As a coffee-lover who surprises guests and close ones with restaurant-quality espresso, you probably have dreamed of opening up a coffee shop in your area.
Imagine yourself being a proud owner because your shop is a bustling place. Customers of different age groups enter through the beautifully decorated glass door, order their favorite cup of espresso, and then relax with every sip. No doubt the revenue is higher than you expected!
Ok, now let’s get back to reality.
When you are starting out as a small business, you do need the right appliances in order to eliminate any room for error.
Since an espresso machine is the only appliance you can count on throughout your coffee-making journey, you need to ensure you buy the best espresso machine for small business.
And that’s why we are here to present you with our top picks!
Best Espresso Machine For Small Business Reviews
Yabano Espresso Machine- Best Espresso Machine For Small Coffee Shop
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As a small business owner, you may want to start with a compact, yet reliable espresso machine, and it is no other than this one by Yabano.
The Yabano espresso machine is semi-automatic, and you don’t need many skills to make the perfect cup of espresso.
It features a large water tank having a capacity of 33.8oz, which allows you to brew 4 cups of espresso before refilling. As the machine starts brewing, you can view the accurate pressure reading from the pressure gauge located at the front.
Since the machine uses a high-pressure of 15 bars, the espresso will be fully extracted, and you can enjoy the aroma of the fresh brew.
If you are a beginner when it comes to frothing milk, then this machine can be your best buddy! It features a steam wand with a control knob that lets you create the creamy texture of latte, cappuccino, espresso, or caramel macchiato.
One great feature of this machine you can make use of is its pre-heating ability. The machine has a cup-warmer grill on the top on which you can put your espresso cups and warm them to maintain the temperature and the actual color of espresso longer.
When you are done with making espresso, you can easily take out the water tank, nozzle, and drip tray for cleaning.
Highlighted Features
- It has a built-in pressure gauge
- Features a built-in steam wand
- The water tank, nozzle, and drip tray are detachable
- Can be used to preheat cups
- It has a 15-bar pump pressure system
Breville Infuser Espresso Machine
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If you want to have more control over the espresso-making process, then no doubt the Breville Infuser espresso machine is the perfect candidate!
This metal espresso machine features programmable buttons that let you control the volume of espresso you want in a cup, adjust the boiler temperature settings in two-degree increments, and select either hot water or steam.
This machine guarantees you achieve the rich, creamy texture of coffee because of its functionality. It features a pre-infusion function, which means it applies low water pressure in the beginning and then gradually increases it to ensure the grinds moisten and expand enough for uniform extraction.
If you are interested in creating latte art, you can do it easily because the machine produces micro-foams using high-pressure steam.
Like the previous espresso machine, this one also has a built-in cup warmer that lets you preheat espresso cups.
It also comes with a magnetic tamper, which you can detach from the machine, thus allowing you to tamp conveniently.
What’s more, the Breville Infuser comes with accessories that let you make espresso comfortably. When you take the drip-tray out, you will find a bin containing four single and double-walled filters, a scoop, a cleaning brush, and a razor for scraping excess grind off the filter.
Highlighted Features
- Features adjustable volumetric control
- Can be used to adjust the boiler temperature
- It has a 15-bar pump pressure system
- It has a dry puck feature
- The drip tray has an “Empty me!” indicator
De’Longhi EC702 15 bar Pump Espresso Maker- Best Espresso Machine For Business
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This is another great 15-bar pump espresso machine for your coffee shop. You can use it to brew restaurant-quality espresso, cappuccino, latte, or other drinks according to your customer’s preferences.
To begin with, the machine has a detachable water tank with a float inside that lets you measure how much water you have poured into it. While this helps aspiring baristas to pour the appropriate amount of water, it also eliminates the risk of the boiler running dry. The boiler primes itself automatically!
The machine has simple controls, so if you are a beginner, you will have no trouble using it. It features two individual thermostats for controlling the water and steam pressure, thus letting you enjoy the perfect espresso at the right temperature.
Not only that but also it has a cup-warmer on the top where you can place up to three cups for pre-heating. You can also use taller glasses for pre-heating and pulling espresso shots.
De’Longhi EC702 machine allows you to create creamy froth for latte using the advanced manual frother. Simply pour milk into the pitcher, turn the knob, and the frother will starting steaming and stirring the milk at once. For cleaning the leftover froth inside, you can turn the knob again, and it will dispense hot water.
Speaking of cleaning, after brewing espresso, you can take out the drip tray, filter, and water tank and put them in the dishwasher.
Highlighted Features
- Features two separate thermostats
- It has a self-priming function
- It has a 15-bar pump pressure system
- Comes with a water-level indicator
- Comes with a three-in-one filter holder
EspressoWorks All-In-One Barista Bundle Set
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If you wish to own an all-in-one set rather than just a machine, then you can go for this amazing set by EspressoWorks!
This set comes with a coffee bean grinder, portafilter, scoop and tamper, frothing cup, and even two porcelain cups! With all the items packed in a single place, you don’t need to spend dollars on additional ones.
The espresso machine uses a thermoblock heating system that lets you make an excellent-quality latte, espresso, cappuccino, americano, or other drinks in just 45 seconds.
Since it comes with a steam wand, you can make froth in the included frothing cup for espresso or latte art.
Unlike most espresso machines, this one has a visible water tank, which means you don’t have to take it out from inside the machine for checking the water levels. Plus, it has a handle attached to it so that you can remove the tank for cleaning.
A big advantage of using this machine is that it saves power. It has an auto-shutdown feature that turns off the machine after 25 minutes of inactivity. So, even if you forget to unplug the machine after tiresome hours, there won’t be a problem!
To achieve the intrinsic flavor of espresso, you can grind beans using the included grinder. EspressoWorks recommends you grind for 20-25 seconds for ideal results.
Highlighted Features
- It has a 15-bar pump pressure system
- Features thermoblock heating system
- It has an auto-shutdown feature
- Comes with a visible water tank
- Features a built-in steamer
Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine
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Instead of a separate grinder, the Breville Barista Express espresso machine comes with a built-in grinder so that you can start with beans and end with a delicious cup of espresso!
The machine uses a conical burr grinder that delivers freshly ground coffee beans into the portafilter for brewing. Regardless of the bean type, you can adjust the grind size using 16 different settings, from the finest to the coarsest grind.
Apart from that, the espresso machine lets you select single, double, or even manual shots depending on your requirements. All you need to do is select the filter size, attach the portafilter, and press the button once. The machine will grind the beans and will stop automatically when it’s done.
If you need to grind a certain amount, simply hold the portafilter and press it in until you have got your desired amount.
The bean hopper is detachable, so if you need to change the beans, you can take them out, change them, and put them back in the machine.
Brewing is also simple with this machine. You need to attach the portafilter to the group head, tweak the settings and then start brewing espresso to your desired volume. Since the machine features digital temperature control, you can expect consistent shots.
Just like the above espresso machines, this one also has a built-in steamer wand that produces micro-foam for latte art.
Highlighted Features
- Features a built-in grinder
- It has a built-in steamer wand
- Features digital temperature control
- Can be used for single, double, or manual shots
- Comes with 16 grind settings
Espresso Machine For Small Business Buying Guide
Types of Espresso Machines
Semi-Automatic
Semi-automatic machines allow you to do some manual work in order to deliver excellent quality coffee.
Before initiating the brewing process, you will need to manually grind and tamp the coffee in the portafilter. Once you are done, you can attach the portafilter, and the machine will take care of the process.
Since this type of machine doesn’t feature an automated start/stop option, you will need to manually determine the amount of coffee you want in a cup.
If there is less customer flow and you don’t mind creating the froth by yourself, you can go for this machine.
Automatic
For aspiring baristas, automatic espresso machines are an ideal choice due to the effortless operation.
Unlike its semi-automatic counterparts, automatic machines automatically pull espresso shots with foam without you having to stand there and monitor the process.
With an automatic espresso machine, all you need to do is grind and tamp the coffee beans, put them into the portafilter, and then press the button.
Super-Automatic
This is the fully-automated type to consider when you are dealing with a large number of orders.
It doesn’t require you to grind or tamp the coffee beans, so you can use that time to focus on other tasks. Simply pour the beans into the container, program the machine, and it will do the rest.
Manual
Also known as a Piston machine, this type of espresso machine requires manual labor. Baristas have full control over the espresso quality, from grinding to creating the pressure needed to pull a shot, thus enabling them to achieve the perfect blend.
Unlike automated machines, manual machines are highly reliable and easy to maintain.
While you might be interested in using this old-school method at home, you would not prefer this for your coffee shop where every second count!
Size
Regardless of how well-functioned your espresso machine is, it will be a total waste if you can’t make it sit on top of the counter.
So, when you are shopping for the best espresso machine for small business, be sure to check its dimensions according to the available counter space.
Capacity
The capacity of an espresso machine refers to the faucets or group heads of the machine.
Each group head can dispense two drinks at the same time before being refilled, and the more heads an espresso machine can accommodate, the less time it will take to fill several cups.
The smallest espresso machine consists of a single group head, while larger ones feature multiple group heads.
In general, you would want to look for a machine whose group heads work in harmony with the workload.
Power
This is another crucial factor to consider when purchasing an espresso machine.
Typically, most commercial espresso machines require a minimum power of 1000W, and the more wattage it holds, the better the quality of espresso it will deliver.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Is The Best Espresso Machine For A Small Coffee Shop?
– Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine would be an apt choice for a small coffee shop. The stainless-steel device prepares third-wave speciality coffee in a breeze.
The integrated grinder pulverizes coffee bean in under a minute and quickly makes topnotch coffee. So, your customers won’t be sick of waiting. Besides, the Optimal Water Pressure of this machine ensures that the maximum flavour and aroma of the coffee grounds are retained.
What Is The Best Espresso Machine For Commercial Use?
– La Pavoni BAR-T 2V-R is one of the greatest options for commercial use. The boiler water capacity of this machine is 14L. It has 2 coffee groups and2 steam wands.
Apart from that, its brass-chrome group heads are equipped with radiator hydraulic systems. Let’s not also forget its pre-infusion function for optimal shot pulling. All in all, it’s going to be a valuable purchase.
How Long Does A Commercial Espresso Machine Last?
– It depends on a lot of factor such as how carefully you use the machine, material etc. On average, a commercial espresso my last from 1 to 15 years based on the brand, material and model.
Conclusion
For a thriving small business, you need to ensure the equipment you own can deliver the optimum output possible. Since this is a crucial part, it requires a lot of time to conduct research and land on the right equipment.
As professional baristas, we know your requirements, which is why we have created the above list to help you choose the best espresso machine for small business. We have done extensive research on each of the products so that you don’t face any trouble amid your business operation.
Hopefully, you will find one and enjoy seeing your business flourish!
James is the owner of North. After working at Nick’s on Broadway, James moved to Red Fez and put his knowledge to the test with hot dog R&D. He assisted in the launch of Momofuku Ko in NYC In 2008. And a year later, James was part of Christina Tosi’s team for Momofuku Milk Bar as their bread baker.