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Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that can be found on countless coffee shop and cafe menus, whether it's sipped on its own or used as an ingredient in coffee cocktails. To make it the right way, you'll need a quality commercial espresso machine. The needs of each establishment vary, and each operator will have a different budget and level of expertise. With so many options available, selecting the right machine for your needs can be daunting. Based on market research and feedback from our industry experts, we've compiled our top choices for the best commercial espresso machines based on several criteria.
Shop All Commercial Espresso Machines
- Best Espresso Machine Overall: Nuova Simonelli Appia Life 2
- Best High Volume Espresso Machine: Astra M2S017 Mega II
- Best Compact Espresso Machine: Astra Mega II Compact
- Best Super Automatic Espresso Machine: Astra 232M2S017
- Best Budget Espresso Machine: Estella Caffe 236ECEM1
Perfect for cozy coffee shops and bustling, popular cafes alike, this espresso machine brews great-tasting drinks all day long. With an easy-to-use, intuitive interface that works for both beginners and experienced baristas, it streamlines and simplifies operations so you can fulfil orders with speed and accuracy. An integrated soft infusion system allows you to optimize the tamping process, extracting more flavor out of each cup. Furthermore, if you offer specialty drinks, this machine boasts both volumetric and manual dosing capabilities so you can reduce human error and achieve the perfect blend of flavors.
- Provides operational flexibility with both volumetric and manual dosing capabilities
- 2-group design lets you prepare multiple beverages at once to keep up with demand
- Boasts a soft infusion system that extracts the most flavor and aroma out of coffee grounds
- Push-pull steam system is simple to learn, shortening training time for new staff
- Automatic design streamlines productivity but limits flexibility in the coffee brewing process
If you're looking to upgrade your brewing output, this machine is an excellent choice. It can produce up to 480 cups of coffee per hour, so even the busiest cafes or coffee shops can keep up with demand. This unit offers complete control over the coffee brewing process. Two cool-touch steam wands help you create foam without burning your hand, while its semi-automatic capabilities regulate water pressure. For exact temperature control, this unit boasts a temperature-stabilizing thermocycling system paired with a high-density group head, ensuring your beverages aren't made too hot or too cold to uphold flavor and consistency.
- Endless steam and constant temperature controls let you achieve the ideal consistency in your beverages
- Cool-touch steam wands keep hands comfortable while heating milk
- 2 espresso dispensing ports and 3 simple steam pumps let you prepare multiple beverages at once
- Stainless steel frame is durable to hold up in busy kitchen environments
- Must be hardwired into building's electrical circuit, which can limit where it is placed in the kitchen
- Large design takes up significant counter space
For foodservice operations with limited space but high output requirements, this espresso machine offers the best of both worlds. Despite its small size, this unit boasts a variety of useful features and attachments and can brew up to 360 cups of coffee per hour. Three built-in steamer wands let you prepare foam for multiple orders at once, while manual steam and hot water controls provide more control over the final product, helping you achieve the perfect cup of coffee every time. Furthermore, the internal motor is designed to be quiet, cutting down on noise and distractions, especially in smaller, more intimate settings.
- Compact design and modular frame take up less space in smaller kitchens
- 7 liter boiler lets you produce steam over long periods for uninterrupted service
- 5' power cord provides ample length to place the unit wherever you need on the counter
- Produces up to 360 cups of coffee per hour despite limited size
- Manual dosing espresso machines require exact precision for optimal brewing
- Compact design limits boiler capacity, which can slow down recovery time between uses
This all-in-one espresso machine simplifies the brewing process so that you can make your signature drinks with speed and precision. Perfect for the busiest cafes and coffee shops, it can make 70-80 cappuccinos or lattes per hour to keep up with demand. Thanks to dual bean hoppers with dedicated grinders, you can keep two different types of coffee ready to brew at once, saving prep time so your staff can focus on more pressing tasks. The air injection system features an auto-shutoff to make sure milk is always at the right temperature and texture. Additionally, with up to 80 programmable selections, you can make sure all your recipes are prepared with professional consistency.
- Touchscreen controls allow for easy operation and programming
- Features a dual-hopper design, each of which have their own dedicated grinder to streamline operations
- Can be loaded with two different types of coffee for menu variety
- Can be programmed with maintenance and cleaning reminders to extend machine life
- Only produces 70-80 cups of coffee per hour, which may not be able to keep up with demand in high-output coffee shops
- Only comes with one steam wand
For operators looking for a versatile espresso machine that doesn't break their budget, this machine is an excellent choice. Swap between continuous flow or single/double espresso shots depending on the order, with intuitive, user-friendly controls. The unit is easy to use and train your staff on, with four easily programmable settings that simplify the brewing process and allow you to pre-set your most popular recipes. It even boasts an auto-cleaning feature, which doesn't just improve the quality and taste of your coffee, but also frees up time for your staff so they can focus their energy on fulfilling orders.
- Features four programmable settings per group head to simplify operations
- Automatic cleaning feature protects internal components and ensures optimal coffee taste and aroma
- Continuous flow feature allows operators to regulate water flow in real time
- Made with a durable stainless steel construction to hold up in busy commercial kitchens
- Must be hardwired into building's electrical circuit, which can limit where it is placed in the kitchen
- Limited boiler capacity can slow down recovery time between uses
How We Chose These Espresso Machines
The best espresso machines are durable, reliable, and match the needs of your establishment. Key considerations like style, size, and special features can all impact the functionality and usefulness of your machine, and you should evaluate each option based on how it would fit in your kitchen. Whether you're just starting a coffee shop or have been in business for years, you should evaluate the types of drinks you serve, the type of service you offer, and the experience level of your staff and how that relates to the type of espresso machine you need.
Espresso Machine Style
The style of espresso machine you choose impacts how you brew your drinks and how fast you can work. Regardless of if you prioritize convenience, customization, or a balance of both, you must identify how you prepare your drinks and your customers' preferences to pick the right espresso machine style.
- Automatic: Automatic espresso machines require you to manually grind, tamp, and dose the espresso grounds, but the rest of the process is automated. This style is great for those looking for efficiency and consistency in espresso production. However, automatic machines may lack the customization options that some baristas prefer.
- Semi-automatic: If you value the art and craft of espresso making, a semi-automatic machine may be the ideal choice. This style allows for greater customization of water temperature, pressure, and shot duration.
- Super-automatic: Super-automatic espresso machines offer the ultimate level of automation. These machines handle everything from grinding the beans to frothing the milk, making it incredibly convenient for busy commercial settings. They are perfect for establishments prioritizing efficiency and ease of use.
Espresso Machine Size
Espresso machines come in various sizes, typically measured in groups. The number of groups corresponds to the number of shots the machine can brew simultaneously. Compact espresso machine models are also available, saving counter space while offering the desired capacity. Evaluate the size of your workspace and the expected volume of espresso orders when selecting the appropriate espresso machine size for your business.
- 1-group: Ideal for lower-volume establishments, a 1-group espresso machine brews one cup at a time, making it suitable for cafes or restaurants with moderate espresso demand.
- 2-group: A 2-group espresso machine can brew two cups at a time, doubling output compared to a single-group machine.
- 3-group: Conceived for high-volume environments, a 3-group espresso machine brews three cups at a time, maximizing efficiency during peak hours.
Espresso Machine Features
Different types of espresso machines include additional features, enhancing the espresso-making process and streamlining your kitchen. Although these features may drive the cost of a machine up, they can be well worth the investment in the long run. Some of the most popular espresso machine features include:
- Built-in grinder: Opting for an espresso machine with a built-in grinder can simplify your coffee-making process by allowing you to grind your coffee beans directly into the portafilter.
- Steam wand: A high-quality steam wand is essential for creating perfectly textured milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based beverages. Powerful steam wands can produce a consistent and velvety microfoam.
- Enhanced temperature control: Precise temperature control is vital for extracting the best flavors from your espresso beans.
- Heat exchangers: Espresso machines with heat exchangers are particularly useful in high-volume settings, maintaining a consistent brewing temperature while allowing you to steam milk simultaneously.
- NSF certified: A product that is NSF certified has been independently tested by NSF to meet its health, safety, and quality standards. These products feature labels to identify whether they are certified.
Over his 5+ years with WebstaurantStore, Jason has spent countless hours learning, researching, and writing about the foodservice industry. With expertise in technical topics, he takes pride in helping customers and readers understand everything from troubleshooting their equipment to the fundamentals of starting a business.
Learn more about this author and WebstaurantStore's Content Writing Team here!
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