Strad Preheating Unit (SPU)
€164.46
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was €189.26 Save 13%
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Limited launch offer. Shipping September.
Out of stock, available for pre-order
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Product Details
Weight: 1.00 kg
Note: Please be aware that the images shown correspond to a prototype. The SPU will be ready for shipping in September-October.
The Strad Preheating Unit (SPU) is an accessory designed specifically for the Strad Espresso Maker, providing a fast and convenient way to bring the brewing group to optimal temperature without the need for traditional water-based preheating.
By delivering controlled, stable heat directly to the brewing head, the SPU ensures that the machine is ready for extraction in a matter of minutes, eliminating the time-consuming step of flushing hot water through the system. This results in a more consistent workflow and a smoother start to every brewing session.
Designed for precision and ease of use, the SPU helps maintain ideal thermal stability throughout the brewing process, supporting better extraction consistency and improved espresso quality. Its compact and efficient design integrates seamlessly with the Strad Espresso Maker, making it an essential upgrade for users seeking speed, convenience, and repeatable results.
Key Design Principle
In manual lever espresso machines, the thermal behavior of the group is not intended to act as a precise temperature regulator. Instead, the group functions as a controlled thermal buffer between the incoming hot water and the surrounding environment.
Rather than “setting” the extraction temperature, the group moderates thermal exchange. It absorbs part of the heat from the water upon contact, reduces abrupt temperature swings, and helps shape a more predictable thermal profile during extraction. This approach shifts temperature control away from rigid regulation and toward a user-driven system where water temperature, timing, and preheating conditions define the final result.
The Strad system does not rely on the group to define espresso temperature precisely. Instead, it ensures that the group maintains a stable thermal buffer while allowing the incoming water to temporarily reshape the system’s thermal state during extraction.
This results in a controllable and repeatable thermal profile rather than a fixed temperature point, aligning the machine with the behavior of manual lever espresso systems where user input and thermal dynamics jointly define the final cup.
Thermal Behavior and Operating Model
The SPU establishes a thermal baseline in the group under the assumption of a standard brewing input (95–100 °C water). Final extraction temperature is the result of the interaction between SPU thermal state and water temperature input.
The Roast Recommendations tables assume that the system state (SPU + group) is already stabilized at the Ready State. Under this condition, the group acts as a stable thermal buffer and roast differentiation is achieved primarily through water temperature selection.
Summary of Thermal States
Standby State (12 V)
Recovery and low-power thermal equilibrium phase.
Balance State (6–12 minutes)
The system reaches a functional equilibrium within the optimal operating window for extraction. At this stage, users can begin preparing espresso, particularly suitable for medium and dark roast coffees.
Ready State (15–20 minutes)
The system achieves full thermal stability and consistent heat distribution. This state represents the ideal condition for espresso extraction, ensuring maximum repeatability and optimal brewing performance.
• SPU: stabilized at approximately 85–87 °C
• Portafilter: fully heat-saturated
• Thermal stability: maximum
• Repeatability: maximum
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Strad Preheating Unit (SPU)
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