How to choose a Commercial Espresso Machine

September 14, 2024

5 Essential Tips for Buying an Espresso Machine for Your Cafe

If you're a new or aspiring cafe owner, choosing the right espresso machine can be an intimidating task. To help make the process easier, we've compiled five essential tips that will guide you through purchasing the perfect espresso machine for your cafe. These tips will help you understand key machine features, terminology, and considerations specific to a commercial setting.

1. Group Heads
2. Steam Wands
3. Semi-Automatic vs. Automatic Machines
4. Boiler Systems
5. Parts Availability

1. Group Heads

The group head is where the water from the boiler is transferred to the filter basket, and this is where espresso extraction happens. The number of group heads dictates how many espressos you can pull at one time. Most commercial espresso machines come with one, two, or three group heads, though you may find machines with up to four.

For most cafes, two or three group heads are the norm. For example, if your cafe uses up to 15-20 kg of coffee beans per week, a two-group machine should suffice. If your coffee volume exceeds 20 kg per week, consider upgrading to a three-group machine. Keep in mind that the number of group heads affects the power supply, with a two-group machine typically requiring a 20-amp power supply, while a three-group machine often needs a 32-amp supply.

2. Steam Wands

Steam wands are vital for frothing milk, which is essential for creating lattes, cappuccinos, and other milk-based espresso drinks. Machines generally come with one or two steam wands. If you're operating in a high-volume environment, a machine with two steam wands allows multiple baristas to froth milk simultaneously, speeding up drink production during busy periods.

3. Semi-Automatic vs. Automatic Machines

Understanding the differences between machine types is essential when deciding which best suits your needs. Here's a breakdown of each:

Lever Machines: Traditional machines, often found in specialty coffee shops, where the barista uses a manual lever for espresso extraction.
Semi-Automatic Machines: The barista starts and stops the extraction manually with a button press, providing greater control.
Automatic Machines: The machine automatically stops the extraction once a set amount of water has been dispensed, ensuring consistency.
Super Automatic Machines: Common in offices or high-volume settings, these machines handle everything from grinding to milk frothing at the touch of a button.

4. Boiler Systems

Boilers are the heart of any espresso machine, storing heated water and playing a critical role in both espresso extraction and milk steaming. Machines can have either single or dual boiler systems:

Single Boiler Machines: These are typically entry-level machines that handle both coffee extraction and milk steaming. However, this can affect consistency as the machine manages both tasks simultaneously.
Dual Boiler Machines: These machines have separate boilers for espresso extraction and milk steaming, ensuring more consistent results, especially in high-volume environments.

5. Parts Availability

When investing in an espresso machine, ensure the availability of replacement parts. With so many brands on the market, not all machines have readily available parts. If something breaks, you'll want a machine that can be quickly serviced to minimize downtime. Research the brand’s reputation for part availability and consult with local repair services to ensure future maintenance will be hassle-free.

By following these five tips, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision when purchasing an espresso machine for your cafe. If you have any questions or need expert advice, feel free to contact us at Coffee Machine Depot.