The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Espresso Machine

Coffee is one of the most adored, written about, obsessed over, and powerful beverages there is. How many times have you heard someone say they can’t start their day without coffee? How often have you yourself uttered these words?

Coffee, it’s clear, is something that makes the world go round, and something that’s important to a lot of people. This is why, as a commercial purveyor of food and beverages, an espresso machine is something you need to have.

Not just any espresso machine, either. You need one that’s strong, sturdy, and has all the bells and whistles to enable you to make the kind of coffee you—and your customers—want to drink.

If you’ve never purchased a coffee machine before, then there are some things it is important to know. Buying an espresso machine is a big investment and an important decision. To learn all about your different espresso machine options, and which one is best for you, read on now.

What Does an Espresso Machine Do?

Apart from making delicious rich coffee, a good espresso machine will have lots of other functions. You will be able to make espresso, yes, either a single or double shot.

When making espresso, you’ll need to take ground coffee beans, tamp them down, place them in your espresso machine, and allow hot water to run through. This is the process that makes espresso as rich as it is.

But you’ll also be able to make other delicious coffee drinks such as macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. Basically, any kind of coffee drink you like!

Espresso Machine Parts

When buying an espresso machine, it’s important to know the names and functions of all the different parts. This will allow you to make a more informed decision about which one is best for you. There are a few basic parts that every espresso machine should have, so let’s take a look at what these are now.

Portafilter

The portafilter is the handle that holds the basket you will put your ground coffee beans into. You use the handle to twist and lock the filter firmly in place before running the machine. Portafilters are available in different sizes and types.

Filter Basket

The filter basket is the name for the place you put your ground coffee. It’s located at the end of the portafilter and needs to be screwed tightly into the machine.

If it’s too loose or too tight, however, your espresso won’t come out properly. Depending on whether you’re making a single or double shot of espresso, there are different sizes of filter baskets you can choose.

Drip Tray

This is the tray that’s located under the espresso cup as the espresso is dispensed. The purpose is to catch any overspill that may occur. The tray is removable to make it easier to clean.

Milk Frother

While you won’t need a milk frother to make espresso, if you’re making any kind of coffee drink with milk it’s an essential feature. This part is sometimes referred to as a steam wand. It’s used to make the milk you’re using frothy, as seen in drinks such as cappuccinos.

Heating System

One of the most important parts of your espresso machine is the heating system. It is the heating system that determines how quickly your machine can heat up water—and how fast you can make an espresso. The higher the wattage, the more powerful your machine will be.

What to Look For in a Coffee Maker

In order to ensure you choose the right coffee maker, you need to know what to look out for. What are the most important features, and what are some definite deal breakers? With such a wide range of options out there, you’ll need to have a list of what your biggest priorities are.

Price

As a business, you’re going to have a budget when it comes to how much you can afford to spend. Luckily there are espresso machines available at many different price points. That said, this isn’t an area where you want to skimp too much.

Top-quality espresso makers will cost you a certain amount. So anything that’s too cheap is likely to be missing features of lacking power. You should also factor how much money you stand to earn from the addition of this machine into your budget calculations.

Size

This is an obvious consideration that will differ for every business. Espresso makers can take up a lot of room, and if you’re working with limited space, then this can be a

problem.

There are many different sizes you can look for. It should be noted though, that smaller machines might be less powerful and/or lack the ability to make multiple drinks at once.

Durability

Since an espresso maker is such a big investment, and you’re going to be using it so often, you will need to make sure the model you choose is sufficiently durable. What do online reviews say about it? What kind of warranty has it got?

Support

Speaking of warranties, another big consideration to think about will be what kind of support the manufacturer or supplier offers. Are they easy to get in touch with if a problem arises?

An attentive support team can make all the difference—especially if you need something an issue fixed fast. The longer your coffee machine is out of commission, the more money you stand to lose.

Pick Your Perfect Coffee Maker Today

As a business, buying an espresso machine is truly one of the best decisions you can make. The potential for extra revenue and repeat business is huge. After all, who doesn’t love coffee?

If you’re in the market for a coffee maker, and you’d like to talk through what your options are, we’d be happy to help. Drop in to us or get in touch with a member of our team now to discuss which model might be right for you. Don’t wait any longer to start serving delicious coffee to your customers. Browse our range of espresso machines today, and get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements. And don’t forget to check out our other products, including bain maries, chest freezers, and ovens, to complete your commercial kitchen setup.