How do I choose the correct espresso machine for my business?

My Red Corvette

On the bar at JP’s I have what I affectionately call my red corvette. Why do I say that? Well, because it is beautiful, red and pricey. It’s my espresso machine and though it may not cost as much as a ’63 ‘vette, it ain’t cheap.

How to choose the right machine

I’ve been asked many times, “Which espresso machine should we get?” And my answer is always the same: choose your machine based on the color that matches your store’s colors.

Kidding.

If this is the first commercial espresso machine you have purchased, there are a number of questions you must ask yourself before deciding which machine to get. If you already have a machine and this replaces a previous one, you’ll need to decide whether to stay with the same type of machine or switch to a different brand or model.

Following is a list of variables for espresso machine choice. First,

Brand

There are a number of brands distributed in the US. Some of the most well known brands are (in no particular order): LaMarzocco, Rancilio, Faema, Nuova Simonelli, Astra, Dalla Corte, Egro, Franke and La Cimbali.

Important factors when evaluating a brand:

• Reputation - do many coffee bars use this brand? If it’s not well known, why? It may be a lesser known brand, but do you want to risk your most important equipment decision on an unknown brand? Do a few online searches on the brand and manufacturer and look for reviews.
• Features – Machines have various bells and whistles and it may be difficult for you to know what is most important to have and what isn’t. Following are a couple of the most important features:

1. Grouphead temperature stability - the machine you choose must be able to keep a consistent temperature at the grouphead when busy and when slow. Even minor temperature fluctuations will affect the quality of your espresso.
2. Recovery time AKA steam capacity - Your machine must be able to produce enough steam to keep making drinks when your store is at its busiest.
3. Single boiler vs. two boiler machines. In the last 10-20 years, the two boiler machine has been revered by coffee geeks as “the” machine. Today that is even more so with today’s P.I.D. control (technology that makes temperature stability even more stable). But, some single boiler machines have included P.I.D. or similar technology that gives a two boiler machine a run for the money (example – Rancilio’s Xcelsius or Nuova Simonelli’s T3).
4. Ergonomics - Some machines are made with features that help eliminate repetitive motion injuries or just make it easier to operate the machine.

Style

There are 4 basic styles of machines to choose from:

• Manual espresso machine - the operator uses a lever to produce the pressure needed to make an espresso. Very rarely used, requires high degree of skill, used by “purists”.
• Semiautomatic espresso machine - the operator presses an on/off button to start water delivery for espresso. Quite common, requires skill, used by coffee shop owners who want to control the entire process of espresso making.
• Automatic espresso machine - same as a semiautomatic, except there are four additional buttons for water flow. Selecting one of them allows a preselected amount of water through the grouphead (most commonly a single, 2 short pull singles, a double, two short pull doubles). Quite common, requires skill, assists operator in automating one additional step of the espresso making process.
• Super-automatic espresso machine - the next generation of espresso machines. These machines grind, tamp, extract, dump spent grounds and then wipe your chin (just kidding on the chin thing). I have found that although there’s a time and place for these machines, they cannot duplicate the conditions needed to make a great espresso. That being said, many or most coffee bars can’t make a great espresso to save their life. In place of a solid training program, baristas who care and an owner who wants the best, a super automatic could be a coffee bar’s best decision. Consistently OK espresso is better than inconsistent and usually bad.

Groupheads

In choosing an espresso machine you will be presented with 4 options: a one group, two group, three group or four group machine. A one group machine should only be purchased by the smallest of coffee shops; ones that will only make 20-30 drinks a day. On the other side are 4 group machines. These should only be selected if you are in an extremely high volume location and will have two baristas on the bar at all times, want extra space on top of the machine for pre-heating glasses and cups, or have extra money to spend and like the way it looks. Most common is a 2 or 3 group machine and I would recommend a 2 group based on budget and a 3 group based on available counter space. If you have the counter space, think you will do a fairly high number of drinks per day or have lots of seating the 3 group is your best choice.

Price

As for a price range I’ll put forth the following: commercial espresso machines range from as little as $5,000 to as much as $20,000 or more. Ballpark price for a quality 2-group machine, $7,500-$15,000; 3-group machine, $9,000-$17,000; 4-group machine, $11,000-$20,000. Of course you get what you pay for, but you need to understand which machine is right for your concept more than, “Oh my goodness, I don’t want to spend that much“. Also, when comparing make sure to find out what is included in the price: freight, shipping or delivery costs, installation, warranty, water softener, and accessories will either be included in the price or additional costs you may incur.

Voltage

Unless you have circumstances beyond your control, I would never recommend a 110V machine in any commercial application.

Service and Support

Although a solidly-built piece of equipment is important, no matter which machine you buy, it will eventually need maintenance and repair. First, remember that any espresso machine company that recommends and uses a local service provider is separate from that company. Some espresso machine companies even hesitate to recommend service companies, because they don’t want a poor experience to tarnish their company image.

Most equipment service companies that service espresso machines can fix any brand (if they have issues they need help trouble shooting, they’ll call the manufacturer or national distributor). The quality of the company is most important. Having a quality-run service company close to you will help make sure your machine stays running well and when it needs repairs, they’ll be done correctly and fast.

Lease

Although I cannot recommend leasing as an option, for some it may be the only way. Some espresso machine distributors may offer financing, but if you are making your machine decision based on that, I question your overall ability to succeed.

Used Equipment

I do not recommend you purchase a used machine. There is too much risk and even if you know what to look for you can easily make a mistake. Buying a used machine is risky at best, foolish at worst as making great espresso is the core of your business and the right equipment is critical.

What to avoid

There are a few brands in the marketplace that I would not recommend. I will not list them here, but just know they are out there. They usually are found by being the cheapest on the market or comparing themselves to the industry leaders. There are also salesmen/women to avoid. If you need help figuring that out, you are going to have a tough time being a business owner (hint; avoid pushy, in-a-hurry, we-can-do-anything, creepy, or otherwise off-putting people).

Grinder

When you purchase an espresso machine you must purchase quality grinders to make it work. The best machine in the world is unable to do its job without the accompanying proper grinder.

I won’t take time to list the brands and options here, but know that unless you are spending at least $1,000 for a grinder, you probably are not getting a good one. Grinders for the commercial market start around the high hundreds for the smallest, slowest grinder (often used for decaf) all the way to $5,000 for the largest, fastest, top of the line grinder. I’ll hazard a guess that the purchase of two quality grinders (one for regular and one for decaf) or a double grinder (two grinders in one), will set you back between $2,000 and $4,500.

Summary

There are a lot of things to think about when choosing a commercial espresso machine. We have used a number of brands, models, sizes and styles over the years and we are definitely opinionated on machines.

We also have sponsors at the Midwest Barista School who provide us with equipment and we have been able to test, use or be a part of the development of some equipment. But it is important that you research and figure out which machine is right for you.

My opinions are based on experience, quality, longevity, results and price. If you have questions, feel free to email me.