarded in the specialty coffee community, known for its innovative design and exceptional espresso quality. Despite some challenges with customer support in the recent past, the company is actively working to improve its service. Support: Slayer offers online customer support and technical assistance, with recent efforts to expand their service through regional representatives and improved communication channels. |
Both the Synesso MVP Hydra and the Slayer Steam LP are exceptional choices for UAE coffee shops aiming to deliver top-notch espresso. The Synesso MVP Hydra stands out with its robust build, advanced pressure profiling, and high-volume performance. On the other hand, the Slayer Steam LP offers unique features like needle valve technology and funky customisation and ergonomic design, making it a barista favourite.
Key Differences Based on Barista Skillsets:
- Synesso MVP Hydra: This machine is highly suitable for shops with a mix of experienced and novice baristas. Its user-friendly interface and consistent performance make it easier for less experienced baristas to produce high-quality shots consistently. The advanced pressure profiling and temperature control, however, allow skilled baristas to experiment and perfect their craft.
- Slayer Steam LP: This machine is ideal for coffee shops with highly skilled baristas who appreciate manual control and customization. The needle valve technology and pre-brew timer offer greater control over the extraction process, which can lead to exceptional results in the hands of a knowledgeable barista. The learning curve might be steeper for beginners, but the potential for creating standout espresso is significant.
Ultimately, the choice between these two machines will depend on the specific needs and preferences of your coffee shop. Investing in either of these machines will undoubtedly elevate the coffee experience for both baristas and customers. The extent of the elevation will be based on your barista’s skills and the dependability of your equipment servicing team.
Posted by Ryan Godinho
Tags: Espresso MachineSlayerSynesso
Categories: Coffee BusinessGuides