No matter the size of any coffeehouse, the most reliable and robust espresso machine will be the star player. If you’re planning to run a small café business, it’s critical to choose the right espresso machine. That’s why I’ve come up with this article that focuses on everything you need to know about the best espresso machine for small businesses. As a bonus, I’ve compiled our top 5 picks of the espresso machine.
Types of Espresso Machines
It’s best to know first what are the common types of espresso machines in the market before deciding to buy one. The differences between the types of espresso makers will help you choose what’s the best for your needs and style.
Here are the lists of types of espresso machine:
Automatic Espresso Machines
- User-friendly
- High-quality and top performance
- You can do other matters while shots are ‘pulled’
- Can be faster than different machine types
Semiautomatic Espresso Machines
- Barista has more control over this machine
- Opportunity for beginners to enhance their barista-like skills
- Extra features come in handy for beginners and experienced baristas
Automatic Espresso Machines with Manual Dosing Options
- Programmable dosing function
- Suitable for any level of skill
- Customizable espresso shots
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine | This espresso machine has a front panel that it easy to operate with its accessible controls for the On/Off switch and cappuccino system. Users can also adjust the quantity of water and strength of coffee that best suits their taste. | ||
| Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine | Nuova Simonelli Oscar II can brew single or double shot espresso and can serve different espresso-based drinks. This espresso maker uses pre-ground coffee only. Though this unit takes 25 minutes to heat up, the machine has a ‘cup warmer’ that can stack 12 cups. | ||
| Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine | The bright LED screen brings convenience to preparing your coffee. Not only this machine showcases its functionality, but it also delivers durability. Gaggia Anima Prestige makes a great-tasting espresso and adds creamy milk froth to your drink. Additionally, it has a dual boiler that allows the machine to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time. | ||
| Breville the Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine | This robust coffee maker offers fast brewing and creamy milk frothing for your cappuccino. Breville Barista Express has a built-in grinder and dosing control to capture the perfect ground coffee. Plus, it produces a rich flavor coffee and consistent crema for your espresso. | ||
| Gaggia 1003380 Accademia Espresso Machine | Gaggia Accademia is a superb espresso machine. The illuminated LCD screen makes the operation easy. The heat resistant ceramic grinder offers five grind sizes that can extract fine-ground to coarse-ground coffee. Additionally, this machine comes with a descaling function, so cleaning is easy. |
A Detailed Review on the 5 Best Espresso Machines for Small Business
De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine
This espresso machine has a front panel that is easy to operate with its accessible controls for the On/Off switch and cappuccino system. Users can also adjust the quantity of water and strength of coffee that best suits their taste.
Value
This super-automatic De’Longhi espresso machine has two stainless steel boilers that give excellent heat distribution. It also has an instant reheat function which ensures that your espresso and coffee are kept at the ideal temperature. It works perfectly with coffee beans and ground coffee.
Functionality
De’Longhi ESAM3300 Super Automatic Espresso/Coffee Machine can hold 60oz of water in its removable water tank. It also has a cappuccino system that rotates 180 degrees to make room for any size milk container. Another feature of this espresso machine is its 3-hour automatic shut-off system, which provides added safety.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
This machine is ideal for small businesses. It can be operated easily, it is easy to clean, and most importantly, delivers great coffee drinks.
PROs
- Two stainless-steel boilers
- Instant reheat function
- 60oz removable water tank
- 7oz bean container
- Easy to use
- Machine is quiet
CONs
- Beans get stuck in the grinder
- A little expensive
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II can brew single or double-shot espresso and can serve different espresso-based drinks. This espresso maker uses pre-ground coffee only. Though this unit takes 25 minutes to heat up, the machine has a ‘cup warmer’ that can stack 12 cups.
Value
This semi-automatic espresso machine comes with a boiler that ensures water heat and pressure. The copper boiler also features an auto-refill sensor that shuts off the device when the water level is running out. Plus, this espresso maker has a compact 58mm portafilter that holds the ground coffee when brewing.
Functionality
This robust espresso machine has a 77oz water tank that makes refilling water hassle-free. The unit also has a long steam wand that dispenses microfoam milk for latte and cappuccino. Additionally, this espresso maker has an auto-dosing function that sets ground coffee for a single or double shot espresso.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
Though this machine weighs about 39lbs, it just displays its durability and sturdiness. The design of this coffee maker makes it attractive for small business start-ups. It’s worth mentioning that this espresso maker has a built-in 15 bar pump pressure that supplies intense espresso flavor.
PROs
- Sleek and compact design
- Can serve more than 12 cups of coffee
- Safety pressure build-up feature
- Automatic dosing volume function
CONs
- Descaling cycle is not present
- No LCD screen
- There is no water tank indicator
Gaggia Anima Prestige Automatic Coffee Machine
The bright LED screen brings convenience to preparing your coffee. Not only this machine showcases its functionality, but it also delivers durability. Gaggia Anima Prestige makes a great-tasting espresso and adds creamy milk froth to your drink. Additionally, it has a dual boiler that allows the machine to brew coffee and steam milk at the same time.
Value
This espresso machine delivers a fast brewing time for your coffee. With the 60oz water tank, this espresso maker will serve you a great-tasting hot coffee. The price is a bit steep, but this machine never lacks in grinding function and serving capacity. Equipped with a ceramic burr grinder and five grind settings, you’re ready to experience the best espresso.
Functionality
The Brew and Steam function of Gaggia Anima Prestige highlights the capabilities of this espresso machine. You can use the steam nozzle to pour froth milk on top of your latte. Plus, you can also set your next descaling and cleaning schedule.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
With the functionalities and features, you get your money’s worth. Not only this premium espresso maker adds style to your kitchen décor, but it’s also affordable.
PROs
- Water temperature settings
- Adjustable coffee strength control
- Comes with a milk frother
CONs
- Price is a bit steep
- The machine wouldn’t fit for a small kitchen top
Breville the Barista Express BES870XL Espresso Machine
This robust coffee maker offers fast brewing and creamy milk frothing for your cappuccino. Breville Barista Express has a built-in grinder and dosing control to capture the perfect ground coffee. Plus, it produces a rich flavor of coffee and consistent crema for your espresso.
Value
This semi-automatic coffee maker comes with an adjustable grind setting that produces finely ground and coarse ground coffee. Additionally, the water temperature control maximizes the extraction of espresso. You can adjust the position of the steam nozzle to increase the milk foam to your latte and cappuccino.
Functionality
Frothing milk is one of the best functions of this coffee machine. It delivers the perfect milk foam to your latte and cappuccino. Plus, this machine has enough height to accommodate larger coffee cups and milk storage. Though this unit has a single boiler, you can be sure the single boiler will supply the right water temperature for coffee and steaming the milk.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
This coffee machine increases the flavor and aroma of your cappuccino because it has the entire function to do so. Look no further if you’re looking for style and service; this espresso machine is best suited for you.
PROs
- The heavy-duty conical burr grinder
- Perfect water temperature control
- Manual & automatic milk frothing
CONs
- A bit expensive
- Weak frothing nozzle
Gaggia 1003380 Accademia Espresso Machine
Gaggia Accademia is a superb espresso machine. The illuminated LCD screen makes the operation easy. The heat-resistant ceramic grinder offers five grind sizes that can extract fine-ground to coarse-ground coffee. Additionally, this machine comes with a descaling function, so cleaning is easy.
Value
This espresso machine can accommodate a variety of coffee cup sizes because it has an adjustable coffee dispenser. This model can offer six coffee flavors from espresso to latte. Plus, you can program the machine to shut off, which makes it convenient to use automatically.
Functionality
The machine comes with a removable clear-view carafe that can hold 1.5 gallons of milk. You can deliver steam milk and frothy milk to your espresso. Plus, you can easily customize your flavors using the one-touch control panel. It’s also worth to mention the front container can hold 12oz of ground coffee.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
There are many reasons to like Gaggia Accademia, and one of them is the dual boiler with the rapid heating system. Remember that you can have hot coffee every time because this espresso machine comes with an integrated thermostat. Plus, you only need to switch on the button to brew espresso.
PROs
- The fully integrated ceramic grinder
- Bean hopper can hold 12oz coffee beans
- Touchscreen controls
- Comes with a dual boiler system
CONs
- Weighs around 45lbs
- A bit expensive
- Weak coffee spigot
Parting Shots
You now have the list of the ‘5 best espresso machine for small business’ that offers the durability and functionality of each espresso maker. Always take note of the essential features I’ve included and take these factors into account for your small business. Take your best pick and let this list be your guide in buying your espresso machine when you establish your small business. Learn more about espresso machines.