As you are looking into commercial espresso machines you also need to decide if you are going to need a one-group or two-group machine or more. It is not likely that you are going to have more than two shots being pulled at one time and so a two group will probably suffice.

There are basically three types of commercial machines to choose from and then within those choices are features or additions you can pick from. Your choice will probably boil down to how much money you

Types

Semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic are the espresso machine types you should be looking at.

Semi-automatic machines require the user to shut the steam off manually. This can make producing a consistent shot of espresso difficult.

Automatic machines have a cut-off timer and produce a more consistent espresso. They can be programmed  to cut off at anytime.

Super-automatic espresso machines do everything for you. They grind the beans, tamp them, pull the shot, shut off when ready and even discard the coffee beans. While they do make pulling a great espresso super easy, they take the pleasure of watching the shot be pulled. Espresso enthusiasts enjoy knowing that the barista took great pains to make sure their espresso was just right. The super automatic maker removes that element. In addition to being super-automatic, they are super expensive.

Other Considerations

In addition to what type of machine to get, you need to consider some other important factors, after all this is for your business which in turn is your livelihood.

Boiler Capacity: The boiler capacity of your machine should be large enough to get you through the largest rush you could have.  You don’t want to have to tell your customers that it will be a few minutes due to lack of hot water or steam. This is of course going to take some guesswork, however a 9-14 liter capacity should be large enough.

Warranty and Parts Availability: First you definitely want to make sure your warranty covers all the parts of the machine for at least  five years. If offered, buy an extended warranty. Before your purchase the machine, ask about repairs.  Is there a local repair shop that sends someone out? How long does it take to get parts shipped in if necessary? Do they offer same day repair service?

These questions are very important. Not having your espresso machine can cause you to lose a lot of money. Make sure there is a way to have repairs made as quickly as possible.

Grinder Hopper: You should make sure the grinder hopper is large enough to accommodate a large amount of coffee beans. You might also want to consider a machine that offers two hoppers, one for decaf beans and one for regular beans.

Water Softener: This option doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you live in area where you know the water is hard, you should opt for a water softener. This will keep you from having to have your machine de-limed due to build up. De-liming a machine is an expensive task.

Buying a commercial espresso machine is a huge investment that should be done with careful consideration to every aspect of the machine and to all the aspects of your business. The right decision can bring you years of great income and happy customers while a wrong decision can bring you years of grief and a loss of money. Choose carefully and wisely for the best espresso bar in town.
 

These machines have been judged using looks, quality of machine (consistency, crema, etc.), convenience, value and price.

The Capresso Espresso Pro

With a cost of around $250 this machine has a striving-for-art deco look, but it missed that mark slightly. On the other hand, it makes a fast espresso shot s without making a huge mess. The frothing wand actually siphons the milk out the tank and into the wand, unlike other machines that send the steam into a pitcher of milk.

Although the machine is small and relatively simple to use, most reviewers report that the espresso is bitter and has a burnt taste.

Krups

Already known for its other coffee makers, the Krups Novo 3000 is a bare bones espresso maker. It isn’t an art piece to be oohed and ahhed over, but it does make a high grade espresso. Priced at around $180, this machine is not entirely consistent in its production. When it does produce a good espresso, it is really good. Reviewers stated that its consistency is around 66% reliable. At other times the espresso came out watery or bitter.

Krups service department didn’t fare much better with reviewers. All in all, the machine is ahead of steam driven machines but espresso enthusiasts will want to opt for a more reliable, albeit more expensive model.

Starbuck Barista

Priced at $399 this machine is a little on the pricey side, but not near as pricey as some other models. Having the Starbucks name implies that this is going to produce an excellent espresso, and it doesn’t let you down. While there are more expensive brands that produce richer espressos, the Barista does make an excellent choice.

The Barista is easy to use, well designed and easy to master. The only drawback reviewers found was the steam wand is on l the left side of the maker. Most people will tend to reach to the right. This is simply a matter of becoming accustomed to reaching to the left. One final plus for the Barista is that Starbucks does have a wonderful customer service.

Gaggia Classic

This espresso maker hasn’t changed in at least 20 years and probably won’t for another 20 to come. The Gaggia, named for one of the early inventors of the espresso machines.  That could account for why this machine makes such a great espresso with a very thick, wonderful crema.  And all at around $499.

The Gaggia has simple controls that are easily learned and is also easy to clean and maintain. The only negative aspect reviewers reported was a small cup warmer and the length of time it takes to warm up.

Espresso machines are basically like most every other product; you get what you pay for. A $50 machine off the local chain store’s shelf won’t produce a quality espresso more than a few times, if at all. On the other hand you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality machine. The Gaggia makes a wonderfully thick, rich espresso with a golden crema and doesn’t cost as much as many other models.

-Katya Coen
 

Buying an espresso machine for your home should be researched before you run to the nearest big box store and grab the first one off the shelf. You should decide ahead of time how much you are willing to invest in your espresso maker. They can range in price from under $50 to well over $1000. It all depends on what you are looking for.

There are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you determine how much you are willing to spend. As a general rule of thumb they are:

* How often do you plan on using the machine? If you know you are going to use it on a daily basis you will want to purchase a machine that is sturdy enough to hold up to repeated use. You should also look into one with a warranty in the event that it is damaged.

* Do you want a fully automatic machine that does everything for you? If you want your espresso machine to do everything but drink your espresso for you, be prepared to pay a premium price. If however you don’t mind adding the coffee to the machine and other small steps, you can save a lot of money.

* How much room do you have for the espresso machine? Espresso makers range in size from countertop models to ones that take up the space of a small refrigerator. Keep this in mind as you shop.

Types to Choose From

With those basic questions answered you are now ready to decide what kind of espresso machine you want. There are five basic types of machines to choose from, ranging from the simplest to the most complex and automated.

* Stovetop espresso makers, sometimes called stovetop percolators are great for the occasional espresso drinker or for campers who want their shot of caffeine even in the woods. The drawback to the stovetop espresso pot is that it only makes one cup at a time. It must cool between cups and it doesn’t form that wonderful crema that espresso drinkers love.

On the plus side, they are very inexpensive. You can pick on up around $20. They are very portable and take up no space. They can also be used without electricity, for example over a campfire.

* Piston driven espresso makers are based on the original espresso makers from long ago. They are the reason for the wonderful crema we have all come to know and love. The piston driven espresso machine requires more manual labor. This is where the term ‘pulling a shot’ originated.

* Pump driven espresso makers are the most popular variety of espresso makers for commercial use. An offspring of the piston driven maker, they are typically plumbed to a water source and use a timing device to insure that every shot of espresso pulled is of the same quality.

* Automatic and super automatic espresso machines are the newest makers to hit the market. These machines are capable of doing everything, even grinding the coffee beans. They are also the most expensive, most complicated to repair and usually take up the most space.

Automatic espresso machines do produce a more consistent shot of espresso than other machines and don’t require your assistance to do anything. They are also more capable of adjustments than other machines, allowing you to have espresso they way you want it every time.

Purchasing an espresso maker for your home can be a money saving investment. Your initial purchase may seem expensive, but making sure you are getting a quality product that will bring you years of espresso enjoyment will pay for itself in no time. And you will impress your friends and guests with the great coffee drinks you prepare for them.

-Katya Coen

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Enjoy!