Choosing the perfect espresso machine for your coffee shop

Choosing the wright commercial espresso machine

 

Choosing the right commercial espresso machine for your coffee shop is a big decision—it affects quality, speed, consistency, and workflow. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the best choice:

 

1. Assess Your Needs First

 

 

•  Daily Volume: How many drinks per day?
  
• Low Volume (50-100 cups): Single-group or compact machines.
• Medium Volume (100-300 cups): Two-group machines are ideal.
• High Volume (300+ cups): Look at three-group machines or more robust two-group models.
• Menu Variety: More milk-based drinks? Go for a machine with powerful steam wands and maybe a built-in auto-foamer.
• Barista Experience:
  
• Skilled baristas: Manual or semi-automatic machines.
• Less experienced staff: Super-automatic or machines with pre-set dosing.

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  2. Types of Commercial Espresso Machines

   

   

  • Manual (Lever Machines): Classic, but hard to master. Best for specialty shops.
  • Semi-Automatic: You control water flow; great for customization and quality.
  • Automatic (Volumetric): Consistent, good for high-volume and consistency.
  • Super-Automatic: Push a button, get a drink. Perfect for fast-paced or non-barista environments.

   

   

  3. Key Features to Look For

   

   

  • Dual Boilers: Brew and steam at the same time—faster service.
  • PID Temperature Control: Stable temp = consistent shots.
  • Pre-Infusion: Helps with even extraction.
  • Steam Wand Power: Stronger = faster milk steaming.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Saves time and maintenance costs.

   

 

4. Top Brands to Consider

 

 

• Elektra Indie: High-end, reliable, excellent for busy specialty cafes.
• Elektra Kup : Customizable, durable, very consistent.
• Elektra Evoke: User-friendly, great for high volume.
• Elektra Eklipto : Stylish entry level machine at an affordable price.
• La Pavoni BarT : Great entry level machine for starting out .

 

 

5. Budget Planning

Expect to spend:

 

 

• Entry-level commercial: €4,000-€8,000
• Mid-range: €8,000-€12,000
• High-end: €12,000-€25,000