Slayer Steam Series
Simplicity holds a profound allure, and it's a quality we've genuinely come to value in the Slayer ecosystem. The external beauty of the machines immediately captures attention with their unassuming yet eye-catching design. Specifically, the Steam series combines form and function for baristas, featuring an intuitive user display and control knob, complemented by buttons or paddles facilitating the execution of pre-set programs.
Within the Slayer Steam series, two distinct machines grace the lineup, both sharing the same visually appealing exterior. The subtle nuances that differentiate the two Steam models might escape the casual observer, requiring the discerning eye of a knowledgeable barista. This intentional design choice empowers cafes to base their machine selection on functionality rather than mere visual preferences.
With this in mind, let’s break down the two offerings within the Slayer Steam series. In keeping with their Steam design inspiration (it looks like a turntable) Slayer has named its two models the EP and the LP. And if you are a fan of vinyl, you ca probably guess which model is more packed with features. The “EP,” or Extended Play is the little brother of the “LP,” or Long Play.
Slayer's commitment to using top-tier components resonates throughout, from high-quality heating elements and valve components to the incorporation of individual brew boilers and solenoid valves for steam wands, surpassing industry standards. These premium features, often reserved for competitors' premium models, form the foundation of Slayer's base model. All Slayer Steam machines have industry leading volumetric control, and stop the shot for you at the user programmed volume with impressive accuracy.
The main differentiating feature of each model in the Slayer line is the method of pre-infusion or pre-wet brewing. Pre-wet is the act of adding water to the bed of coffee for a moment before starting the main brewing process. While some manufacturers do produce machines with a pre-wetting function, Slayer has taken the technology to a higher level.
The Steam EP uses pump pressure pre-wet that can be programmed for up to 4 seconds on, and up to a 4 second pause before beginning the main extraction phase. This allows the espresso to become completely saturated, which should minimize any channeling or uneven extraction. The EP has up to 4 different programable recipes for each group head, which are activated by pressing one of two buttons beside each group. These programs can be entered manually, or programmed using the barista’s LED menu and selector knob.
Building on this technology, the Steam LP introduces some unique advantages to the Steam line. The LP is capable of pre-wetting the coffee at a pre-set lower infusion pressure. This means that a pre-wet phase can be introduced for a user programmable length of time at a much slower and softer rate. After pre-wet is complete, the program moves to the main extraction phase for a pre-set weight, and has the added option of “ramping down” to the original pre-wet pressure to finish off the extraction.
These capabilities allow the LP to have a much greater degree of control over the extraction process, and therefore the resulting flavor and characteristics of the coffee. The repeatability and dependability of the volumetric settings are incredible, and this frees up the barista to work on building their drinks and customer interactions. The programming menus and options on the LP are intuitive and feel natural. It does not take long to scroll and learn the menu and the options that are available.
From a barista standpoint, the Slayer Steam line is arguably the most capable and feature-rich machines available as an entry level machine. This platform helps to cut the learning curve through its design and technological advances. The workflow and ergonomics of the equipment make for an efficient and pleasant experience.
From an owner standpoint, the initial “sticker price” can be a bit of a shock. However when you begin to compare the quality of the equipment, and the features that are standard with these machines, the value is actually much higher than most other equipment on the market. The cost of ownership tends to be lower than similar competitors over the long term, and Slayer machines tend to hold their value better because of their reputation and their build quality.
Finally, from a technician’s view, the Slayer Steam series seem to be built with a tech in mind. Parts are easy to access with common tools, diagnosis is easy, and the tech support is second to none. Slayer has really worked hard to make a machine that works hard, and the Steam series embodies it all.