Differences between Torre Alfredo TSP HX and Torre Luigino TSP HX

From Innovation to the Cup

Andrea Ferrari has spent more than 20 years cultivating his expertise and mastery in the espresso machine industry. Whether it’s the internal boiler engineering or the external grouphead mechanics, his meticulous approach ensures every machine performs flawlessly. During his time in R&D, he began developing innovative solutions to enhance both usability and performance.

One of his most notable creations is the Ergolift™ lever. On traditional E61 grouphead machines, a lever on the right side initiates espresso extraction when pulled, but it often requires awkward positioning to avoid interference with the cup or hot water wand. It also favors right-handed operation, leaving left-handed users at a disadvantage. The Ergolift™ reimagines this motion by positioning the handle in front of the grouphead and rotating it upward, allowing comfortable use with either hand. This intuitive movement naturally guides the user’s hand toward the flow-control paddle, streamlining workflow and enhancing precision. Found on all Torre espresso machines, the Ergolift™ lever is a defining feature that distinguishes them in both form and function.

Another standout innovation is Steam Boost. When entertaining or preparing multiple milk-based beverages, serious steaming power is essential. Generally, the larger the boiler, the greater the steam capacity and pressure stability. At 1.5 liters, the boiler delivers solid performance, though some recovery time may be needed between uses. Activating Steam Boost temporarily drives the heating element into “overdrive,” accelerating recovery and increasing pressure to 2.5 bar for powerful, sustained steam output when you need it most. When pushing a boiler to its red line, it needs to be built to last — and Andrea has crafted a remarkably robust beauty. You’ll find Steam Boost on the majority of Torre’s heat exchange models.

Close Cousins, Unique Characters

After introducing two of Torre’s dual boilers, the Peppina and Mariuccia, we turned our attention to the heat exchange line. After careful consideration, we selected the Alfredo and Luigino to grow the lineup. Both deliver the performance and quality you expect from Torre, but each carries its own personality. They share plenty in common — yet each shines in its own way.

What They Have in Common

Both the Alfredo and Luigino share Torre’s signature attention to detail and high-performance design. Each features a 1.5-liter insulated copper boiler powered by an 1100-watt heating element, paired with a 2.4-liter water tank system (tank-only, no water line connection). Both machines utilize an E61 grouphead with flow control and the Ergolift™ lever, along with TSP Torre Smart PID controls and a dual pressure gauge to maintain optimal steam pressure between 0.8 and 1.2 bar. Joystick knobs control both the steam and hot water wands, and wood accents adorn the knobs, lever, and portafilter handles. Each comes with a bottomless portafilter, emphasizing precision and espresso quality.

What Sets Them Apart

While both are tank-only machines, the Alfredo uses a vibration pump, whereas the Luigino features a rotary pump, providing a different feel and performance for espresso extraction. The machines also differ in body style and color options: the Alfredo has a more stylish body with three color options, while the Luigino opts for a simpler design and offers six colors. Wood accents differ slightly as well — while both have fixed wood knobs, the Luigino pairs light-colored knobs with the black and white models and dark options with the others, whereas the Alfredo uses a consistent mid-tone wood across all versions.