9+ Best Espresso Machine For Small Business | Unrivaled Guide 2023

If you run a small coffee shop, choosing the best Espresso Machine For Small Business should be one of your top priorities. An espresso machine can make or break the success of your small business. Unlike large coffee shops, small businesses cannot afford to make mistakes.

Serving poor quality or tasteless drinks can ruin the reputation of your business. With the best espresso machine, you can cater to reluctant customers. However, the problem is that top-of-the-line espresso machines are expensive and can be a drain on the family budget.

However, there are still great espresso machines that are economical and help small businesses thrive.

Best Espresso Machine For Small Business

There are many factors to consider when choosing an espresso machine for a small business, such as the size of the business, the type of coffee drinks you will be serving, and your budget.

The best machine for your small business will depend on your specific needs and budget. It may be helpful to read reviews and compare features to find the right fit for your business.

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Types of Espresso Machines for Small Businesses

Before making your final choice, it is helpful to know the different types of espresso machines and the features of each. Small businesses do not need extremely expensive machines.

Semi-automatic or manual machines can help you thrive and grow. If you are opening a small café in a large city, you may need an automatic or super-automatic espresso machine. Here are four espresso machines that are favorites of small café owners.

1. Manual Espresso Machine

Manual espresso machines, also known as lever machines, are not as popular as automatic machines, but they can attract the most discerning deep L lovers. With manual machines, the grinding, packaging, and pressing must be done manually. Starting a small coffee business on a limited budget can attract many customers without spending a lot of money. The important thing is to learn how to use the manual machine properly.

2. Semi-automatic Espresso Machine

This machine uses a manual pump rather than manual pressurization. It simply heats water and pumps it out. Many small and medium-sized companies choose semi-automatic machines due to their low cost and functionality.

3. Automatic Espresso Machine

In some situations, small coffee shops have a higher flow of customers than larger stores throughout the day. To accommodate this flow, an automatic espresso machine may be needed. They work faster than manual or semi-automatic machines. However, automatic machines are more expensive. Also, there are still some processes that must be done manually, such as grinding and tamping.

4. Super-Automatic Machine

Few small coffee shops have super-automatic espresso machines, but why not splurge? This machine does it all: grinding, tamping, and extraction. All you have to do is put the beans in the hopper.

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Difference Between Semi-automatic And Automatic?

Commercial coffee makers have come a long way since the days of steam coffee machines. The hassle of manually operating heavy levers in the past can be made easy with today’s semi-automatic and automatic machines (also known as super-automatic machines).

Automation is truly appreciated when you and your barista make drink after drink from morning to night. You can’t go wrong with any of the machines from the above list (link). But as a business owner, you still have to choose between an automatic espresso machine and a semi-automatic espresso machine. And it is not just a question of the initial cost.

Automatic machines are the better choice for most businesses because they are efficient and easy to use. You don’t have to worry about grinding beans, packing them, or getting a consistent extraction volume.

It also eliminates the need for tedious staff training (4). The learning curve for a super-automatic espresso machine is fairly gentle, even for someone with no barista experience.

However, if you do not plan to serve hundreds of cups of coffee daily and enjoy manually adjusting the extraction process, a semi-automatic machine will prove to be the perfect addition to your list of equipment.

Espresso Machine Capacity

The capacity of the commercial espresso machine you should choose depends on the size of your business.

Does your coffee shop serve hundreds of cups of takeout coffee daily? Are you a local roaster serving specialty coffees to a few discerning customers? How much space do you have to store the machine? How many baristas should be able to use the machine at the same time? These are all important questions to ask before choosing an espresso machine.

The capacity of a machine is determined by the number of group heads and the size of the boiler. Most commercial coffee machines have two, three, or four group heads. The number of group heads determines how many baristas can work on the machine at the same time; each head can make two drinks at the same time. Keep in mind that the number is not always as large as it should be, as there may be space limitations within the counter.

Boiler capacity is also an important factor when choosing a coffee maker. It should be large enough to produce enough hot water during peak hours. Generally, the larger the number of heads on the machine, the larger the boiler capacity.

Ease Of Use And Maintenance

As with any professional and efficient equipment, maintenance is an important issue. This includes both routine tasks such as cleaning the machine and ease of repair in the event of technical problems.

We recommend descaling an espresso machine every few months under normal use, but more frequent descaling may be necessary if you are using water with high mineral content.

However, it is worth looking into the practices for individual models. Most automatic espresso machines are self-cleaning but still require periodic descaling. They usually do not come with a removable group head, so you will have to rely on the machine’s self-cleaning capabilities.

It is best to choose an automatic espresso machine for professional use that has removable parts. This gives you the opportunity for occasional manual deep cleaning but requires staff training to disassemble and reassemble the whole thing.

Semi-automatic machines usually require manual descaling because the parts are removable. They are also easier to maintain than vending machines because they do not have a built-in coffee grinder or other complex machinery.

Espresso Shots

After all, that is all that the customer cares about. After narrowing down your selection to two or three machines based on the above factors, read user reviews on the taste, quality, and consistency of each espresso.

Since you will be spending a lot of money on an espresso machine, it is a good idea to check the menu to see what coffee drinks are offered.

How To Operate An Espresso Machine | Video Explanation

FAQs Session

How Many Bars Should A Good Espresso Machine Have?

An espresso machine’s pump pressure is typically measured in bars, with 15 bars being a commonly accepted standard for a good espresso machine. The pressure helps to extract the flavors and aromas from the ground coffee beans, creating a rich and full-bodied espresso shot.

It’s important to note that the number of bars does not necessarily indicate the quality of the espresso machine or the espresso it produces. Other factors, such as the quality of the beans, the grind size, and the temperature of the water, can also affect the flavor and intensity of the espresso.

Some higher-end espresso machines may have a pressure of up to 20 bars, but this does not necessarily mean that they will produce better espresso than a machine with lower pressure. Ultimately, the key to a good espresso shot is finding the right balance of all the various factors that go into making espresso.

Is Breville Or Delonghi Better?

It’s difficult to say definitively which brand is better, as both Breville and DeLonghi make a wide range of coffee machines with varying features and price points. Some people may prefer one brand over the other based on personal experience or specific features that they value.

How Much Do Commercial Espresso Machines Cost?

Prices for commercial espresso machines range from $5,000 to $30,000. Espresso Parts has a commercial espresso machine for every type of coffee, coffee shop, and coffee service to fit your budget.

What Is The Life Expectancy Of An Espresso Machine?

Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand daily use and can last 7-10 years before needing extensive repair or replacement.

Are Espresso Machines High Maintenance?

Espresso machines can require some maintenance to keep them running smoothly and to ensure that they produce high-quality espresso. However, the amount of maintenance required can vary depending on the type of machine and how often it is used.

Here are a few things that may be required to maintain an espresso machine:

• Cleaning: Most espresso machines need to be cleaned regularly to remove coffee grounds, oils, and other debris that can build up over time. This may involve wiping down the machine, rinsing the brewing group, and cleaning the portafilter and other parts.
• Descaling: Mineral deposits can build up inside an espresso machine over time, which can affect the performance and taste of the espresso. Descaling involves using a special solution to remove these deposits, which is typically done every few months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Replacing parts: Some parts of an espresso machine, such as seals, gaskets, and o-rings, may wear out over time and need to be replaced. It’s a good idea to keep spare parts on hand and to replace them as needed.
• Servicing: Depending on the type of machine and its level of use, it may be necessary to have it serviced by a professional periodically. This can help to ensure that the machine is running optimally and to identify and fix any potential issues before they become major problems.

The maintenance required for an espresso machine can vary, but with proper care and maintenance, it can last for many years.

How About Lever Machines?

Lever espresso machines are truly beautiful and a pleasure to use. However, they also present some unique challenges, especially when it comes to delivering a consistent espresso. For this reason, we tend to recommend them only for high-end cafes and espresso bars that are up to the challenge.

Do You Recommend A Super-automatic Espresso Machine?

Espresso machines, which grind beans and brew coffee at the touch of a button, are mainly designed for convenience and less for quality. Therefore, we generally do not recommend super-automatic espresso machines.

What Type Of Pump Should I Choose?

Pumps provide the pressure necessary for compressed coffee to pass through the water. There are two types of pumps. Rotary pumps use a motor to rotate a disk, which generates pressure that circulates the water. They are quiet, apply constant pressure, and last a long time. However, they are more expensive.

Most small espresso machines use an oscillating pump that incorporates a piston with a magnet attached to a metal coil. When electricity flows through the coil, the magnet moves the plunger back and forth, pushing water into the machine. This pump does not provide as constant pressure as a rotary pump but is much less expensive.

Do You Need A Spray Wand?

If you sell drinks other than espresso, you will need a steamer so that your barista can make other drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos. Using the steam wand that comes with the espresso machine is much easier than providing a separate tool. It draws in steam from inside the unit and keeps it at the right temperature to give you the texture you want in your hot milk.

How Much Money Does It Make?

A small café that doesn’t have a lot of people coming in and out may be able to get by with just one group of espresso machines. However, if your store is small but gets a lot of traffic every Saturday morning, it is best to have two groups to handle the sometimes increased volume. You may not be able to afford a large machine, but you may need the flexibility to make many drinks at once on a regular basis.

Can A Small Coffee Shop Purchase A High-capacity Machine?

Small coffee shops often do not have the business volume of larger coffee shops, which means they do not need machines equipped to handle large volumes. These machines are very expensive, and if you cannot justify the cost, you simply do not need one. Unless you want to make the highest quality espresso for a special drink, it is best to choose a slightly smaller machine.

Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Commercial Espresso Machine?

There are many places to purchase a commercial espresso machine. You can get them from the manufacturer’s website, but also check Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, and other sites. You can often get better deals through third-party vendors. Combine coupons and deals with sales and you’ll get a great deal that you can’t get anywhere else.

What Else Should I Consider In My Budget?

While the espresso machine is the center of the coffee experience, it is not the only piece of equipment you need. Be sure to budget for a conical grinder (ideally for espresso only), cups, saucers, shot glasses, and milk jugs.

What Is The 10 Second Rule For Espresso?

The 10-second rule for espresso refers to the ideal extraction time for a single shot of espresso. This means that it should take approximately 10 seconds for the hot water to flow through the ground coffee and into the cup, extracting the flavors and aromas of the beans.

The extraction time can be affected by a number of factors, such as the size of the dose of ground coffee, the fineness of the grind, the tamp pressure, and the temperature of the water. Achieving the perfect extraction time can require some experimentation and adjustment of these variables.

The 10-second rule is a general guideline and may not apply to every espresso machine or coffee setup. Some espresso machines may be designed to extract the shot more quickly or slowly, depending on the specific machine and its settings.

Ultimately, the ideal extraction time will depend on personal preference and the specific coffee being used. Some people may prefer a shorter extraction time for a brighter and more acidic espresso, while others may prefer a longer extraction time for a fuller-bodied and sweeter shot. Experimenting with different extraction times and adjusting the variables can help you find the perfect balance for your taste preferences.

Is A 15 Or 20 Bar Espresso Machine Better For Small Businesses?

The pressure of an espresso machine, measured in bars, can impact the taste and strength of the espresso. However, the number of bars does not guarantee the quality of the machine or the espresso it produces.

Other factors like the quality of the beans, the size of the grind, and the temperature of the water also play a role in the flavor and strength of the espresso. While a 15-bar pressure is usually sufficient to make a good espresso, some higher-end machines may have up to 20 bars of pressure.

It’s worth noting that higher pressure does not always result in better espresso. The best espresso machine for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. Consider reading reviews and comparing the features of different machines to find the one that fits your needs and budget.

How Much Do Mastrena Starbucks Espresso Machines Cost?

Mastrena espresso machines are used by Starbucks and are specifically designed for high-volume commercial use. These machines are typically not sold to individual consumers and are only available to authorized Starbucks partners (employees). As such, it is not possible to purchase a Mastrena machine for personal use.

If you are interested in purchasing a high-quality espresso machine for personal or small business use, there are many other options available on the market. Prices for these machines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and capabilities of the machine. It may be helpful to research and compare different brands and models to find the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Final Words

Running a small business can be challenging, especially if you have a limited budget and space. An espresso machine is one of the main tools of a coffee business. It is what makes or breaks the workflow of your business.

With so many different types of espresso machines for small businesses available today, the choice can be a real challenge. The above-mentioned espresso machines have features that meet the requirements of small businesses, and any one of them will lead to a thriving business that attracts more customers.

However, there are some things to consider before making your final choice. Budget and the number of repeat or random customers will play an important role. Once you have determined the number of people you will serve espresso shots to, you will need to determine your available budget. Additionally, you will know which model espresso machine to purchase to meet your specific needs.