How to choose a professional coffee machine

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Professional coffee machines mean devices for making full-cycle coffee, designed specifically for the hotel and restaurant business (HoReCa - Hotel, Restaurant, Cafe). These are high-performance coffee makers that can quickly serve a flow of customers with minimal intervention from the barista operator.

The editors of Expertology magazine invited professional consultants in the HoReCa field to cooperate, who offered a selection of the best professional coffee machines today based on a combination of price, performance, functionality and quality.

Basic rules for choosing a coffee machine for a cafe

When choosing coffee equipment, there are several components to consider:

1. Expected sales volumes of the drink.
2. Price segment and quality of coffee beans used in coffee production.
3. Personnel qualification level.
4. Cost of equipment including its maintenance.

When purchasing, pay attention to:

• functionality of the machine - how many types of coffee drinks can be prepared with its help (espresso, ristretto, cappuccino, Americano, latte, etc.);
• the presence of a display that will facilitate work, warning about the presence of water, the need for cleaning, etc.;
• heating the stove, cups;
• presence of bean grinding adjustment, this function makes it possible to prepare coffee of different tastes;
• the material from which the coffee grinder burrs are made. Metal ones last a long time, but are noisier; ceramic ones work silently, but do not last long.
• coffee dosing;
• liquid dosing;
• cappuccino maker: automatic, manual;
• descaling and oil removal system: automatic or manual.

High quality coffee and a wide range of coffee drinks will ensure a stable influx of customers.

Important! There is no point in buying an expensive coffee machine if the business uses cheap and low-grade coffee.

There are 2 types of coffee machines:

1. Semi-automatic or manual. Ground coffee is loaded into these machines. The device is cleaned manually. When working with such machines, a highly qualified barista is required who knows everything in the field of coffee preparation.
2. Automatic. These models are equipped with a coffee grinder, so the coffee is poured in beans. The machine does everything itself at the touch of a button. Grinds grains, forms tablets, cooks.

There is a wide selection of coffee equipment on the market. All that remains is to determine your priorities and, in accordance with them, purchase a suitable coffee machine.

Unit types

Manufacturers of coffee making equipment offer several types of machines.

1. Automatic

   Preparation of the drink takes 40-45 seconds - from grinding the coffee to a steaming cup of drink. The main programs are recorded in the device’s memory: espresso, latte, cappuccino, etc. The process of obtaining drinks is fully automated - this is convenient for baristas and establishment owners.

2. Carob

   The preparation of drinks is less automated compared to automatic professional coffee machines. Such devices require ground coffee, which is unable to retain its taste for a long time. You will also need to buy a separate coffee grinder. Models with a stainless steel horn are suitable for business. The part heats the powder quickly and well, so the drink turns out thick and covered with tasty dense foam.

3. Capsule

   The units work in the same way as carob units: the barista pours water into the tank, puts a capsule of coffee into the machine and presses one button. Capsule coffee makers allow you to brew a limited number of types of coffee drinks - this is not always convenient for commercial establishments.

4. Drip

   Suitable for making Americano. They may have different volumes of water tanks. They contain moisture-resistant filters that will have to be changed regularly. This comes with additional costs for maintaining the machine. The process of obtaining the drink takes about 10 minutes.

Leading manufacturers of professional coffee machines

Among the leading manufacturers it is impossible to single out the best. Each of them has its own characteristics that distinguish the brand, and they produce a wide range of products from budget to professional premium class.

DeLonghi

An Italian company with a century-old history. It has been producing coffee machines in different price categories since 1990. The machines are multifunctional, with advanced electronics that allow you to create your own drink recipes.

Saeco

Italy. The brand has been leading the ratings of the best coffee machine manufacturers for many years, distinguished by:

• high-quality assembly;
• clear controls with all the versatility;
• recognizable design;
• wide range of products.

Be sure to read: Purpose and replacement of the holder in a coffee machine
Since 2009, the trademark has belonged to Philips, but is still produced in Italy under its own name.

Jura

The Swiss brand produces a wide range of products in different price categories. The coffee machines of this company are different:

• Great functionality with the possibility of manual programming;
• stylish design;
• reliability and durability;
• automatic cleaning.

Models from other manufacturers included in the TOP 10 are no less attractive:

• Philips – Germany;
• Siemens - Germany;
• Bosch - Germany;
• Krups – Germany;
• Nivona – Germany;
• Miele - Germany;
• Bork – Russia.

Among the coffee machines offered by these manufacturers, we will choose the best options for a coffee shop, mini-coffee shop, or mobile coffee shop.

The best professional coffee machines for a traditional coffee shop

When choosing a unit for a traditional coffee shop, you should pay attention to machines that have been on the market for at least 5 years and have a wide range of functionality.

If the cafe's traffic is low, coffee is the main product, and there is a high-quality barista on staff, you can purchase a manual machine. Then the barista will surprise visitors with unusual recipes for excellent coffee. If traffic is high, you should buy an automatic unit capable of producing coffee on an industrial scale:

Coffee machine Saeco Aulika Top High Speed ​​Cappuccino

Professional boiler automatic coffee machine with:

• wide functionality in preparing drinks;
• automatic cappuccino maker;
• increased water tanks (4 l);
• automatic washing and cleaning;
• the ability to customize coffee preparation according to your own recipes;
• lockable bins;
• dispenser adjustable for a large glass;
• large display informing about the status of the machine;
• prepare two cups of coffee at the same time;
• compatible with cash register;
• built-in coffee grinder.

Thanks to automatic rinsing, the machine does not require complex maintenance and is reliable in operation.

The model name reflects the main feature of the device. The machine prepares cappuccino in 35 seconds. Average price – 64,000 rubles.

Coffee machine Saeco Aroma SE 200 (220W)

Automatic professional coffee machine:

• Espresso output per hour (50 ml) – 240.
• Cappuccino output per hour (150 ml) – 160.
• Built-in pump.
• Boiler 13 l
• Number of espresso flow groups – 2.
• Warming cups.
• Water level sensors in the boiler.
• Automatic pumping of water into the boiler.

The machine runs on ground coffee, so you need to purchase a coffee grinder.

Price – 270,205 rub. The device is reliable and easy to use.

Jura Giga X3 Professional

Professional coffee machine from a Swiss brand, fully automatic:

• 43 drinks in the program with a counter for each;
• energy saving program;
• water filter;
• water tank 5 l;
• 5 grinding levels;
• automatic decalcification;
• water hardness control;
• stylish appearance.

Average price 380,000 rub. Reliable in operation.

The selection of coffee machines is huge. It all depends on the goals and capabilities of the business.

The best budget professional coffee machines

First, let's look at a selection of coffee machines, albeit entry-level, but still professional. The term “budget” applies to them only relatively - in comparison with high-performance machines for HoReCa, which we will pay attention to in the second part of the review. Such models are designed for offices or catering establishments where coffee is not the most popular menu item. The material is based on the results of an analysis of technical characteristics on the resource https://rankquality.com/coffee-maker/.

Saeco Lirika One Touch Cappuccino

Rating: 4.9

Let's start with the most inexpensive machine that can cope with average loads, providing decent drink quality, convenience and speed, without requiring particularly close attention from the barista. The manufacturer is the Italian company Saeco International Group SpA with almost half a century of history. Since 2009 owned by Philips. This model is directly assembled in Romania.

This is an automatic coffee machine designed for bean coffee with one preparation group for one or two cups. The device dimensions are 22x38x45 cm, weight is 8 kg, body color is metallic silver. It is controlled by electronic switch buttons and equipped with a compact LCD display. Power - 1850 W, pressure - 15 bar (without pressure gauge), boiler-type heater. Separate boilers for coffee and boiling water are used.

The coffee machine provides a full cycle, from the very grinding of the beans. The degree of grinding can be selected from 5 positions. The container for raw materials holds about 500 g of coffee beans. The volume of the water compartment is 2.5 l.

The coffee machine has the following basic programs: cappuccino, espresso, latte macchiato, Americano, ristretto. Cappuccino preparation is even included in the model name thanks to the One Touch Cappuccino function - preparation with one touch. If you are extremely meticulous, then you still need two clicks on the factory settings, and only one if you program the button.

Additional useful functions: coffee strength control, hot water portion adjustment, pre-wetting, automatic decalcification. The machine allows you to adjust the amount of coffee and the volume of the drink per cup. For the convenience of the barista, the dispensing unit can be adjusted in height. For security against accidental (or non-accidental) access, a lock is provided on the container lid.

The coffee machine is supplied with a separate power cord, a drip tray, a cappuccino maker, a spout for boiling water, a knob for adjusting the degree of grinding, and documentation.

Formally, the described model is considered for home use, but its functionality and resources are sufficient for a small cafeteria, and the price cannot be compared with professional options in every sense.

In general, there are practically no serious comments about this model. The only point of caution from the professional consultants of our publication is that the cappuccino maker still does not reach the professional level in terms of resource and endurance.

Advantages

• European assembly;
• large tanks for coffee, water and milk;
• five levels of grinding adjustment;
• separate boilers;
• One Touch Cappuccino function;
• easy cleaning;
• combination of price, functionality and quality.

Flaws

• weak cappuccino maker, breaks down after a few months of intense use.

Philips EP3243 Series 3200 LatteGo

Rating: 4.8

The second relatively inexpensive coffee machine in our review, close to professional characteristics, is one of the popular models produced by Philips. It is slightly less productive than the previous one, but allows you to much more finely regulate the degree of grinding. The Philips brand does not need any special introduction, and the machine is assembled in Romania.

This is also a fully automatic coffee machine, like the previous one, but with different types of suitable raw materials - the device prepares drinks from both ground coffee and beans. There are as many as 12 degrees of grinding, the container is designed for 275 g of beans. The controls are touch-sensitive and have a backlit LCD screen. The power of the device is 1500 W. The capacity of the water tank is 1.8 liters, for milk - 0.26 liters. There is no water level indicator, which is inconvenient for use in HoReCa. The maximum pressure is up to 15 bar, there is no pressure gauge.

The water hardness in this model can be adjusted, but automatic descaling is not provided for descaling. The preparation of cappuccino is complete and automatic, and the LatteGo cappuccino machine technology allows you to obtain impeccable milk foam at the optimal temperature. Basic automatic programs: cappuccino, espresso, latte macchiato, Americano. The machine also allows you to adjust the volume of a portion of boiling water, the temperature of the drink (3 positions), and the strength (3 positions). The waste unloading and cleaning system is well thought out. The waste container holds 12 servings of brewed coffee.

The aforementioned lack of automatic decalcification is partly compensated for by the use of the AquaClean filter. This is a patented technology developed by the Italian company Saeco, which allows you to prepare up to several thousand cups of coffee before the inside of the coffee machine needs to be descaled, and the machine will specifically indicate this need.

Additional features of the model that may be important: removable brewing group, ceramic millstones, cooking two servings, eco mode, 2 years warranty from the manufacturer. The delivery set includes the aforementioned AquaClean filter, lubricant in a tube, a measuring spoon, a lid for storing the cappuccino maker, and an indicator for determining water hardness.

Advantages

• quality and convenience;
• raw materials - grain or ground coffee;
• 12 degrees of grinding adjustment;
• LatteGo cappuccino maker;
• AquaClean filter included;
• convenient and quick cleaning;
• equipment.

Flaws

• no automatic decalcification;
• no water level indicator.

The best professional coffee machines for a mini coffee shop

Automatic machines are ideal for a small coffee shop:

• Saeco Aulika Office . high speed of preparing drinks, adjustable grinding, built-in coffee grinder, automatically cleans, easy to operate. Made in Italy. Price 60,000 rub.
• DeLonghi ESAM 2600 . Italy. Works with both beans and ground coffee. Control of coffee strength, simultaneous preparation of two cups of drink, automatic cleaning, heating of cups. Price 25,000 rub.

Important! The quality of coffee depends only 23% on the level of equipment. The main role is played by the quality of raw materials and the level of professionalism of the staff.

Selection according to the traffic of the establishment

If a coffee machine is installed in a fast food restaurant, in a food court in a shopping center, or in the lobby of a large hotel, you need super-automatic coffee machines. The barista does not have to monitor the cooking process - the device does the work on its own.

If a non-professional is handling drinks in an establishment, it is better to install an automatic machine. Such a unit minimizes the human factor, the quality of coffee will be equally high.

If the equipment is selected for a coffee shop where the barista only prepares drinks, semi-automatic professional models are suitable. To work with such machines, specialists will have to be trained. However, the quality of drinks will be the highest.

For establishments that sell up to 500 cups of coffee per month, a small professional coffee machine with one working group will be sufficient. If an establishment sells at least 1 thousand cups of drink monthly, it is worth buying equipment with three working groups.

Weaknesses of professional coffee machines

Any equipment needs to be monitored. Most often, professional coffee machines fail for three reasons:

1. working without a water softener or untimely replacement of it, which leads to breakdown of heating elements and clogged pipes for supplying hot water;
2. untimely cleaning, due to which the units become clogged with waste and break;
3. power surges that cause control boards to burn.

A properly selected coffee machine that is cleaned regularly is the basis for success for a coffee point of sale.

The best professional coffee machines for mobile coffee shops

Mobile coffee shops are a relatively new type of coffee business. They are placed in the backs of trucks, minibuses and even on various types of trailers. Which coffee machines are most suitable for this business?

Be sure to read: Management accounting in a coffee shop, DDS table

The best option for a mobile coffee shop would be a compact automatic coffee machine that prepares up to 15 types of drinks.

DeLonghi Magnifica ECAM 22.110S

Italy. Automatic coffee machine for beans and ground coffee:

• built-in coffee grinder;
• automatic cleaning;
• water hardness adjustment;
• simultaneous preparation of two cups;
• automatic shutdown;
• panel for heating cups;
• cappuccino, espresso, latte.

Average price 22,000 rub. The car is reliable, time-tested.

In addition to the model described above, you can choose:

1. DELONGHI ECAM 28.464.M DE LUXE – 92,000 rub.
2. MIELE CM 6310 BK – 79,000 rub.

The choice is yours.

Secrets of choosing a professional coffee machine

Investors should understand that when it comes to selecting equipment, you cannot skimp on everything. There are several secrets on how to choose a coffee maker for a restaurant, and we will tell you the main ones so that the investment brings profit and an incredibly tasty drink. If the establishment does not expect too many people, then efficient and practical pod or capsule coffee machines are quite suitable for setting up a bar. Their advantage lies in the convenience of operation; moreover, you do not have to teach a person the complex science of brewing coffee - it will be enough to simply fill a pressed tablet or bag containing coffee and turn on the button.

When it comes to equipping a large establishment where coffee drinks are more likely an addition to main snacks or meals, you should think about purchasing an automatic coffee machine. Such a unit is capable of grinding coffee beans on its own, brewing a fairly large volume of coffee at a time, switching off on its own after all procedures are completed, and the best part is that the best coffee machine for business will also clean itself. Therefore, if the owner has been thinking about such a purchase for a long time, but doesn’t know whether to choose an automated coffee machine for a restaurant, the answer is, of course it’s worth it! This can attract new visitors and diversify the assortment. It is important to note that most of these units can not only work autonomously, completely eliminating the participation of personnel, but are also capable of making hot chocolate or tea, as well as brewing coffee for various cocktails - this is an excellent addition to desserts and snacks.

If we are talking about setting up a mobile coffee shop, or as it is also called - a coffee shop on wheels, you should approach the choice of a high-quality unit especially responsibly. The fact is that frequent visitors to such versions of establishments are people who want to drink a cup of excellent coffee with a delightful aroma and taste, so installing a regular capsule or pod version here would be extremely irrational. As a result, the owner will receive only low-quality coffee and a small handful of consumers. Therefore, a high-tech coffee machine for a mobile cafe is needed here. Reviews from frequent consumers will tell you which one to choose, because they regularly exchange information, opinions and impressions about this or that cafeteria brand.

It will be extremely important to purchase a coffee machine for a specialized business. After all, choosing the ideal option for a coffee shop will be an extremely important and responsible process. Not just machines for ground coffee should be installed here, but high-tech machines that can provide the perfect drink for true connoisseurs. Of course, the automatic option is very convenient and economical, because it practically does not require any maintenance, but still, many professionals prefer a carob coffee machine, which requires a warm and correct attitude - often such coffee has a definitely more pronounced spiciness and satisfies the refined requirements of visitors.

Coffee machine service

Repairing a coffee machine and replacing spare parts is an expensive procedure. To avoid this, maintain the machine in accordance with the operating instructions:

1. Clean the device regularly using special tablets.
2. Empty the waste container regularly.
3. Do not use old dark roast beans.
4. Lubricate removable chargers with silicone grease.
5. Use filtered or bottled water.
6. Follow the maintenance rules according to the instructions.

Attention! To service expensive units, it is advisable to conclude a periodic maintenance agreement with a service center.

With proper maintenance, your coffee machine will serve for many years.

Buy a coffee machine or rent it

Many companies selling coffee offer to rent a coffee machine. There are pros and cons here.

Pros:

1. No need to spend money to buy.
2. If the device breaks down, the lessor repairs or replaces it.

Minuses:

1. 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.
2. 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.