The Best Espresso Machines For Coffee Shops

Have you ever pictured yourself owning a coffee shop? There’s something magical about imagining yourself at the helm of a busy café, slinging out perfectly brewed espressos for waiting customers while the delicious scent of coffee wafts in the air. Or you already have a bustling shop, and you’re considering upgrading your machines to give your customers a better cup of coffee. Whether you’re new in the game or you’re looking for better equipment to give your shop an edge, this article will help you choose the best espresso machines for coffee shops. We have gone ahead and did the research for you so that you can make a smart business decision regarding your next new espresso machine.Espresso machines aren’t cheap, and choosing the right one for your business can make or break it.

Comparison Chart

De’ Longhi La Specialista

The automatic La Specialista is a great machine for both first-time coffee shops and shops looking for an upgrade. It is easy to learn, so baristas can quickly create espresso shots with minimal training. The compact build makes it perfect for coffee shops with limited space.

Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II

This is an espresso machine for the big boys. Powerful, fast, sleek, and professional-looking, the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II is THE machine for those looking to go all-in in their coffee shop.

Jura Giga 5

This machine is an excellent choice if you want to serve espresso shots as well as specialty coffee drinks. Your baristas can choose from 18 pre-programmed brews and knock them out in blazing speed.

Gaggia RI9380/46

The Gaggia RI9380/46 is a hybrid machine that means that you can get both measured shots and customized shots! Its classic look makes it a great addition to any coffee shop to add to the atmosphere.

La Pavoni PUB IV-R

There’s something about a red-and-chrome coffee machine that screams “classic coffee house,” so if you’re in the market for a coffee machine to give your shop an elegant ambiance, this is the machine for you.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Espresso Machines for Coffee Shops

De’ Longhi La Specialista

The automatic La Specialista is a great machine for both first-time coffee shops and shops looking for an upgrade. It is easy to learn, so baristas can quickly create espresso shots with minimal training. The compact build makes it perfect for coffee shops with limited space.

Value

Easy operation and excellent espresso quality for its price point.

Functionality

We loved the dual heating system but had to remove some points because of the problematic water sensor and pump.

The Earls Overall Rating

Due to the balance between price, feature, and quality of espresso produced, we gave the De’ Longhi La Specialista the top spot in this list. Just make sure to monitor the water system to avoid problems.

PROs

• Dual-heating system
• Easy to operate
• Easy to clean
• Compact

CONs

• Water monitoring system faulty
• Noisy

Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II

This is an espresso machine for the big boys. Powerful, fast, sleek, and professional-looking, the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II is THE machine for those looking to go all-in in their coffee shop.

Value

There’s no denying the performance and quality of this machine, but its price tag will make even the most serious coffee shop owner stop and think twice.

Functionality

There’s no denying the performance and quality of this machine, but its price tag will make even the most serious coffee shop owner stop and think twice.

The Earls Overall Rating

If you’re ready to invest in your coffee shop business seriously and you have the money, there’s no better choice than the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II. Aside from being a champion-level coffee machine, it’s also certified as ergonomic by the European Institute of Psychology and Ergonomics.

PROs

• Guaranteed quality and consistency
• Serves large batches quickly
• Built-in cup warmer
• Easy to use

CONs

• Very pricey
• Requires Nema L6-30 Power Twist to function properly
• Not for smaller coffee shops

Jura Giga 5

This machine is an excellent choice if you want to serve espresso shots as well as specialty coffee drinks. Your baristas can choose from 18 pre-programmed brews and knock them out in blazing speed.

Value

Great features for its price points, but disappointing reviews on customer service from the maker.

Functionality

A nice choice for an automatic machine but the need to constantly refill the water reservoir can be problematic for fast-paced coffee shops.

The Earls Overall Rating

The Jura Giga 5 is practically a barista on its own – just choose the coffee brew from the menu, make sure there’s enough water, and press “start”. For first-time coffee shops, this is the one for you.

PROs

• Easily switches between programmed drinks
• Non-slip handle
• Built-in grinders for optimal freshness
• Automatic cleaning and descaling features
• Dual-drink capacity

CONs

• No built-in water line, constant refilling of the reservoir
• Durability issues
• Poor customer service even while under warranty

Gaggia RI9380/46

The Gaggia RI9380/46 is a hybrid machine that means that you can get both measured shots and customized shots! Its classic look makes it a great addition to any coffee shop to add to the atmosphere.

Value

Amazing price point considering that it’s a hybrid machine.

Functionality

While we loved its versatility, not being able to produce consistent espresso due to temperature control issues is a problem.

The Earls Overall Rating

The hybrid function of the Gaggia RI9380 makes it easy to operate for both novice and experienced baristas. However, it might be difficult to get customer support because the maker is relatively unknown compared to other models on this list.This battery-operated coffee maker can produce delicious coffee. The easy to grip body makes it comfortable to carry around. Though the coffee size is limited, it can deliver satisfying coffee taste.

PROs

• Quiet operation
• Fast
• Strong and durable
• Elegant and classic appearance

CONs

• Leaky portafilter
• Does not reach the optimum temperature for espresso
• Customer service is difficult to reach

La Pavoni PUB IV-R

There’s something about a red-and-chrome coffee machine that screams “classic coffee house,” so if you’re in the market for a coffee machine to give your shop an elegant ambiance, this is the machine for you.

Value

While it does make great espresso and cappuccino, the somewhat high price point seems a bit too high for its limited menu options.

Functionality

As a semi-automatic machine, you’ll need skilled and experienced baristas to operate this one.

The Earls Overall Rating

The La Pavoni IV-R is a great choice for a shop if you’ve got trained baristas. However, you might need a separate machine if you want to offer other coffee brews.

PROs

• Compact
• Affordable price
• Durable
• Classic appearance

CONs

• Hard to operate
• Limited menu options
• Small water reservoir

Parting Shots

Imagine yourself and your loved ones sitting by a lake and savoring the beauty of nature while enjoying a cup of rich, flavorful coffee. Those little pleasures in life can bring us good and lasting memories. We bring you our list of the best open fire camping coffee pots because you deserve the best outdoor experience. So, grab those backpacks and get that perfect camping coffee pot and go on an adventure! Learn more about espresso machines.

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