The Best Commercial Espresso Machine in 2020

Quick summary

Synesso MVP Hydra 3 Group High-capacity espresso machine that provides your barista with a chance to pull customizable yet reliably repeatable shots. 5 best overall Check Price

Victoria Arduino Black Eagle Great for experimenting and finding that ideal combination of brewing parameters for each single-origin bean and blend 4.5 Check Price

La Marzocco Linea 2 Group EE Brew a solid shot, whether you're a self-taught barista or a steam-wand master 4.5 Check Price

Image the rowdy whirring of the burrs, the dreamy steam transforming boring milk into delicious microfoam, and smell the unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed espresso. If that's your idea of heaven and you're ready to make it happen, a commercial espresso machine must be at the top of your shopping list.

This post is by no means an instruction manual, nor is a guide on starting a business. Instead, it's a quick walk through the best and brightest of commercial coffee machines that can turn your dream of running a cafe into reality. We've included options for every type of business from a side-gig of offering espresso in your brick-and-mortar store to a full-fledged specialty coffee shop for foodies and coffee aficionados. But first, let's answer the most common question that must be running on repeat through your head.

Who Needs a Commercial Espresso Machine?

In other words, can't you just get a great consumer-grade espresso maker and be done with it?

It's an understandable impulse. After all, commercial-grade equipment is usually at least five times more expensive. And when you're starting a business, every dollar counts. Still, we urge you against the idea of saving on the most crucial tool that can make or break your corner of coffee heaven.

Consumer coffee makers are good for making one or two cups every morning to get your brain into gear. They may be fast and efficient, but they are not built to withstand the crazy pace of running a coffee shop. A day or two of brewing 100+ cups of coffee and the coffee maker will expire. It's not the manufacturer's fault, as consumer-grade electronics require proper maintenance and cleaning you cannot afford to perform in between pulling shots throughout the morning rush. 

Buying an industrial espresso machine is a good idea if you're opening a cafe or a coffee shop, but that's not the full list of its possible uses. Installing a professional coffee maker is a good idea for any business that requires face-to-face communication and some waiting time. Salons, SPAs, even banks will benefit from offering complimentary coffee. Besides, installing a coffee machine in a family-owned store can become an additional revenue stream. Even if you're an office worker, consider pitching an idea of purchasing a commercial-grade coffee machine if you have a large team that's full of brain juice addicts.

Cheap vs Expensive

Cheap is a relative term here, as you're unlikely to buy the best commercial coffee maker for under $1,000. We won't push you towards the most expensive models on the market, as those tend to be overpriced and chock-full of bells and whistles. Instead, we'll tell you what your espresso maker can't go without if you want to make your money back.

For one, don't skimp on materials and build quality. Cheap plastic will never last as long as stainless steel and copper that make up high-end models. And the longer the equipment lasts, the more money you can make before a replacement becomes necessary. 

Temperature control is another crucial factor. Whether it's performed via a PID controller or heat exchangers, the machine should not let overheated water touch the beans. Otherwise, you will run out of customers fast. No one wants to settle for burnt espresso when it should be smooth and creamy.

The more group heads the machine has, the higher its price becomes. You need to find the right balance between the machine's capacity and its cost. Having two or three groups with separate tanks means brewing more coffees at a time. But there's no reason to go overboard and invest in an espresso maker with four or five groups that won't fit your counter.

An extended warranty is a nice touch if you can afford it. If you settle for a standard warranty, make sure your baristas follow maintenance protocols religiously, or you might come to regret your choice.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Espresso Machine for Coffee Shop?

Selecting a coffee machine should not be a guessing game. Instead of falling for a stylish espresso machine commercial or friendly advice, consider the three sides of this choice and try to appease all of them. The one model that meets the needs of business owners, baristas, and customers should be on your shopping list.

As a business owner, you want a reasonably priced espresso maker that lasts a long time and pays for itself as soon as possible. For you, it's an investment and a means to make more money and grow your business.

As a person who operates the thing at least eight hours a day, your barista wants a machine that's easy on the hands and even easier to clean and maintain. For a barista, it's a daily tool, a reliable companion that lets them experiment and grow better at pulling shots.

As a person who looks for an instant energy boost, your customer wants a delicious espresso or a mellow cappuccino that tickles the taste buds in all the right ways. For a customer, an espresso machine is a way to touch the magic behind the brewing process and a pleasure to behold while they are waiting for their coffee to be ready.

Semi-Automatic vs Automatic

Unless you're going for an authentic vibe, there's no need to look for an original steam-powered coffee machine for your cafe. Instead, you can opt for a semi-automatic model that provides the freedom to experiment with water volume, brew temperature, pre-infusion, and a million other tiny things that make artisanal espresso sought-after. However, semi-automatic machines require an experienced barista committed to the craft. Besides, manual operations take more time and can tire your staff quickly throughout the rush hours. 

Commercial automatic coffee machines take care of most steps necessary to pull a shot. These can grind the beans, tamp them, and brew a cuppa at a couple of button presses. The most a barista needs to do is operate a steam wand if someone orders a cappuccino. Automatic machines require fancy sensors and come with loads of extra features that enhance drink quality and drive up the price. They are a worthy investment if you're running a coffee shop in a high-traffic area and serving 500+ cups of coffee per day. Under these conditions, even the most outrageously priced coffee machine will pay for itself in under a year.

The ultimate choice is yours, and once your business takes off, you can always supplement a super-automatic Italian commercial espresso machine with a semi-automated one and vice versa.

Capacity Of The Espresso Machine

For home baristas, the coffee machine's capacity decides how often they need to top off the water tank and bean hopper. For businesses, it's a crucial factor that can decide whether your coffee shop or cafe will succeed or fail. If the espresso machine you choose has a capacity that's too low, you're losing paying customers who are unwilling to wait in line for their morning cuppa. Suppose you go overboard with the machine's capacity. In that case, you risk losing money as most of the espresso maker's capabilities will remain unused, and it'll take forever to get your money back, let alone start making more.

These factors limit the capacity of a professional espresso machine:

• The number of group heads. One group is usually enough for office use or small side gigs, but cafes and restaurants should invest in machines with two or three heads at minimum. Four or five heads might be impractical, as they take too much counter space, but don't leave enough room for an equal number of baristas.
• The number of tanks. Commercial machines should have separate tanks for steam and brew cycles to stabilize extraction temperature without overheating the beans. We also recommend investing in a model with separate water tanks for individual group heads to guarantee high-quality simultaneous extraction.
• Tank capacity. The more water it holds, the less often it'll need refilling. Even if the machine is connected to the waterline, heating the water to perfect brewing temperature takes time and creates a downtime you can't afford during the morning and evening rush hours.

FAQ

• How Much Does a Commercial Espresso Machine Cost?

  The cheapest professional coffee maker we could find costs around $1,600, though it doesn't have a large enough capacity for running a cafe. Models with two or more group heads come with price tags starting at $5,000 to $6,000. Sophisticated and fully automated machines can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. Additional customization and features will add to these numbers.

• Why Are Industrial Espresso Machines So Expensive?

  They are built to withstand much abuse and last for years. The materials alone (high-grade stainless steel and brass) are much more costly than the plastic used in many consumer-grade models. The quality of the build is another factor, and the extra bells and whistles drive up the price. PID controllers, additional boilers, motors, and pumps to accommodate two or more group heads cost more than you can imagine. You get what you pay for, and being stingy at the onset of running a cafe may lead to even higher expenses down the road.

• How Long Will a Cafe Espresso Machine Last?

  According to many a coffee machine commercial and website, most manufacturers provide a one or two-year long guarantee, so that's the minimum longevity you can expect. However, reliable equipment can last over a decade with proper maintenance and cleaning. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and checklists during regular maintenance, cleaning, and descaling, and filter the water to protect your business investment. Don't forget to instill the same rules among the baristas working with the machine.

• Can I Buy the Same Espresso Machine Starbucks Uses?

  That's unlikely. The Swiss-based Thermoplan signed an exclusive deal to supply the coffee shop chain with its Mastrena machines. These are used in most Starbucks shops across the world. This model is unavailable for purchase, but you can find plenty of reliable and high-performance alternatives on our shortlist.

• What Is the Best Commercial Coffee Machine Brand?

  The jury's still out. Every company has its highs and lows, and it's impossible to say which one builds the one espresso maker your business needs. We love La Marzocco and Nuova Simonelli, though there are plenty of others worthy of your attention. Check out our shortlist for more solid recommendations.