There's no denying that the espresso machine is the heart of your cafe. Not only will it serve as a visual centerpiece for your business, but it will also occupy the space where your baristas spend the majority of their time. So, what do you need to know when choosing a commercial espresso machine? While the questions and concerns can quickly stack up, we're here to help. In this article, we're taking a look at some of the biggest considerations to take into account when choosing an espresso machine for your business.
Most Common Types of Espresso Machines
In the world of specialty coffee, two types of espresso machines dominate the industry: the semi-automatic and the auto-volumetric. How, then, do you decide which is best for your business and will help you achieve your overall vision? Let's look at these machines and highlight their features.
Semi-Automatic
In the simplest terms, a semi-automatic espresso machine relies on the barista to start and stop the shot of espresso. While these machines will allow the user to monitor shots more closely and control extraction time and quality, they will require a few extra steps in a barista’s workflow. Semi-automatic espresso machines do require a little more attention than their auto-volumetric counterparts, but they also allow for greater precision and experimentation from shot to shot.
Auto-Volumetric
These machines allow for programmable doses to be set in order to automate the flow of water to the espresso. The end result being consistent shots and maximum efficiency. Auto-volumetric machines tend to shine during your shop’s peak hours, and some even offer the ability to program each individual group head if you want to add a single-origin coffee to your menu.
Single Boiler/Heat Exchanger
A heat-exchanging machine operates by utilizing a boiler to heat water for brewing and steaming purposes. The boiler's water is exclusively designated for steam production. A separate water line is connected from the pump to a copper tube, known as a heat exchanger, which runs through the boiler's body. The steam generated in the boiler warms the water in the heat exchanger without reaching a boiling point. In this system design, the water used for brewing espresso remains completely separate from the water in the boiler.
Dual Boiler
A dual-boiler espresso machine features a pump that channels water into two separate boilers. One boiler is responsible for generating steam, while the other is set to a specific brewing temperature. Many of these machines include a PID or Digital Temperature Controller, which allows for precise temperature adjustments in both boilers. Although the presence of an extra boiler and heating elements increases the overall cost, the key benefit is the ability to create a larger quantity of drinks with greater control and consistency in both espresso extraction and steaming.
Understanding Your Business Needs
Selecting the right commercial espresso machine depends on precise business demands. Factors like daily drink volume, menu complexity, and space constraints play significant roles in shaping the best purchase decision.
Size & Space
If you're operating in a commercial coffee space, the size of your machine and the real estate it will occupy should certainly be at the top of your list of considerations. A two-group espresso machine will take up anywhere from 18-24 inches of space on your bar, while you can safely assume that a three-group machine will add another 10 inches to that number. It's always worth keeping the potential for growth in mind. Down the line, you might find that a two-group machine is simply not keeping up with demand, and a larger machine is needed. However, adding a larger machine may mean that a change to the layout of your bar is necessary to accommodate your baristas' workflow.
Volume
When deciding on which espresso machine will suit your commercial needs, output is probably at the top of your list of considerations, and for very good reason. However, sometimes it's necessary to adjust the way we talk about volume from drinks per day or week to drinks per hour. For the sake of your machine's overall health and longevity, operating within the expectations of your busiest hours is the best approach to take. While many businesses won't surpass the output of a two-group, dual-boiler espresso machine, you may find yourself approaching a threshold of 50 milk-based drinks per hour. This is when a machine with that extra group and larger boiler capacity should be strongly considered.
Other Factors
While the space you have on hand and the volume you anticipate are essential for choosing the right espresso machine for your business, there are a few other factors that should be taken into account.
- Power: Electrical power will affect the size and model of the machine you can consider. Before choosing your equipment, confirm the electrical supply specifications in your location. It may be worth considering upgrading your current power supply before you open, in case a larger machine is needed in the future.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is part of owning an espresso machine, but some machine features require more attention than others. If you’re miles away from a qualified service provider, a simpler model may be the best fit for your needs.
- Water: Using the right type of water with your commercial equipment is essential, and this is especially true for your espresso machine. Avoiding scale buildup should be a top priority for anyone serving espresso, as it can be the difference between running your business smoothly and having to halt operations. At Voltage, we offer water filtration options to help tailor your water to your specific needs.
Final Considerations
What does it mean to own and operate an espresso machine? A few of the most important factors have been outlined below, will help you prioritize your options and choose a machine that drives your business forward.
- Reliability: As a long-term investment. When choosing an espresso machine, it’s essential to consider one that has proven reliability and craftsmanship. The espresso machine will be core to your business, and it must keep producing drinks every day with little downtime. This is achieved with time-tested components, solid engineering, and a readily available, well-trained service network.
- Consistency: Brings customers back. Your customers expect to get a great cup of coffee every time they visit your business. This can only be achieved with a machine that gives you consistency every time you brew. Choosing a machine with systems built to ensure that each cup meets the highest standard will keep your customers coming back.
- Design: Attracts & Delivers. Customer expectations are first set by the design of your space. It is important to invest in beautifully designed equipment with a wide range of customization options. Beyond outward appearance, the machine should be designed with workflow and ergonomics in mind to ease the barista's workflow and speed of service.
- Machine Configurations: Voltage offers a range of machine configurations to match the needs of your business. More manual configurations allow baristas closer engagement with brew parameters like pre-infusion and pressure. More automated configurations allow the barista to program a repeatable output and give more of their focus to customer engagement. The style and volume of your business will be crucial in deciding which configuration to choose.
If you have any questions about which espresso machine is right for you and your business, contact us! We're always happy to discuss all things coffee and would love to help you bring your vision for a coffee business to life.