Perhaps you want to open up that coffee shop you have always wanted. Everything else is in place. But what about the espresso machine? Choosing a specific commercial espresso machine is quite a difficult decision to make. The fact that there are so many brands and styles out there only makes the decision more overwhelming. Well, with a little bit of information, buying a commercial espresso machine should not be that too difficult. In this article, we will look at everything you need to know before buying that commercial espresso machine.
The first thing you will have to do is choose the type of machine that you want and that will fit your needs. Typically, commercial espresso machines come in four types.
SUPER-AUTOMATIC: Fully automatic machines with built-in grinders that make coffee drinks with the push of a button. The milk frother on these espresso machines are automatic, allowing the barista to easily make cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos on-demand.
AUTO-VOLUMETRIC: The barista starts the shot, and the machine stops it, based on the preprogrammed volume of water running through the coffee to achieve the preferred coffee volume.
SEMI-AUTOMATIC: The barista starts and stops the shot with either a push button or paddle interface to achieve the preferred coffee volume.
MANUAL: The barista manually controls pre-infusion and pressure during the shot. The barista starts and stops the shot to achieve the preferred coffee volume.
When buying a commercial espresso machine, deciding on what type to get is just the first step. You will have to consider other things such as:
- Cost - The prices of espresso machines vary greatly depending on the different features of the model. Depending on your budget, you are sure to get something that suits your needs.
- Space - It is important to bear in mind how much counter space you have. Some machines are quite compact while others take up too much space.
- Power - The steaming capacity that your machine has will depend on the wattage. Usually, a higher wattage implies a higher steaming capacity. Commercial espresso machines with higher steaming capacities are the best for a busy shop.
When it comes to buying commercial espresso machines, deciding on what machine to pick is a major decision. You will have to settle for one that fits all your needs. However, with the above few tips, you should be able to easily get a machine that works for you.
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