Best Commercial Espresso Machines

Best Commercial Espresso Machines

December 15, 2022

Professional espresso machines are the perfect addition to a quaint coffee shop, kiosk, cafe, or busy restaurant. With 7 out of 10 people in America enjoying at least one coffee every week, it’s sure to be a winner with your diners.

An espresso machine produces something a little different for coffee connoisseurs. The brewing process requires less pressure, and there is no filter. The result is a much richer coffee taste because the oil and bean content is higher. Espresso is served in smaller portions than regular coffee because of its strength. For many people, this is one of the attractions because it means they can enjoy the benefits of drinking coffee without consuming large quantities of liquid.

What Are The Different Types of Commercial Espresso Machines You Can Get?

There is a wide array of commercial machines on the market. They each have different capabilities and features. Below are the most common types you’ll be looking to purchase for your commercial setting. 

Manual Espresso Machines

With a manual espresso machine, you must monitor and operate it continuously. Typically, it won’t have features that guarantee consistent water pressure and temperature. This means the results can be inconsistent. 

Manual machines are also more difficult to operate, especially for novice espresso makers. 

Common applications include: 

  • At-home aficionados

  • Small coffee shops with experienced staff

Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Varying degrees of automation are possible if you don’t want a manual espresso machine. The most common type is the semi-automatic machine. 

This type of machine features a pump for pushing the water through the group head. However, you’ll still need to perform various functions, such as grinding the beans, tamping the grounds, adjusting the extraction time, and using steam wands for steaming the milk.  

Common applications include:

  • Smaller cafes

  • Niche or specialized coffee shops looking to create a vintage or artistic feel

Automatic Espresso Machines

An automatic espresso machine takes care of most of the steps in making the perfect cup of espresso. You still have to grind the beans, dose, and tamp the coffee. However, some models include a pre-infusion feature that helps with tamping. 

These types of espresso machines are very easy to use and fast at making each drink.  

Common applications include:

  • More specialized coffee shops

  • An establishment that experiences frequent rushes of customers

  • Busy restaurant

Super Automatic Espresso Machines

With a super automatic espresso machine, you’ll find making a customizable espresso as easy as pie. The steps that are covered by the machine include grinding, temperature control, the strength of the espresso, and frothing. There are even super automatic machines you can operate using your smart device. 

Common applications include:

  • Work offices

  • Retail stores

  • Self-service type shops

There are two types of super automatic espresso machines: a one-step coffee machine and a two-step machine. 

Choose a one-step machine, and all you have to do to create a cup of quality coffee is press a single button.

With a two-step machine, you can select the beverage and milk type. The milk foams separately in a two-step machine. The machine does everything for you and requires very little skill or labor. A two-step espresso machine also allows your establishment to cater to the plethora of milk types based on diet, preference, and lactose intolerance.  

Which Are The Best Commercial Espresso Machines?

Thanks to technology, espresso machines have come on in leaps and bounds, and the espresso culture has done equally well.

There are many options for espresso machines, with variations in size and capabilities. Below are some of the top picks for the best commercial espresso machines available.  

Single Group

Single-group espresso machines have one head that delivers the espresso. This type of espresso machine is best suited in establishments where coffee is secondary such as a bookstore or hipster barbers, or in a coffee cart.  

Magister ES60 STILO 120V Single Group Automatic Espresso Machine with Steam Wand, 1200W

This automatic espresso machine from Magister is perfect for small coffee shops or restaurants that want to offer high-quality espresso to their customers. This model is Italian-made and designed, and you’re getting a dependable and reliable machine. 

Dimensions: 16.30” (L) x 21.1” (D) x 19.7” (H)

Main Features:

  • Polished stainless steel body

  • Balanced by-pass is a feature of the inbuilt volumetric pump

  • Water for each shot can be adjusted using a volumetric touchpad

  • Automatic hot water dispenser you can program

  • An electronic auto-fill system that protects against lack of water

  • Safety thermostat

  • Fits cups up to 5.3” high

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts: 120V

  • Hertz: 60

  • Phase: 1

  • Watts: 1200W

  • Capacity: 1.1 gallon 

Price: $2,595

Ampto BZ10 Bezzera 10" Semi-Professional Espresso Machine w/ Electric Heating and 0.8 Gallon Tank

This semi-automatic espresso machine from Ampto features one group and requires no water connection. It’s made in Italy and is CE-approved. 

Dimensions: 9.40” (L) x 16.7” (D) x 14.7” (H)

Main Features:

  • Thermostatic control

  • Electrical heating

  • Vibration pump

  • Stainless steel body

  • 0.8-gallon tank and 0.4-gallon boiler

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts: 110

  • Hertz: 50/60

  • Phase: 1

  • Watts: 1200

  • Capacity: 0.8 gallon 

Price: $2,032

UNIC CLASSIC-1 One Group Automatic Espresso Machine – 110V

This automatic espresso machine from UNIC is a high-quality product that comes with a competitive price. It is a 1 group machine but can brew 2 espressos simultaneously. 

Dimensions: 14.00” (L) x 22” (D) x 23” (H)

Main Features:

  • Semi-automatic key for manual control

  • Steam wand made using stainless steel

  • Integrated shot timer

  • Built-in cup warmer

  • Steam wand and pump pressure gauges

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts: 110

  • Hertz: 60

  • Phase: 1

  • Watts: 1700W

  • Capacity: 1.5 gallon  

Price: $4,443

Two Groups

The most commonly used espresso machines are those with two group heads.

Magister E70 STILO 220V Second Group Automatic Espresso Machine with Steam Wand, 2700W

This automatic espresso machine from Magister is a good choice for owners of smaller coffee shops or restaurants. It’s a quality espresso machine that was manufactured in Italy, the home of espresso. You can expect a very dependable and reliable machine if you choose one of these. 

Dimensions: 23.40” (L) x 21” (D) x 19.7” (H)

Main Features:

  • Polished stainless steel body

  • Balanced by-pass is a feature of the inbuilt volumetric pump

  • Automatic hot water dispenser that’s programmable

  • An electronic auto-fill system that includes protection against a lack of water

  • Volumetric touch pads

  • Suitable for cups up to 5.3” high

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts: 22-

  • Hertz: 60

  • Phase: 1

  • Watts: 2700W

  • Capacity: 1.3 gallon 

Price: $3,195

UNIC CLASSIC-2 Two Groups Automatic Unic Classic Series Espresso Machine- 230V

This automatic two-group espresso machine from UNIC is one of its Classic series. It features several useful elements, such as a semi-automatic key for manual control and programmable volume keys. 

Dimensions: 25.00” (L) x 23” (D) x 23” (H)

Main Features:

  • 10-liter steam boiler capacity

  • Brews four espressos simultaneously

  • The group head is mounted direct-to-boiler

  • Steam wand and pump pressure gauges

  • Integrated shot timer

  • Built-in cup warmer

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts: 230

  • Hertz: 60

  • Phase: 1

  • Watts: 4600W

  • Capacity: 3.25 gallon 

Price: $5,449

Ampto C2013PM2IS4E Bezzera 24" Compact Line Professional Fully-Automatic 2-Group Stainless Steel Espresso Machine with Thermostatic Control

This fully automatic espresso machine is of the two group types. It’s very compact in size but has a good capacity. It is manufactured in Italy and is CE-approved. 

Dimensions: 23.60” (L) x 19.4” (D) x 21” (H)

Main Features:

  • Stainless steel construction

  • Copper boiler

  • Built-in volumetric pump

  • Thermostatically controlled

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts: 220

  • Hertz: 50/60

  • Phase: 1

  • Watts: 2600-3050

  • Capacity: 2.1 gallon

Price: $3,834

Three Groups

A three-group espresso machine is perfect for busy coffee shops that need to serve consistent and large numbers of coffee throughout the day. The three heads mean that experienced baristas can handle large volumes and meet differing customer needs.

Magister E100 STILO 220V Third Group Automatic Espresso Machine with Steam Wand, 5400W

This automatic espresso machine from Magister will bring a clean and modern look to your cafe. Its clean brushed steel finish makes it easy on the eye. You can use it for filling espresso or To Go cups without any changes. 

Dimensions: 40.70” (L) x 21” (D) x 19.7” (H)

Main Features:

  • Volumetric touch pads

  • Electronic auto-fill system

  • Safety thermostat

  • Programmable automatic hot water dispenser

  • Polished stainless steel body

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts

  • Hertz

  • Phase

  • Watts

  • Capacity 

Price: $4,095

UNIC TRIMIRA Three Group Unic Tri Mira Automatic Espresso Machine -230V

This automatic espresso machine from UNIC comes with quite a high price tag but has a massive capacity that would be perfect for busy coffee shops or bars. 

Dimensions: 34.00” (L) x 23” (D) x 23” (H)

Main Features:

  • Integrated shot timers

  • Automated back-flushing cycle for daily cleaning

  • Adaptable for various coffee profiles, pods, and capsules

  • Stainless steel panels and welded steel framework

  • Twin pressure gauge for steam wand and pump

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts: 230

  • Hertz: 60

  • Phase: 1

  • Watts: 6900W

  • Capacity: 4.2 gallon

Price: $8,328

Ampto B2016DE3IS4E Bezzera 35" Professional 3-Group Fully-Automatic Stainless Steel Espresso Machine

This fully automatic espresso machine from Ampto would make the ideal addition to a busy coffee shop. The three heads can deliver four programmable coffee doses, and the machine is thermostatically controlled for the optimum temperature.    

Dimensions: 35.00” (L) x 19.6” (D) x 20.47” (H)

Main Features:

  • A fully automatic three-group espresso machine

  • Thermostatically controlled

  • Programmable coffee doses

  • Stainless steel construction

Technical Specifications:

  • Volts: 220

  • Hertz: 50/60

  • Phase: 1

  • Watts: 4600-5450

  • Capacity: 4.5 gallon

Price: $5,818

What Are The Most Important Factors And Features to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Espresso Machine?

A commercial espresso machine could be one of the most important purchases you make for your business, so it’s critical that you get it right. There are many coffee maker machines out there, but you can narrow down your options if you take the following into consideration. 

Type

We’ve already looked at the different types, but in this section, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each. 

Manual

Manual commercial coffee machines are relatively rare and require much more work to create the perfect espresso. Typically, this coffee maker will be a hand-operated level style.

Pros

  • Can fit the character of shops with a more vintage feel or one serving specialty coffee

  • Provides an entirely hands-on espresso drinks experience

Cons

  • Require more care and maintenance

  • Is mostly hands-on and difficult to operate

Semi-Automatic

A semi-automatic professional espresso machine is a good choice if you want to produce quality drinks consistently. The user has to manually stop the length of the espresso “pour” either by an electric pump or “hydraulic” delivery.  

Pros

  • Semi automatic machines are perfect for the in-between shop that has an average customer volume

  • Produces more consistent quality drinks

  • A knowledgeable barista is able to make specialty coffee adjustments when necessary

Cons

  • Require a little more skill from the barista

  • Staff need to be trained in using it correctly

Automatic

This professional espresso machine is the right commercial espresso machine for busy coffee shops that need something simple but efficient. The machine controls the length of the pour, and the machine's brain and water metering system control the duration of the pour.

Pros

  • Simple to use

  • Super efficient

  • There’s a huge variety available

  • Consistency in drinks delivery

  • Baristas are able to manage other tasks while an espresso brews

Cons

  • Harder to customize the coffee drinks

  • Easier to learn to use than a manual or semi-automatic 

Super Automatic

These espresso machines are well suited for office and retail spaces where the quality of the coffee is not so important.  The super automatic espresso machine does everything, including grinding, packing, brewing, and ejecting the grounds. There are two types: 1-step that froths or heats the milk and adds it directly to the cup, and 2-step machines that require the Barista to froth the milk and add it to the coffee. 

Pros

  • Consistent

  • Easy to use

  • Require little to no control

Cons

  • Doesn’t necessarily produce the highest quality coffee drinks

Capacity - Number of Groups

The number of groups is an important consideration because it will determine how many coffee drinks you can make. In the list above, you’ll find machines with up to three group heads, but professional coffee machines are available with up to five and sometimes six heads.

The vast majority of establishments use 1, 2, or 3 groups. Machines with any more than three group heads are very unwieldy, and it’s difficult for them to be efficient and cut the shot time down.

If you’re only looking to offer espressos as an extra or anticipate there will be only a small number of people per day wanting espresso-based coffee, a single group head espresso machine will be ideal. 

How Many Drinks You Make Per Day

If you want a machine that is efficient, you need to calculate which one will keep a consistent temperature and be able to produce consistent coffee all day. To help you determine this, you must work out how many cups of coffee you’ll make. 

That being said, it’s actually more useful to think about how many drinks per hour you want to make during your busiest possible hour of business.

Looking at the power and water capacity will be a good indication of a machine’s total output potential and what it is capable of. 

As a rule, most cafes will never outpace a two-group espresso machine that operates on 220V power. However, if you anticipate there will be hours that push 50+ espresso-and-milk beverages, you should think about whether a three-group machine with a larger boiler and more powerful hearing element would be the better choice.  

Ease Of Use and Maintenance

A good tip when looking for a commercial espresso machine is to look for one that’s easy to access and doesn’t require too much training for your Baristas. The more features a machine has, the easier it tends to be for staff to operate. 

Just because a machine has many buttons and flashing lights doesn’t mean it will be hard to use. Once programmed correctly, most machines will do everything at the touch of a button.

Manual machines that might only have a couple of buttons may be trickier to use as it will need tending more often. 

Your espresso machine is likely going to need some level of maintenance. When making your purchase, check whether maintenance and the services of an engineer will be part of your package. Engineer coverage in your package may be more expensive, but it might work in your favor over the long term.

To ensure you suffer no downtime and lose profit, it’s generally recommended that you service your machine at least once every six months to a year.

Purchasing a machine that has a warranty is also worth considering. The warranty will cover costs in the short term and prevent any significant losses. Whether or not to pay for an extended warranty is a personal choice. It could cost more to purchase. However, if you buy a good commercial espresso machine, it should reduce the need for purchasing an extended warranty. 

Commercial Espresso Machine Cost

Your budget will have a massive impact on the quality of the commercial espresso machine you purchase. Machines vary in price considerably, from a couple of thousand dollars to ten thousand or more. 

In the world of espresso and coffee machines, you tend to get what you pay for, and a low-priced machine will seem the cheaper option. However, a machine that’s cost $5,000 or more will likely last longer than one that cost $3,000 or less. It will also produce better coffee. 

Depending on your budget, investing in a better machine could work out to be better for you because you’ll be saving on running costs. In some cases, you might also be brewing a better coffee which could increase the return.  

Consistency

Consistency is an important element if you want your coffee-drinking customers to keep coming back for more. There are several elements that will contribute, for example:

  • The amount of coffee used to make an espresso

  • The temperature of the water

  • Type of boiler

  • Size of the group head

  • The internal temperature of the machine, which can be controlled by a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID)

  • Thermocycling forces a machine to maintain a consistent temperature

Barista Skill Level

The level of skill the operator of the espresso machine (Barista) has is another vital element to take into account. Super automatic coffee machines require very little skill as the machine does everything needed to make a consistently perfect cup of espresso every time. 

However, espresso drinkers don’t always fall into the same box regarding how they like their coffee. Therefore, if you want to build a reputation for serving coffee as the customer likes it, you might want to consider a manual espresso machine because it allows a more personalized drink to be made. 

Grinders

An espresso grinder is almost as important as the machine itself. However, there are espresso machines that take care of this for you. Super-automatics, for example, grind, dose, tamp, brew, and steam. Whereas automatic machines tend to have a grinder built-in. 

If your barista needs to be grinding the coffee beans rather than the machine doing it for them, you’ll want to purchase a quality grinder. It needs to be able to grind the beans consistently. An espresso-specific grinder might be the best option.   

Size

The size of an espresso machine makes a big difference in how much you can make in a day. First, you must decide how much space you can devote to making coffee. Then you can calculate the largest size espresso machine that will fit the space. You should pay close attention to the machine’s footprint, in other words, the length and the width. 

In addition, you’ll also need to consider the additional room you’ll need for grinding, tamping, and pouring the beverages. You should allow for some room near to the machine for smallwares and a grinder. 

Brew Temperature Consistency

Consistency is critical when it comes to brewing a high-quality espresso. The boiler in the espresso machine is what determines how the water is heated, stored, and then used for various functions of the machine. Commercial espresso machines tend to fall into one of two categories:

Heat Exchange Machines

These have a single boiler that produces steam for the steam wands and heats the water for brewing the coffee. The machine keeps the boiler above boiling to create pressure for the steam wand. 

At the same time, a copper line is coiled through the boiler, which carries water to the group head. Fresh water can be heated almost instantly, which ensures the brew water is hot enough. 

However, there is a downside to this heating method. The brew temperature can fluctuate tremendously because it correlates directly to the incoming water temperature and total contact time with the copper lines. The Barista has to be very attentive in order to maintain a more consistent brew temperature. 

Another downside is that this type of machine is prone to losing temperature and pressure more quickly than a multi-boiler machine. This makes them unsuitable for high-volume situations. 

Dual or Multi-Boiler Machines

With this type of machine, there are two or more boilers for specific purposes. There will be one for producing steam for the steam wands and one or more for heating the brewing water. Brewing temperatures can be more precisely controlled, and there is an increased consistency between shots. 

Multi-boiler machines are the best commercial espresso machine for establishments with high-volume capacities, but they do come with a larger price tag.  

Ergonomics

How many baristas do you anticipate working the machine simultaneously? The number of users can affect the size and type of commercial coffee machine you purchase. For example, if you’re anticipating high demand and there will often be two users operating the machine at once, you should consider a three-group machine, at least. 

There are also features that can make your barista's working day more pleasant, such as push/pull steam levers compared with twist knobs. 

Ideally, the best commercial espresso machine will make life simple and comfortable for the users. 

Push Button vs. Paddle Control 

The push button or paddle is what the barista uses to start and stop the shot. 

Pour Over vs. Direct Connect

Commercial espresso machines are filled with water in one of two ways. A pour-over machine has large water reservoirs that the barista refills throughout the day. In smaller establishments, this works well enough because demand will likely be low. Plus, the barista will have the time to refill the machine with water. 

However, in many situations, a direct water connection is much simpler and preferable. The machine is plumbed directly into the main water system, and water is delivered automatically to the machine. Such a setup can cost more, but it makes life so much simpler that it’s generally considered the norm. 

Voltage/Electricity Requirements

As you probably know, a commercial espresso machine requires electricity in order to work. Therefore, you’ll need to consider a machine’s electricity requirements to decide where to plug it into the power supply. 

Typically,  a commercial espresso machine will be 110V or 220V. You may also see the specification using measurements such as amps. Generally, coffee machines are 10-amp or 20-amp. 

Drainage and Drip Trays

There will be a certain amount of wastewater with even the best commercial espresso machines, and this has to go somewhere. Espresso machines either have built-in drainage or drip trays. 

Drainage is usually done by a draining tray that sits beneath the group heads. If some espresso spills or the group head is being purged, the water is caught in the drip tray and siphoned away from the work area. 

This form of drainage keeps the work area clean, and the barista doesn’t have to waste their time cleaning up spills. 

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s much to consider if you want to invest in a commercial espresso machine. Now you understand what to look for and understand about the different types of machines available, you’re in a better situation to find the best commercial expresso machines to meet your needs.