The Slayer Equipment Family
The Slayer Espresso Story
Slayer Espresso, founded in 2007 by Jason Prefontaine, is a pivotal player in the world of specialty coffee. The company introduced a groundbreaking innovation in espresso machine design with their Slayer Espresso Machine. Unlike traditional machines, the Slayer incorporated advanced technology that allowed baristas to have precise control over the brewing process. Its defining feature was the patented needle valve technology, which enabled variable flow rates during extraction, resulting in a more nuanced and customizable flavor profile for espresso.
A Slayer for Everyone
Building on the success of the original Slayer Espresso machine, Slayer introduced their Slayer Steam line in 2019. The Steam line was created to offer a line of machines intended for a larger audience where workflow, consistency and quality were at the forefront of the brewing process. The Slayer Steam line uses advanced volumetric technology to offer predictable and consistent shot volumes with a simple touch of the brew actuator. Individual coffee brew tanks allow for a much higher degree of thermal stability, while giving the barista the option to brew different coffees with separate temperature control for each group.
One of the greatest benefits to Slayer’s machine line up is its simplicity. Slayer only offers three variations of their machines, while still meeting the feature requirements for the majority of end users. Additionally, each machine they offer comes standard with the features that are considered upgrades with other manufacturers. While there are a few optional upgrades with each slayer, these choices are all cosmetic customizations. The internals are all built to the same high quality expectations that Slayer has set.
What we like
Invoke techs have worked with all three of Slayer’s offerings, the Slayer Steam EP, The Slayer Steam LP, as well as the Slayer Espresso V3. One thing that immediately stood out to us was the build quality of each machine. Slayer has made it a point to build equipment that will not only withstand the test of time, but is easily accessible for repairs and maintenance. This is a coffee technician’s dream machine, and it was clearly considered from a technician’s perspective from the conceptual stage. Sturdy steel panels and a few screws are all that stands between a tech and the main parts of the machine. The ease of access cuts down on labor time for service, and the down time of the machine.
We have also had the ability to brew coffee on all three versions of the Slayer models, and we’ve been very impressed by the consistency of brewing from cup to cup, and the ability to manipulate the flavor profiles utilizing the features from each machine. The versatile brew features allow for a very dynamic range of coffee expression.
Slayer equipment considerations
There are a few considerations that need to be addressed when looking at the Slayer line of espresso machines. The beauty, form, function and quality of build come together seamlessly in every Slayer machine, but this comes in a heavier package than some other manufacturers. While we would not hesitate to recommend considering Slayer machines, the support structure under these machines should be robust enough to ensure a proper foundation. Slayer machines can weigh 30-50% more than some other manufacturer’s offerings. We tend to like this more sturdy build, but it certainly is a factor to consider when designing your bar build.
Another consideration is the price tag attached to these machines. While the pricing of the Slayer models will be a bit higher than a comparable machine from another manufacturer, we also want you to consider the VALUE offered. If we were to upgrade the components on a competitive model from a different company to have the same standard features offered by the Slayer line, we would be at or above the cost of the same Slayer off the factory floor. We encourage clients to look beyond the price tag to the value that is offered for each machine the consider. All in, the value offered by the Slayer machines more than justifies the initial cost.
Our conclusion
Slayer espresso machines are truly a work of art from their build quality, standard feature sets, barista ergonomics, and head turning aesthetics. We always look forward to working with these machines as baristas, and also as technicians. It is rare that function meets form in such a perfect way, but Slayer really checked all the boxes for us.
We will be covering each of the Slayer equipment offerings in a future article (or two) to really dive down into the differences and nuance that each machine offers to the barista, and the cafe environment.