Best Commercial Coffee Machines [BUYER GUIDE]

Features:

• Stainless steel body
• Commercial-grade brass portafilter
• Professional steam wand
• Large water reservoir
• Ergonomic design

Pros:

• Durable, long-lasting design
• Produces high-quality espresso
• Great steam power for frothing milk
• Relatively affordable for commercial-grade equipment

Cons:

• No integrated grinder
• Steam wand can take some practice to master
• Requires manual operation

Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II

Check Price

The Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II is designed for commercial environments where speed and consistency are key. With its multiboiler system and digital display, you can control every aspect of your brew, from temperature to volume. It’s incredibly efficient, allowing for rapid brewing and frothing, which is perfect for busy cafes. The only downside? It’s on the pricier side, and with its high-tech features, it requires a bit of training to fully utilize all its capabilities.

Features:

• Multiboiler system
• Digital display for precise control
• Energy-saving mode
• Automatic volumetric dosing
• High-quality steam performance

Pros:

• Great for high-volume cafes
• Perfect temperature consistency
• Super fast and efficient
• Advanced features for customization

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Requires proper training to use efficiently
• Takes up quite a bit of space

Breville BES870XL Barista Express

Check Price

The Breville BES870XL Barista Express is a great choice for coffee lovers who want a high-quality espresso machine without breaking the bank. It features an integrated burr grinder that lets you grind fresh beans right before brewing, which gives you a rich, flavorful shot every time. With its 15-bar pump and precise temperature control, it delivers great consistency in flavor. The steam wand froths milk beautifully, making it perfect for lattes or cappuccinos. However, it’s not the largest machine, and the water tank could be a bit bigger for busy coffee shops.

Features:

• 15-bar Italian pump
• Integrated burr grinder
• Precise temperature control
• Stainless steel body
• Steam wand for frothing milk

Pros:

• Grinder built into the machine for convenience
• Affordable compared to other professional machines
• User-friendly, even for beginners
• Great quality espresso and froth

Cons:

• Smaller water tank (67 oz)
• Can be a little noisy when grinding
• Requires regular cleaning and maintenance

La Marzocco Linea Mini

Check Price

The La Marzocco Linea Mini is a mini version of the legendary Linea series, known for its reliability and consistent performance. This machine is a beast with its dual boiler system, so you can steam milk and brew espresso simultaneously without any temperature fluctuations. The PID control ensures precise temperature regulation, which is essential for delivering a perfect shot every time. It’s compact, making it ideal for smaller spaces, but it comes with a hefty price tag and might be too advanced for a casual user.

Features:

• Dual boiler system
• PID temperature control
• Pre-infusion technology
• All stainless steel construction
• Compact design

Pros:

• Excellent temperature stability
• Perfect for high-volume use
• Professional quality espresso
• Compact enough for smaller spaces

Cons:

• Expensive
• May be overkill for small cafes
• Requires experience to get the best results

Sanremo Cafe Racer

Check Price

The Sanremo Cafe Racer stands out with its futuristic design and advanced features. It’s packed with technology, like a dual boiler system and a touchscreen interface, making it ideal for cafes that want precision and control over every shot. The smart auto-cleaning feature is a game-changer, as it reduces the time spent on maintenance. While it delivers exceptional espresso, the price tag and complex features might be overwhelming for a small business or someone just starting in the coffee world.

Features:

• Dual boiler system
• Touchscreen interface
• Advanced temperature profiling
• Smart auto-cleaning system
• Customizable color options

Pros:

• Sleek, modern design
• User-friendly touchscreen
• High customization for brewing
• Auto-cleaning makes maintenance easier

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can be too advanced for beginners
• Large footprint

Why Buy Commercial Coffee Machines

The decision to invest in a commercial coffee machine is often driven by the need for a higher volume of coffee production, better consistency, and improved efficiency. While home coffee machines are designed for personal use, commercial machines are built to handle the rigors of professional environments, where speed, precision, and durability are crucial.

1. High-Volume Brewing: Commercial coffee machines are engineered to handle large quantities of coffee at a time. Whether you’re serving dozens or hundreds of cups per day, these machines are built to withstand the demand and deliver consistently excellent coffee.
2. Durability and Reliability: Designed for continuous use, commercial coffee machines are constructed with higher-quality materials than their domestic counterparts. They feature robust components that can endure long hours of operation, making them a worthy investment for any serious coffee business.
3. Customization and Consistency: A good commercial coffee machine provides the ability to control critical brewing parameters such as water temperature, pressure, and grind size. This ensures consistency in every cup and allows you to tailor the brewing process to your customers’ tastes.
4. Faster Service: In a high-traffic environment like a busy coffee shop or a café, speed is key. Commercial machines are designed to brew coffee faster and more efficiently, ensuring that baristas can serve customers quickly without compromising on quality.
5. Variety of Coffee Drinks: Most commercial coffee machines offer the versatility to create a wide range of coffee beverages, from espresso shots to cappuccinos, lattes, and even cold brew. This flexibility can be a game-changer for businesses looking to appeal to diverse tastes.

How To Choose The Right Machine?

Selecting the right commercial coffee machine for your business is a pivotal decision that can affect everything from the quality of your coffee to your overall operational efficiency. Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Volume Needs: The size of your business and the volume of coffee you expect to serve should be one of the primary considerations. High-volume establishments like bustling cafes or restaurants require machines that can handle large batches of coffee in a short time. Smaller businesses, such as boutique cafés, may be able to work with a more compact machine that’s more affordable and easier to maintain.

2. Type of Coffee Machine: There are several types of commercial coffee machines, each with its strengths and weaknesses:

   • Espresso Machines: These are designed for making espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos. They come in both manual and automatic versions. Manual machines are ideal for experienced baristas who want full control over the brewing process, while automatic and semi-automatic machines offer a more convenient, user-friendly option.
   • Bean-to-Cup Machines: These all-in-one machines grind the coffee beans, brew the espresso, and even froth the milk, making them a great choice for businesses with high customer turnover or limited space.
   • Drip Coffee Makers: If you primarily serve large quantities of black coffee, drip machines can be a more affordable option. These machines are typically found in offices, diners, and some casual cafés.
3. Space and Design: Consider how much space you have in your café or restaurant for a coffee machine. Some commercial machines can be quite large, and you’ll need to ensure there’s enough room for the machine itself, as well as for the barista to operate it comfortably. Aesthetics also matter; a sleek, modern machine can enhance the look of your coffee bar and become a focal point for your establishment.
4. Ease of Use: Some machines require specialized knowledge to operate, while others are more user-friendly. A machine with intuitive controls and easy-to-understand settings can make training new baristas much easier.
5. Budget: Commercial coffee machines can be a significant investment, so it’s essential to weigh your options based on budget and long-term profitability. High-end machines offer more features but come with a higher price tag, while more budget-friendly options may lack some advanced functionalities.

Top Features To Look For In Commercial Coffee Machines

When selecting a commercial coffee machine, the following features should be considered to ensure you get the most value out of your investment:

1. Temperature Control: Consistent temperature control is vital to brewing high-quality coffee. Look for a machine with adjustable temperature settings to ensure the water is heated to the ideal brewing temperature for the best flavor extraction.
2. Pressure Stability: In espresso machines, the pressure at which water is forced through the coffee grounds greatly impacts the quality of the espresso shot. Machines with stable pressure systems are essential for creating balanced, rich, and flavorful coffee.
3. Steam Wand: For making milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, a steam wand is indispensable. Look for machines with a high-quality, powerful steam wand that allows for smooth, creamy milk frothing.
4. Grinder Compatibility: A high-quality grinder is crucial to the overall quality of your coffee. Some machines come with built-in grinders, while others allow you to pair them with an external grinder for better precision and control over grind size.
5. Water Filtration: The quality of water used in coffee brewing has a huge impact on taste. A commercial coffee machine with an integrated water filtration system can help ensure the water is free from impurities, which could otherwise affect the taste and longevity of your machine.
6. Ease of Cleaning: Coffee machines require regular cleaning to maintain hygiene and ensure the taste of the coffee remains high. Choose a machine that is easy to clean, with features like removable drip trays, automatic cleaning cycles, and easy-access parts.
7. Energy Efficiency: With high electricity usage, commercial coffee machines can be costly to run. Look for energy-efficient models that use less power while still delivering high-quality results.

Tips For Using Commercial Coffee Machines

To get the most out of your commercial coffee machine, consider these best practices:

1. Use Fresh, Quality Beans: No machine can compensate for stale or low-quality beans. Always use freshly ground, high-quality coffee beans to ensure the best flavor.
2. Monitor Brew Time: Whether you’re making espresso or drip coffee, monitor the brewing time to ensure optimal extraction. Too fast or too slow can affect the taste.
3. Train Your Baristas: Ensure that your staff is well-trained in using the machine. Knowledge of proper techniques, such as tamping espresso grounds or frothing milk, can make a significant difference in the quality of the coffee.
4. Use Correct Water-to-Coffee Ratio: Whether for espresso or filter coffee, the right water-to-coffee ratio is essential for balanced and flavorful coffee. Follow the machine’s recommendations for optimal ratios.

Maintenance And Cleaning Tips

Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to keeping your commercial coffee machine functioning at its best. Here are some essential steps:

1. Daily Cleaning: At the end of each day, clean all removable parts like the drip tray, portafilters, and milk frothing wands. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to wipe down the surfaces and remove any coffee residue.
2. Descaling: Over time, mineral buildup can occur in the machine’s internal components. Descale the machine regularly (depending on your water hardness and machine usage) to prevent clogging and maintain efficient performance.
3. Check for Wear and Tear: Inspect your machine periodically for any signs of wear, such as worn gaskets, seals, or filters. Replacing these parts when necessary can extend the machine’s lifespan.
4. Professional Servicing: Schedule periodic professional servicing to ensure that your machine operates at peak efficiency. A technician can perform detailed cleaning, calibration, and adjustments that may not be possible through regular maintenance.

Where To Buy Commercial Coffee Machines

Commercial coffee machines are available from several sources, each with its advantages:

1. Specialized Coffee Equipment Suppliers: Many suppliers specialize in commercial coffee machines and often offer a wide range of options. They can provide expert advice tailored to your business’s needs.
2. Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon or dedicated coffee equipment stores offer a broad selection of machines, often with detailed reviews and customer feedback that can guide your decision.
3. Direct from Manufacturers: Some businesses prefer to buy directly from manufacturers, ensuring they get the latest models and warranty options. Brands like La Marzocco, Breville, and Nuova Simonelli sell directly to businesses.
4. Second-Hand Markets: For budget-conscious businesses, buying a used machine from reputable sellers can be a cost-effective option. Just ensure the machine is thoroughly inspected and serviced before purchase.

Final Words

Choosing the right commercial coffee machine can elevate your business, streamline your coffee preparation, and deliver a consistent product that keeps customers coming back. From understanding your volume needs to selecting the right features, every step in the selection process requires careful consideration. With proper training, maintenance, and the right machine, you can create a coffee experience that meets the high expectations of today’s coffee enthusiasts.