Picture yourself in your very own coffee shop: the customers, the murmurs, and the pungent coffee aroma. In building your own coffee shop, it will definitely help you to know the best espresso machines for small business. This way, you get the star player of your shop– your espresso machine.
It is needless to say how crucial it is for a starting coffee business to own an excellent espresso machine. Surely, you have already done your research on the subject matter. Let us narrow your options down for you to choose the right espresso machine that can earn you that targeted revenue.
Let us dive into the 7 best espresso machines for small businesses.
The size of your espresso machine matters. Take for example the guys over at The Mobile Coffee Bean. They have an innovative coffee shop that runs through a system of vans and carts, bringing the coffee experience everywhere they go. They have limited space to work with but they do not compromise the quality of their coffee. They have the right-sized espresso machines ready at their disposal. Check them out.
Best Espresso Machines for Small Business
Before jumping right into purchasing, it is best to familiarize yourself with the common types of espresso machines. Knowing the differences and similarities will help you make the best choice.
You will most likely encounter the following espresso machines:
- Automatic or Volumetric Espresso Machines
- Semiautomatic Espresso Machines
- Automatic Espresso Machines with Manual Dosing Options
- Pour-over and Direct-Connect Machines
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gretess Espresso Machine | With the Gretess Espresso Machine, you can tweak the espresso to perfection. The barista has control over everything: temperature, volume, the intensity of the coffee, and all others. It is easy to use and won’t take much time cleaning. | ||
| La Pavoni PUB 1EM-R-1 Group Commercial Espresso Machine | This is probably the most portable machine on our list, but it’s still capable of producing large quantities of espresso. It comes in handy for a well-trained set of staff and can accommodate numerous customers at once. | ||
| Nuova Simonelli Musica Pour Over Tank Version Lux Espresso Machine | The Nouva Simonelli Musica is for ones who are starting small and are on a tight budget. The quality and reliability of this machine are beyond question. | ||
| Jura WE8 Professional Automatic Coffee Machine | Among the espresso machines on the list, this is the easiest to use. It comes with 12 pre-programmable coffee types. It will save your barista ample time in making coffee for countless customers coming in. This is also, surprisingly, very affordable. | ||
| La Pavoni BAR-T 2V-B Commercial 2 Group | The La Pavoni would look so great in your coffee shop. The press-forged brass and chrome-plated machine would truly entice your customers to buy a cup. Also, multiple users can operate this, making it less time-consuming than other machines. | ||
| Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II Volumetric 2 Group Espresso Machine | This Nuova Simonelli entry is one of the most versatile espresso machines on the list. It takes into account the customer, barista, and even you, the owner. The automatic feature is so user-friendly that anyone can make a cup of cappuccino without having to read the manual. | ||
| Nuova Simonelli Talento Espresso Machine | This sleek machine is equipped with a coffee grinder, dual boilers, and a hot water nozzle. It can produce 150 espresso shots per hour. The Nuova Simonelli Talento has a Smart Wand, ready for some top-notch magic any time of the day. One push of a button can craft eight different drinks. Bravo. |
Detailed Reviews of Best Espresso Machines
Gretess Espresso Machine
With the Gretess Espresso Machine, you can tweak the espresso to perfection. The barista has control over everything: temperature, volume, the intensity of the coffee, and all others. It is easy to use and won’t take much time cleaning.
Value
Everyone likes espresso drinks, so I was looking to buy something for my own family. I searched for a long time before settling on the Gretess Espresso Machine, and I haven’t looked back since.
Functionality
This produces the best coffee I have ever tasted. This is so easy to use, and all the accessories are handy indeed.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
Despite its high price, we cannot discount the fact that this is one of the most suitable espresso machines for small businesses. It’s with good reason that this model is so often out of stock, so we suggest you act fast.
PROs
- Beautiful design
- Best ergonomics
- Unique and versatile features
- Safe to use
- Energy-efficient
CONs
- Limited warranty
La Pavoni PUB 1EM-R-1 Group Commercial Espresso Machine
This is probably the most portable machine on our list, but it’s still capable of producing large quantities of espresso. It comes in handy for a well-trained set of staff and can accommodate numerous customers at once.
Value
A GREAT device that makes as good of cappuccinos and lattes as it did the day we first got it. Kudos to La Pavoni – the Ferrari of espresso makers.
Functionality
I use this at home, and we never run out of coffee. It is very durable, but you need to learn the functions first.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
The La Pavoni can make 150 cups of espresso or cappuccinos a day. This is the best choice for the busiest cafes with the best baristas. The functions can be learned in a day or two, but the results of this machine are just incomparable.
PROs
- Compact and totally portable
- Large boiler
- Affordable
CONs
- Requires skilled staff to mix drinks
- Pour-in reservoir
Nuova Simonelli Musica Pour Over Tank Version Lux Espresso Machine
The Nouva Simonelli Musica is for ones who are starting small and are on a tight budget. The quality and reliability of this machine are beyond question.
Value
For this brand, this model is relatively affordable than the rest. This is such a steal. Perfect for my catering business.
Functionality
The milk frother is very easy to use. No rocket science here, just pure awesome espresso maker.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
We are enticed by how compact this espresso machine is. It can make up to 60 cups, which is fine when you are starting a small business. The quality of the coffee it produces is exceptional.
PROs
- Front-mounted pressure gauge
- Affordable
- Programmable cup sizes
CONs
- Caps out at 60 cups
- Needs skills for mixed drinks
Jura WE8 Professional Automatic Coffee Machine
Among the espresso machines on the list, this is the easiest to use. It comes with 12 pre-programmable coffee types. It will save your barista ample time in making coffee for countless customers coming in. This is also, surprisingly, very affordable.
Value
Easy to set up and take care of, and the taste is fantastic. If you love coffee, this machine is worth the investment.
Functionality
This is a great high-volume machine. It holds a lot of coffee and water.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
If you want your business to boom in no time, then we definitely recommend that you purchase this machine. This creates the best quality coffee at an affordable price. It is just great for starters.
PROs
- 17.6-ounce beans and grounds container
- 8 levels of coffee strength
- 2 brewing temperatures
CONs
- Maxes out at 30 cups of specialty coffee per day
La Pavoni BAR-T 2V-B Commercial 2 Group
The La Pavoni would look so great in your coffee shop. The press-forged brass and chrome-plated machine would truly entice your customers to buy a cup. Also, multiple users can operate this, making it less time-consuming than other machines.
Value
This is a little bit too expensive for starting a business, but if you already are an established one, then this is just great. The features are to die for.
Functionality
The continuous brewing and stop button features are my favorite. It is so convenient to make several cups of coffee in no time.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
This classy-looking machine never fails. If you are planning to start a small business that will later turn into a big one, this will help. The multiple user functions will be beneficial for excellent service and reputation.
PROs
- Quality material
- Multiple users can use it at the same time
- Two flexible steam jets
CONs
- Must install a water softener to maintain the warranty
- Inching towards a higher price
- Skilled workers required
Nuova Simonelli Aurelia II Volumetric 2 Group Espresso Machine
This Nuova Simonelli entry is one of the most versatile espresso machines on the list. It takes into account the customer, barista, and even you, the owner. The automatic feature is so user-friendly that anyone can make a cup of cappuccino without having to read the manual.
Value
The price is not a big deal because the functions are worth every penny.
Functionality
I like the fact that this can meet any required level of volume and quality. The automatic flushing system is also something that this espresso maker should be proud of.
The Earl’s Overall Rating
We give two thumbs up for this espresso maker’s versatility and flexibility. We never know what a customer wants in a cup of joe. This machine, however, can make their coffee dreams come true with just a push of a button.
PROs
- External pump regulation, so no technician is required
- Auto steam wand
- The display allows for easy control of the temperature
CONs
- On the pricier side
Nuova Simonelli Talento Espresso Machine
This sleek machine is equipped with a coffee grinder, dual boilers, and a hot water nozzle. It can produce 150 espresso shots per hour. The Nuova Simonelli Talento has a Smart Wand, ready for some top-notch magic any time of the day. One push of a button can craft eight different drinks. Bravo.
Value
This machine practically pays for itself. Brewing at home costs 28 cents for a double Americano compared to $2 at Starbucks. That’s a savings of $1.72 per cup.
Functionality
I was truly amazed by how convenient this machine is and how it makes my life easier every day. Keep up the good job, Nuova Simonelli!
The Earl’s Overall Rating
Need we say more? This has everything you need to start a small business. Bibidi Bobidi Boo, there goes your cup of cappuccino! Despite the high price, it cannot be denied that this machine is definitely worth the investment.
PROs
- External pump regulation, so no technician is required
- Auto steam wand
- The display allows for easy control of the temperature
CONs
- Pricey
Parting Shots
Have you already chosen your fighter? If yes, then congratulations! You are on your way to establishing a successful business. Ultimately, there are other variables you need to consider, like your budget and your kind of business. It all boils down to intensive planning and wise decision making.
These are the best espresso machines for small businesses. However, feel free to shop around for the espresso machine that best fits your coffee shop’s needs. We wish you and your coffee business all the best! Know more about espresso machines.