It is fashionable to install machines for preparing coffee drinks in catering establishments and offices. A coffee machine for a coffee shop or other establishment with a large number of consumers must meet special needs. Such models have high power, speed of preparation of drinks, and have several taps for dispensing.
Features of professional coffee machines
Several dispensing groups in the coffee machine
Unlike household and office appliances, equipment for professional use has:
- big sizes;
- increased power;
- increased volume of water tank;
- several bottling groups;
- automatic or semi-automatic control;
- precise control of parameters.
Buy a coffee machine or rent it
Many companies selling coffee offer to rent a coffee machine. There are pros and cons here.
Pros:
- No need to spend money to buy.
- If the device breaks down, the lessor repairs or replaces it.
Minuses:
- You are obliged to sell the volume of coffee and related products determined by the lessor. Often, especially at the beginning of the activity, it is difficult and even impossible to master the volumes determined by the lessor.
- Certain types of coffee are imposed on you and you are not allowed to use your own raw materials.
After comparing the pros and cons, choose the option that is most suitable for you. The human factor has not been canceled, so special conditions can always be negotiated. When buying a coffee machine with your own money, you have the right to choose your own suppliers of raw materials and are not pressured by impossible plans for selling coffee.
How to choose a coffee machine
Wide range of drinks
When choosing a model, you should pay attention to:
- case material – plastic is vulnerable to mechanical damage, metal is reliable and durable;
- the ability to use tall cups;
- the presence of an option for heating dishes;
- number of groups - for an establishment with low traffic, choose 2 groups, if there are more visitors - 3, 4 groups;
- assortment of drinks;
- connection to water supply;
- installation option - desktop or built-in (the first takes up a lot of space on the table, the second fits in a separate niche);
- low or high body option;
- additional functions (self-cleaning, auto shut-off, water level indication, collection of drops and waste).
Equipment breaks down from time to time. What matters is how easy it is to troubleshoot. If the repair is complex and requires the intervention of a specialist, the coffee shop will be idle. Therefore, the ability to independently restore the operation of the machine plays an important role in the choice of equipment.
If your water supply is hard, choose a coffee machine with decalcification.
The best manufacturers of coffee machines - La Marzocco, Gaggia, Nuova, La Pavoni - (Italy) create high-class professional equipment. The most popular coffee machines for professional use:
- Saeco SM7685;
- Nuova Simonelli Appia II Compact Gr V;
- Asko SM84565;
- La Cimbali M29 SELECT DT/2;
- La Marzocco FB/80 AV 2gr.
Coffee machines are designed for different capacities of cafes, all have a high level of reliability and performance.
What to look for when choosing?
Here are a few questions to think about before making a purchase and deciding on a specific model of professional coffee machine for your coffee shop.
Volume of work and number of employees
There are, of course, mini-machines with one dispensing group, but they usually do not belong to the professional segment; in this case, it is more profitable to take a high-quality office one. Commercial coffee machines, as a rule, have 2-3-4 dispensing groups, that is, they can dispense 4-6-8 drinks at the same time. If there are several bottling groups, several baristas can work with the machine at the same time, this is convenient for a high-traffic point.
How to navigate: for 10-15 cups a day one group is enough, about 30 - two posts, more than 50 - most likely, it is better to take a three-post option.
Interesting fact: in a high-level establishment it is better to install at least a two-group machine, even if the flow of customers is not so large. It simply looks more solid and professional, which increases the level of trust from clients. This way the drink is subconsciously perceived as more tasty.
Automatic or semi-automatic
Everything is simple here: if an establishment specializes in serving coffee, and it must really be the best, you need a semi-automatic machine and an experienced barista who will control and vary the grinding, temperature, dosage, tamping and other factors. If coffee is a non-main product or is served by ordinary sellers, you should take a super-automatic machine - pressing a button will quickly prepare a drink with a standard taste, and at the same time it cannot be spoiled, there is no risk.
Types of drinks
What do you order most often? Do you need automatic milk frothers, or will the barista do it? If you sell coffee to go, there will likely be quite a lot of orders for cappuccinos and lattes. There are systems with an automatic immersion cappuccino maker, but more and more pros are choosing a manual one to control the level of foam and make latte art. But you shouldn’t buy a coffee machine just because it can make hot chocolate and cocoa; as practice shows, these are far from the most popular drinks.
Cookware options
Tall glasses or small cups? The height of the pouring group you need depends on the dishware. High is better for large glasses, take-out coffee, latte glasses, but espresso in a mini cup will splash, lose temperature, that is, you will need a stand. Coffee shops often use low groups, but this may be because there are more such coffee machines or they are simply cheaper.
An optional option is active cup heating. That is, the cups need to be heated, but even on machines with 2-3 positions, the passive top will heat up during active operation, so this factor can be practically ignored when buying a professional coffee machine for a coffee shop.
Connection and installation
There are models of professional coffee machines for coffee shops that connect directly to the water supply and drain; in this case, there is no need to monitor the water level, and waste is removed automatically. But it’s not easy to move such a device if necessary. Solutions with separate tanks for water and pulp are more portable, but you must not forget about replenishment and cleaning.
Service and maintenance
Make sure that if the unit breaks down, you can have it repaired somewhere quickly and relatively inexpensively. Such equipment, of course, is designed for high loads, but sometimes it also fails - most often due to scale from hard water or untimely, irregular cleaning, and sometimes the electronics break due to voltage surges. What will happen to your business if the device has to be handed over to specialists? Will there be a replacement of equipment or will the point be idle? This is all worth thinking through and taking into account.
Saeco SM7685 – for those who need to be reminded about the quantity of products
An automatic professional coffee machine works with beans and ground coffee. The model has grinding and temperature adjustment, a self-cleaning option, and a display. Universal equipment for cafes and offices is reliable, does not require cleaning, and quickly prepares various drinks.
The body is made of plastic, simultaneous filling into 2 cups is provided. Heating element – boiler, capacity – 1.7 l. Assortment: espresso, Americano, cappuccino, latte macchiato, flat white, ristretto.
The advantages of the model include - it works with beans and ground coffee, there is a measuring spoon for ground coffee, and a decalcification option is provided.
The control is carried out using a display, a waste tray is provided, and a drop collection system is thought out.
Built-in option, does not take up much space, indicator of power on and water level allows you to control the cooking process. 12 grind options provide a wide choice of drink for every taste.
Features of the device - quiet operation, there is an option to remind you that water and grains are running out. The disadvantages include the plastic case, which is easy to damage.
Rating of the TOP 12 best coffee machines for the office 2021-2022
| Place | Name | Price |
| TOP 4 best coffee machines for the office in terms of price/quality ratio | ||
| 1 | Saeco HD 8928 PicoBaristo | Find out the price |
| 2 | Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini | Find out the price |
| 3 | Philips EP1220/EP1222/EP1224 Series 1200 | Find out the price |
| 4 | De'Longhi Magnifica ECAM 22.110 | Find out the price |
| TOP 4 best bean coffee machines for the office | ||
| 1 | Bosch TIS 30129 RW VeroCup 100 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Saeco Lirika One Touch Cappuccino | Find out the price |
| 3 | De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM 350.55 | Find out the price |
| 4 | Melitta Caffeo Solo | Find out the price |
| TOP 4 best capsule coffee machines for the office | ||
| 1 | De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini EN 85 | Find out the price |
| 2 | Krups KP1A01/KP1A08 Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS | Find out the price |
| 3 | De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini EN 85 AE | Find out the price |
| 4 | Bosch TAS 1001/1002/1003/1006/1007 Tassimo Happy | Find out the price |
Table of contents:
- Rating of the TOP 12 best coffee machines for the office 2021-2022
- How to choose a coffee machine for the office?
- TOP 4 best coffee machines for the office in terms of price/quality ratio
- Saeco HD 8928 PicoBaristo
- Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini
- Philips EP1220/EP1222/EP1224 Series 1200
- De'Longhi Magnifica ECAM 22.110
- TOP 4 best bean coffee machines for the office
- Bosch TIS 30129 RW VeroCup 100
- Saeco Lirika One Touch Cappuccino
- De'Longhi Dinamica ECAM 350.55
- Melitta Caffeo Solo
- TOP 4 best capsule coffee machines for the office
- De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini EN 85
- Krups KP1A01/KP1A08 Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS
- De'Longhi Nespresso Essenza Mini EN 85 AE
- Bosch TAS 1001/1002/1003/1006/1007 Tassimo Happy
- Customer Reviews
- Useful video
Nuova Simonelli Appia II Compact Gr V – for high traffic establishments
A tabletop automatic machine from an Italian manufacturer works with ground coffee. The model is presented in 2 color options – silver and black. A 7.5 liter coffee machine is suitable for establishments with high traffic.
The heater of the device is a boiler. The equipment is connected to the water supply, there is a panel for heating cups, and there is a power indicator. The coffee machine offers espresso and cappuccino.
The advantages of the machine are its large volume, the ability to prepare 2 cups at the same time, a mirror to control extraction, mesh and gaskets, and a built-in SIS system that allows you to brew coffee with insufficient tamping. You can use tall cups for pouring.
The disadvantages of the model include a small number of drinks, the absence of an anti-drip system, the equipment does not provide a display, and only brews ground coffee.
A few words about the disadvantages and price
Coffee machines that are used in coffee shops and restaurants may belong to the entry-level, mid-range or premium segment. The simplest automatic units will cost no less than 2 thousand euros . It is advisable to install such a device in an inexpensive bar or snack bar, where it will quickly pay for itself.
The middle segment is provided by brands such as San Marco, Rancilio, Faema, Gaggia . The price of coffee machines reaches 4 thousand euros, which is due to the large number of useful technologies and additional options (portion counter, temperature stabilization, precise dosing systems).
Premium segment devices will cost 10-20 thousand euros. These are the brands La Marzocco, Electra, Nuova Simonelli . This requires a highly qualified barista, which only VIP establishments can afford.
The downside of professional coffee machines is the need for maintenance. This is a significant expense item (filters, preparations for removing resins, scale). The device requires servicing at least twice a year. Staff training or advanced training may be required.
Asko SM84565 – if you like coffee with milk, this is your option
An automatic coffee machine for cafes brews drinks from beans and ground coffee. The equipment is assembled in Slovenia, which does not affect its quality.
The stainless steel case is durable and resistant to mechanical damage, which is important for a device intended for frequent use. Convenient, reliable equipment with a large number of additional options is suitable for an office or a small cafe.
The model prepares drinks - Americano, espresso, latte, cappuccino, ristretto, temperature and portion control is provided, there are 2 separate boilers for heating water and steam, and a backlit display.
The advantages of the equipment are touch control, the presence of a condensate collector and a waste tray. The model can be installed on a table or mounted.
Prepare cappuccino automatically; the power indicator helps you control the process. There is a separate container for milk, you can choose 4 serving options.
The disadvantages include the lack of water level indication, there is no automatic washing option, the equipment is expensive.
TOP 4 best coffee machines for the office in terms of price/quality ratio
The company budget does not always allow you to buy an expensive coffee machine. But this does not mean that you will have to sacrifice quality, especially since in 2021-2022 there are enough devices on the market that combine affordable prices with acceptable quality.
Saeco HD 8928 PicoBaristo
The automatic coffee machine is designed to prepare two cups of coffee, but at the same time it has high productivity, so the brewing process does not take much time .
You can pour both ground and bean coffee into the container, including mixed varieties.
On the front panel there are electronic control buttons that allow you to adjust the strength and temperature of the drink, reduce and increase the portion of hot water, and also automatically prepare cappuccino.
The functionality of the device allows you to prepare not only espresso and Americano, but also other coffee-based drinks, for example, lungo, ristretto and macchiato.
The device also has a built-in coffee grinder, and the degree of grinding of the beans can be easily adjusted. The display is backlit, and waste is collected in a separate container.
Additionally, there is a tray for collecting drips, which can be easily removed for washing and cleaning . The case is plastic, but it is strong enough, so it is not afraid of mechanical damage.
Specifications:
- weight 7.2 kg;
- depth 43 cm;
- volume 1.8 l.
pros
strict but solid design;
compact dimensions allow the machine to be placed even in small office kitchens;
the informative display shows data on the coffee preparation process;
simple and clear menu;
The coffee spout can be adjusted in height.
Minuses
The nickel-plated cup stand is easily scratched;
It is difficult to assemble and disassemble the cappuccino maker.
Nespresso C30 Essenza Mini
A compact capsule coffee machine will fit harmoniously into the limited space of a small office kitchen .
To prepare an aromatic drink, you can only use special Nespresso capsules, but finding them on sale is not difficult. The control is electronic and is carried out by just a few buttons located on the front panel.
The capacity holds up to 600 ml of water, so this model is suitable for small and medium-sized offices.
In terms of functionality and control, the device is extremely simple, but the owner will not have to count on the availability of additional options.
The device has no display or anti-drip system, and the machine itself can only make one cup of coffee at a time.
But at the same time, the case has a compartment for storing the power cord, a container for collecting grounds, and a removable tray for collecting drips. The device switches off automatically 9 minutes after the last preparation.
Specifications:
- weight 2.3 kg;
- depth 33 cm;
- power 1310 W.
pros
minimalistic modern design;
simple and understandable operating instructions;
low cost;
compact dimensions;
The set includes 14 capsules for making coffee.
Minuses
you cannot prepare 2 cups of coffee at the same time;
flimsy lid of the water container.
Philips EP1220/EP1222/EP1224 Series 1200
A stylish automatic coffee machine with a black body in which you can prepare an aromatic drink from ground and bean coffee .
At the top of the case there are buttons for touch control. All buttons are labeled, so even a novice user will not have any difficulties preparing an invigorating drink.
In addition, the design of the coffee machine allows you to brew two cups of coffee at a time.
Using flexible settings, the user will be able to independently control the strength of the coffee, the temperature of the finished drink and the portions of hot water in it.
There is also a function for preparing cappuccino in manual mode.
The built-in coffee grinder will quickly and efficiently grind the beans, and the user will be able to adjust the degree of grinding, and the used grounds will be collected in a separate container.
At the bottom of the case there is a drip tray that is easy to wash off and clean.
Specifications:
- weight 7.5 kg;
- depth 37 cm;
- power 1500 W.
pros
convenient and intuitive controls;
affordable price combined with excellent build quality;
quickly prepares two cups of coffee at the same time;
You can use both grain and ground coffee;
attractive modern design.
Minuses
sometimes there is a manufacturing defect;
Not a very high quality brewing unit.
De'Longhi Magnifica ECAM 22.110
A stylish, compact and functional coffee machine from a famous French brand will help provide a small office with delicious aromatic coffee .
With the help of well-thought-out functionality and simple controls, the user can prepare an invigorating drink with excellent taste with minimal effort.
For brewing, you can use both ground and bean coffee, since the device has a built-in coffee grinder that allows you to grind beans to different degrees of grinding..
A tank volume of 1800 ml will be enough for frequent use of the device without the need to constantly add water.
In addition, with the help of flexible settings, the user will be able not only to choose the type of drink, but also to regulate its strength, temperature and amount of hot water in the cup.
The coffee supply unit is height adjustable, and the design of the device itself allows you to prepare two cups of drink at the same time.
Specifications:
- weight 9 kg;
- depth 43 cm;
- power 1450 W.
pros
reliable and proven European manufacturer;
suitable for preparing different types of coffee, including cappuccino;
the cooking unit can be easily removed and washed;
takes up little space due to its compact dimensions;
You can adjust the degree of grinding of the beans.
Minuses
makes noise during operation;
The polished stainless steel cup tray quickly becomes scratched.
La Cimbali M29 SELECT DT/2 – spacious and compact machine for small spaces
An Italian brand coffee horn coffee machine brews drinks from ground coffee. The model is equipped with a block for programming portions and boiling water, and there is an option for foaming milk. A compact and roomy machine with a volume of 5 liters is suitable for small spaces.
The positive qualities of professional equipment are connection to a water supply system, the ability to prepare 8 types of drinks, the presence of a drip tray, and a water level indication.
Negative qualities of the model - high price, no decalcification, no display.
The best coffee machine manufacturers
When looking for the perfect coffee machine, you need to consider not only the technical characteristics, but also where the production takes place. And, just as important, by whose standards. Thus, the list of the most popular coffee machine manufacturers includes:
- De'Longhi is one of the largest international technology manufacturers, headquartered in Italy;
- Another Italian brand of home appliances is Saeco ;
- The German brand Krups focuses specifically on the production of coffee machines and professional coffee grinders;
- Bosch is a group of companies from Germany, considered a leader in the household appliances market;
- REDMOND is a growing Russian brand specializing in kitchen appliances;
- Dutch company Philips ;
- Melitta is a German brand that creates equipment for better brewing of coffee and tea.
