There is something relaxing about a coffee shop…
…with a constant flow of people, the soft murmur of conversation…
…and the smell of fresh coffee.
This is exactly what dreams are made of for small coffee shops.
You have decided to turn your vision into a reality by opening a coffee shop.
Alternatively, you may be upgrading your cafe’s coffee-brewing equipment.
I appreciate it! There is always room for one more espresso shot in the world.
Basically, you’re looking for a commercial espresso machine for your business.
You know that investing in superior hardware is crucial…
…for generating more revenue as a smart coffee business owner.
I’m here to help you make that decision.
If you have done your research, budgeted for the equipment…
…as well as the overheads, and are just looking for an overview…
…of the best commercial espresso machines on the market, then we can help.
Before we move on to next section, here are some words from Adam…
It has been more than 2 months since I’ve been using the commercial espresso machine
for my coffee shop, and after some early frustrations,
I’m getting quality espresso, lattes, and Americanos now.
However, there are a number of glaring opportunities
to improve the user experience without adding manufacturing costs,
and I would love to see them on the replacement model.
However, I would definitely recommend it to my friends!
So let’s dive right in…
Best Commercial Espresso Machines
| Image | Title | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | La Pavoni BAR T 2L-R Model Bar T 2L Lever Espresso Coffee Machine with Chromed Brass Groups with Mechanical Movement, Ruby Red, Manual Boiler Water Charge Button, Anti-vacuum Valve | Prime | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Nuova Simonelli Aurelia Ii Semi 2 Group Espresso Machine Maureiisem02Nd0001 | Prime | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Nuova Simonelli Appia II Volumetric 2 Group Espresso Machine MAPPIA5VOL02ND001 with Free Installation, Espresso Starter Kit, and Water Filter System | Prime | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Bezzera Magica PID E61 Espresso Machine | Prime | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel | Prime | Check Price on Amazon |
Let’s go through them one by one…
La Pavoni Bar T 2 Group
- Manual boiler water charge button, Anti-vacuum valve
Since 1905, La Pavoni has been around.
They have become one of the biggest names in the business…
…over the last hundred years, and it’s not hard to see why.
With good specs all around, the Bar T 2 is the Mario…
…of commercial espresso machines.
With a 14L boiler capacity and the ability…
…to make 600 cups of espresso per day…
…this machine is perfect for most coffee shops.
In addition, both durable, brass-chrome group heads…
…have radiator hydraulic systems.
A pre-infusion function (aka soft-infusion system) allows for optimal shot pulling.
Among the other notable features are:
- Built-in steam wands (cuts down on the amount you spend)
- Adjustable cup size (four different options)
- Boiler Auto Fill System
- Multiple, independent solenoids (coils) (enable the simultaneous brewing of different beverages)
- Flexible hot water jet
- Waterline connectivity
- Measures 28in x 20in x 21in and weighs 130 lbs
Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II
- 14 liter copper boiler with pressostat and anti-vacuum valve
The Aurelia II is a volumetric two-group espresso machine.
With its two-group head and two steam wands, it can do double duty in your shop.
This espresso machine may be for you if you’re looking to make a serious…
…hefty investment that will propel your blossoming shop forward.
Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II comes with a manual…
…and programmable dosing system, ensuring high-quality, consistent shot pulling.
In addition to this, the Simonelli espresso machine has a pre-infusion…
…or soft infusion system, which allows for greater tamping flexibility.
In general, the infusion system and ergonomic design of the machine…
…make this machine relatively easy to use…
…especially for a commercial espresso machine.
The product is truly a commercial espresso machine…
…able to handle high turn-overs with ease.
Additionally, each side of the device…
…can accommodate an external steam wand if needed.
Hence, it is likely best suited to coffee shops…
…with a significant clientele and busy rush times.
Moreover, the Aurelia II offers a digital, 4-group option…
…that might be worth the investment for shops with high volume.
Nuova Simonelli Appia II
- APPIA LIFE - Two Group, Automatic (volumetric) Model, Volumetric dosing and manual dosing, Automatic boiler fill, Soft pre-infusion, Built-in rotary pump, Direct-plumbed with drain, Stainless Steel Swivel Hot Water Spigot, Two Long Stainless Steel Swivel Steam Arm (Cool Touch), Push Pull Steam,
Choose the Appia if you’re looking for something a little simpler..
…than the Aurelia or with two spouts instead of one.
A medium-sized coffee shop can use the Appia II…
…with a capacity of 30 to 100 drinks per hour.
The second Appia model is a best-selling model…
…in Nuova Simonelli’s mid-range collection.
It uses volumetric monitoring to stop shot pulling at the right moment.
With the Appia II, you can use a pre-infusion function…
…even before your shot is pulled to make sure you get the most out of your grounds.
Other features we should mention are the:
- Respectably sized 11-liter boiler
- Stainless steel build materials and ABS construction
- 2 brew groups with raised group heads
- System for pull shots and brewing of professional quality using Soft Infusion System (SIS)
Keep reading…
Bezzera Magica E61
E61 is a top-notch, classic commercial espresso machine manufactured…
…by one of the first companies to manufacture super automatic espresso machines.
The design of this machine blends time-tested usability…
…with forward-thinking innovation.
The E61 group head is sometimes referred to…
…as the “gold standard” of the industry.
Additionally, the joystick-style lever is ergonomic and fun to use.
This model also includes:
- Steam and hot water wands
- A vibratory pump with 15 BAR pressure that improves shot flavor
- Automatic water refill function
Furthermore, the heat exchanger and dual boilers…
…allow for quick heating and a quick cycle…
…as well as simultaneous milk frothing and pulling.
Although this machine is a little on the small side…
…you can still get a lot out of it.
The Bezzera Magica is best suited for smaller cafes…
…but it will produce excellent espresso and espresso-based drinks for years.
Breville Barista Express
- The Breville Barista Express delivers third wave specialty coffee at home using the 4 keys formula and is part of the Barista Series that offers all in one espresso machines with integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute
Small coffee shops or cafes that serve more than just espresso…
…may find true commercial coffee machines a bit off-putting…
…due to their high price tags.
We recommend checking out the Barista Express if that describes you.
Although the Breville Barista Express is one of the best espresso machines we’ve seen…
…it is usually intended for home use by caffeine enthusiasts.
Its high-end features also make it a good choice for small-scale gigs…
…that want to offer quality espresso…
…but don’t have the same budgetary and capacity constraints as larger places.
A few of the Barista Express’ highlights include:
- Bean-to-cup and dose control: The machine comes with a 1/2 lb bean hopper and an integrated conical burr grinder.
- PID extraction mechanism: The digital temperature controller provides accurate control over the boiler and hot water output, resulting in a precise espresso extraction.
- Flexibility: It is possible to pull single and double shots, to adjust grind size and amount, to perform a manual override, and to create microfoam by hand.
- Durable, stainless steel build: Although this machine is much more affordable than others listed here, it is built to last.
- Large Reservoir: The 67 oz water reservoir is definitely one of the pros for this machine; other types of water systems may be better for high-volume shops, but this one is perfect for low-volume ones.
With this machine, no major expertise is required…
…but those who do will not feel like they’re compromising.
A semi-automatic espresso machine offers the same functionality…
…as an automatic espresso machine.
The Breville Barista Express is one of the best commercial espresso machines…
…available for small coffee shops.
Commercial Espresso Machine with Grinder
This question has a simple answer: convenience…
If you want to serve freshly ground espresso in other setups…
…you’ll need to purchase a separate grinder. Of course, this entails additional fees…
…as well as the need to locate space for the grinder.
Businesses that don’t have much room left to add another appliance may find it…
…difficult to accommodate both an espresso machine and a grinder.
Furthermore, espresso machines with built-in grinders…
…are usually superautomatic units. What impact does this have on you?
It links in with the idea of convenience, as superautomatic…
…espresso machines are extremely simple to operate. You simply press…
…a button for the drink you require and wait, rather than grinding the espresso…
…making the shot, and frothing the milk manually.
These machines are ideal for novices or instances where your employees…
…will not be using the machine frequently enough to become espresso professionals.
Some superautomatic machines are so user-friendly that they can…
…be set up as a self-service station for your customers…
…such as at a hotel breakfast buffet. Bringing grinders into…
…an espresso machine conversation may seem strange.
However, while deciding which equipment is appropriate for your business…
…your grinder is a vital item to consider. The grinding capacity of your grinder…
…should be the same as the brewing capacity of your espresso machine.
Don’t waste your money on a machine that can make 125 shots per hour…
…when you only need 50. If your grinder isn’t able to keep up with your machine…
…of choice in terms of volume, make sure you budget for a new one.
Perhaps you are wondering…
How To Choose The Right Commercial Espresso Machine For Your Coffee Shop
Commercial espresso machines are only meant to keep up…
…with the demands of a café business. The smallest ones included.
This is why they are very different from home espresso machines.
They are designed to produce consistently high-quality coffee…
…throughout the day, regardless of how busy the shop may be.
Espresso machines, however, do not produce the same quality coffee.
Which one you decide to buy can have a huge impact on your company, just like choosing the right name for your coffee shop. That’s why you shouldn’t rush it.
Reading up on how espresso machines work…
…can help you make an informed decision.
Then you can compare those to the four important factors listed below…
…and decide which commercial espresso machine is right for your business.
Semi-Automatic Vs Automatic
Since the days of steam-powered coffee machines…
…professional coffee makers have come a long way.
You or your barista can benefit from automation…
…when you are pulling shot after shot all day.
No matter which machine you choose from the list above, you can’t go wrong.
You will nevertheless need to decide…
…between semi-automatic and automatic espresso machines as a business owner.
The initial cost isn’t the only consideration.
For most businesses, an automatic machine is the better choice…
…since it offers greater efficiency and convenience.
It is not necessary to grind the beans, tamp them…
…or worry about achieving consistent extraction levels.
Long-winded training of staff is also avoided.
Super automatic espresso machines are easy to learn…
…even for those without previous barista experience.
However, if you don’t anticipate serving hundreds of cups of coffee every day…
…and prefer to tweak the extraction process manually…
…a semi-automatic machine will make the perfect addition to your equipment list.
By utilizing today’s semi-automatic and automatic…
…(sometimes called super-automatic) machines…
…what used to be a daunting task has become so much simpler.
Capacity Of The Commercial Espresso Machine
Depending on the size of your business…
…you should choose a commercial espresso machine with a large capacity.
Would your café be serving hundreds of “to-go” cups each day?
Are you a local roaster serving specialty brews…
…to a small group of discerning customers?
If so, how much space do you have to store the machine?
Approximately how many baristas do you want to be able…
…to operate the machine simultaneously?
All of these questions should be considered before choosing an espresso machine.
The number of group-heads and the size of the boiler…
…determine the machine’s capacity.
Most professional coffee machines have two, three, or four group-heads.
The number of group heads determines how many baristas…
…can work the machine at once, and each head can make two drinks at once.
Remember that a higher number may not always be better…
…because the space available behind the counter may limit your choices.
Choosing the right coffee machine also involves…
…considering the capacity of the boiler.
Make sure the boiler is large enough…
…to provide enough hot water during peak hours.
In general, the more heads a machine has, the larger its boiler capacity.
You should also consider the size of the machine.
Although a large machine will cost more and take up more space…
…it may endear you to your staff and improve service times.
Go on…
Ease Of Use And Maintenance
Maintenance is an important component of all high-performance…
…professional equipment.
This refers to both everyday tasks like cleaning the machine…
…as well as the ease of getting it repaired if anything goes wrong.
Here’s what Seattle Coffee Gear has to say, in case you were wondering:
“We recommend descaling your espresso machine every few months under normal usage, but you may have to perform this more frequently if your water has a high mineral content.”
Seattle Coffee Gear
The majority of automatic espresso machines available today are designed…
…to relieve you and your staff of menial tasks.
However, you should research the practicalities of each model.
The majority of automatic espresso machines are self-cleaning…
…but they still need to be descaled regularly.
These machines usually don’t have detachable group heads…
…so you’ll have to rely on the machine’s self-cleaning capability.
You can choose an automatic commercial espresso machine with removable parts.
You can do a manual deep clean every now and then…
…but your staff will need to be trained to take the kit apart…
…and put it back together again.
Semi-automatic machines have removable parts…
…and need to be descaled manually.
In addition, they’re easier to maintain than automatic machines…
…since they don’t have built-in coffee grinders.
You should choose a commercial espresso machine…
…that is durable and easy to repair, however.
For this reason, it is important to know…
…what type of warranty coverage your espresso machine offers.
The Espresso Shot
You’re only going to be concerned about that if your customer cares about it.
After you’ve narrowed your selection to two…
…or three machines based on the factors above…
…read some user reviews on the taste, quality…
…and consistency of each espresso shot.
Because you’re going to spend some serious money…
…on your espresso machine, you might want to look…
…at your menu to see what coffee drinks you’ll be offering.
Sum Up!
With any of these commercial espresso machines…
…you can be sure that you will get the quality craftsmanship…
…and superior performance that will make your job easier…
…and your customers happier, too.
Choosing the type of equipment can be a difficult decision.
We are here to listen to your needs and help you make the right decision.
Conclusion
Whether it is a large or small cafe, it is a cafe.
Therefore, no matter how your establishment looks…
…you should be able to find the perfect commercial espresso machine.
Let’s get caffeinated!
Related
Our Latest Post:
- Zest Up Your Dishes: Exciting Substitutes For Lemongrass Unveiled!
- Why Your NutriBullet Stopped Working – Unveiling Solutions
- Griddler Showdown: Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe vs Elite – Which is Better?
💻 Coffee Maker with Grinder|Best Coffee and Espresso Machine|Espresso Machine with Grinder| Most Expensive Coffee Maker
Was this helpful?
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
