Best Espresso Machine For Small Business [Best Coffee For Your Small Business]

If you want to start a small business, you will require the star player. For any coffee shop, the star is the espresso machine. With the best espresso machine for small business, you can create the perfect coffee shop ambience required.

Any business must have a coffee maker that can help you become the best barista in the vicinity. An espresso machine not only allows you to brew excellent coffee but also helps create a visual aesthetic that will attract more customers to your business.

Choosing the right espresso machine for your business makes a huge difference. With a wide variety of espresso machines available in the market, you need to make the right purchasing decision.

We have consolidated a list of the 9 best espresso machines for your small business. In this article, you will also find a buyers’ guide that will help you understand the things you need to consider before buying your star player.

Best Espresso Machines for Small Business – Our Top Picks

We recommend all the below espresso machines in no particular order. All the espresso machines have something unique to offer at exceptional price points. 

Here are our best picks

• Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine
• Espressoworks Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker
• Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine
• Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
• De’Longhi La Specialista
• Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine
• Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Espresso Machine
• Jura 15145 Automatic Coffee Machine
• La Pavoni PUB 1M-R 1 Commercial Espresso Machine

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Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

We can confidently begin this list with the Breville BES970XL. At an affordable price, this is easily one of the best espresso machines for small business. The device works on quick-heating technology and brews beverages at the optimum temperature of 192^oF. The fast-heating system heats in only 15 seconds to provide you a freshly brewed cup of coffee at the ideal temperature.

The Breville BES870XL is an automatic espresso machine with manual controls over the grinders and the dosing. The espresso machine comes with an integrated conical burr grinder, allowing you to get freshly ground and roasted beans. Therefore, you get to brew coffee without putting in too much effort while having perfect control and monitoring advantage.

The one-touch buttons allow you quick access to the various types and sizes of cups you can brew. The five cup options you get with this machine are espresso, double espresso, coffee, gran lungo, and alto. The instruction manual that comes with the espresso machine is straightforward and allows you to master the espresso machine in no time.

You can prepare espresso-based drinks such as the Long Black and the Americano and creamy drinks. The Aeroccino three milk frother gives you the liberty to control the amount of milk you’d like to add to your drinks. You can enhance your lattes’ flavor and appearance with the steam wand that allows you to handle texture micro-foam milk at ease.

You do not have to worry about energy consumption as a small business owner with this espresso machine. The machine automatically shuts off within nine minutes of inactivity due to its smart shut-off feature. Refilling water is also not a hassle since the device comes with a large water tank.

In case your business has good clientage, and you’re running out of serving time, this is an ideal gadget for you. It is available for double shots; therefore, you can brew single or double cups in one go. The espresso machine also comes with a one-year warranty.

Pros

• Energy saving
• Milk frothing maker
• Large water tank
• Dost control grinding
• 15-seconds of heating process
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• The lack of an exchange boil heater

Espressoworks Espresso Machine & Cappuccino Maker

The Espressoworks Espresso Machine and Cappuccino Maker is one of the best-sellers in the market. The reason for its popularity does come from not only its affordable price, but also the convenience of its size. The espresso machine does not take too much space on your countertop but works exceptionally well.

Even though most of Espressoworks products come at an affordable price, they are considered high-quality products. This product is no exception. The 15 bar Italian pumps in this machine allow you to brew a variety of perfect cups of coffee. You can brew Italian espresso, macchiato, and even Americanos with this coffee maker.

The advanced thermoblock system integrated into the device allows you to create lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos within 45 seconds. The versatility of this espresso machine is known no bounds. You can make single or double shots at once with the stainless steel portafilter baskets. The stainless-steel material is scarce to feature on espresso machines at this price.

You do not have to worry about running out of water in the tank if you own a small business. The 1.25L removable ad easy-view tank helps you handle the water necessities at ease. Since the tank is removable, cleaning it is also a piece of cake.

The Espressoworks Espresso Machine and Cappuccino Maker comes with swivel steam that helps you prepare milk according to your desire. Therefore, even though it is an automatic espresso machine, you control the brewed drink you serve.

Pros

• Simple operation
• Manual milk steaming and frothing options
• Quick heating and drink making process that takes only 45 seconds
• 15 bar Italian pump
• The versatility of brewing options

Cons

• The grinder can smoke, compromising durability

Nuova Simonelli Oscar II Espresso Machine

If you’re looking for an espresso machine with a soft infusion system, this might be the product for you. The soft infusion system gives you the liberty to control the automatic optimization of the extraction process.

The coffee grounds are allowed to bloom to help you develop a sweet yet better taste in your drinks. Throughout the blooming process, the coffee grounds are saturated in the group head of the espresso machine. The saturation occurs with a low-pressure water stream that does not overwhelm the process.

Due to the coffee grounds’ early saturation, you can brew drinks that have unmistakable taste profiles. The espresso that you achieve has less nuance due to prevented channeling.

You also get to program your shots with the easily programmable buttons on this device. By fixing a setting that you prefer, you get the desired cup and the uniformity that is important for businesses.

Since the model comes with a back mirror function, you get complete control over your coffee. You can monitor your drink from any angle so that you can fix minor issues as soon as they arrive. This is a handy feature to have for any professional barista.

With the help of this device, you save preparation and serving time. This is because you get to brew and steam an espresso shot at the same time. Therefore, you can prepare a larger number of drinks in a small period.

The best thing about his espresso machine is that it has an individual internal compartment connected with a copper tube. Therefore, siphoning the water to the group head and heating a perfect temperature can be done automatically. The smart thermostat allows the drinks to be brewed at the optimum temperature without needing you to do anything about it.

Pros

• Compact size
• Automatic water refill system
• Back mirror function
• Soft infusion system

Cons

• No de-scaling system

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

Gaggia Brera is a great innovative name in the coffee making industry. This company owns the technology that can make coffee with pre-ground beans. Therefore, Gaggia Brera knows coffee and knows how to handle the coffee-making process very well.

If you decide to purchase the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine, you will be delighted by its performance. With this espresso machine, along with getting perfectly brewed coffee and espresso, you also get to improve your countertop’s aesthetics. This machine is made of a modern design that is not only visually pleasing but also extremely durable.

Since this Gaggia Brera espresso machine is a fully automatic one, you do not have to make many efforts to make coffee. With the help of coffee grounds and the pre-programed settings, you’re free of all manual levers and adjustments required.

The only major setting that you have to alter is the cup size. The espresso machine allows you to brew the five standard cup sizes – espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee, and alto. Since you get an adjustable cup tray with this model, it can accommodate all those cup sizes without issues. The user-friendly interface allows you to understand the brewing process at ease.

You can experiment with many coffee recipes with this drink. You will not be restricted to espresso-based drinks since the model comes with a milk frother. Therefore, you can create as many lattes and other variants as you like. The heat want can also dispense hot water for water-based recipes and teas. 

As a small business owner, you will probably not have the time to refill the water tank frequently. That problem is solved too since the model comes with a large water tank for your convenience. What’s better is that the ergonomic design puts all the required components, such as the water tank and the drip tray, well within your comfortable reach.

Pros

• Rapid steam technology
• Milk frother
• Adjustable cup tray
• Power saving mode
• Large water tank capacity
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• Can make some noise while brewing
• Might not brew coffee at optimum temperature

De’Longhi La Specialista

The De’Longhi La Specialista with Sensor Grinder is a beast of a device that comes at a semi-affordable price. You get a carob coffee maker and a grinder in one model, which is why it is a milestone product.

This is a semi-automatic machine. Therefore, you will have to manually transfer the functioning from a coffee maker to a coffee grinder. Similarly, you will have to manually start and stop each process and exchange the roasted beans after the coffee is brewed. Even though it sounds like a lot of work, it is the perfect way to control the taste of your coffee.

The device comes with a sensor grinder. Therefore, it can access the optimum dose required for a cup of espresso. Since the espresso machine has traded the traditional boiler for a thermal block, it does not need much time to heat. Therefore, you do not have to keep your customers waiting for a cup of coffee.

With the Advanced Latte System, the model can create the perfect texture required for milk-based coffee drinks. The espresso machine also has a hot water sprout from which you can dispense hot water for teas and Americanos. If you do not like the complication of using too many cup sizes, this is the right machine for you. It allows for two cup sizes that are 3.15 and 4.7 inches.

The appearance of this machine is worth showcasing at your countertop. It has a perfect look to be the star player of a small coffee shop. With its metal cage and numerous metal buttons, it gives an almost vintage appeal. The levers have a glossy black finish to add a modern touch to the machine.

Pros

• Impressive looks
• Ergonomic design
• Straightforward setup
• Advanced Latte System for drink versatility
• Easy controls on the control panel

Cons

• It does not have a display panel.

Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine

Here we proceed with the list with another spectacular product by Breville. Even though this machine’s price is higher than the previously reviewed one, the functioning justifies it. The Breville BES920XL has a cute design that is compact and will not eat a lot of your countertop space. It is a perfect addition to a small coffee shop or a small bakery.

The metal encasing of this product makes it an excellent addition to any kitchen. It looks good, along with being robust and durable. The regular and smooth shapes allow for the design to look relatively modern.

Not only is the appearance of the espresso machine desirable, but also the functionality and user-friendliness. The control panel of the machine has a backlit LCD that is surrounded by several metallic buttons.

The stainless-steel double boiler system enables you to boil milk and brew coffee at the same time. This is an outstanding feature to have during peak hours when you need to execute many things at once. The double boiler system is so well integrated into the machine that it will seem to be an obvious addition to any espresso maker once you get used to it.

With the PID digital temperature control, you can never go wrong with the temperature of the drink. This control allows you to monitor both the boilers and serves drinks at the optimum temperature.

The machine also comes with a steam wand that allows you to create delicately textured milt froth. You can use this foam to get creative with the latter art. Another great feature of this machine is that it has a built-in alarm that will inform you when the model requires maintenance.

Pros

• Compact size
• Full control over time, strength, temperature, and pressure
• Pre-infusion feature
• Perfect coffee temperature

Cons

• The device can make some loud, hissing sound.

Saeco Xelsis Super Automatic Espresso Machine

This is another compact machine that has a simple operation. It has all the simple features that are a must for every small business, along with some unique extra features. This machine is made of sturdy titanium that is great for durability. This compact machine becomes a perfect addition to small kitchens and counters.

To achieve the perfect cup of coffee every time, the machine features a 15 Italia pump system. You can keep track of time with the analog pressure gauge at the front of the machine. Along with the time tracker, you also get a digital temperature monitor and control. With the help of this control, you can change the temperature of the milk foam and water.

This espresso machine comes with several pre-programmed options that will help you achieve different kinds of coffee. Therefore, you can expand your small business’ menu as you keep learning new options within the machine. Since the machine comes with a milk frother, you have the facility to make Americanos, espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos.

For busy hours, you have the option of brewing two cups at once while maintaining the optimum temperature for both. However, you can change the temperature of either of the components to change the way your beverage tastes.

The model’s comfortable design has a handy drip tray and a water tank that are removable for easy maintenance. The drip tray is also adjustable so that you can accommodate any cup size you want into the device. The overall cleaning, maintenance, and energy-saving features of this model are exemplary.

Pros

• Compact design
• Comes with a milk frother
• Versatile drinks
• Digital pressure gauge
• Keep track of time and temperature.
• Touchscreen controls
• Adjustable drip tray
• Removable water tank
• Double shots

Cons

• The slight learning curve involved in using this machine

Jura 15145 Automatic Coffee Machine

If you are looking for convenient use of the machine for your small business, the Jura 15145 is ideal. Among the many espresso machines in this list, this is the easiest to install, use, and maintain. This fully automatic model gives you the liberty to serve coffee while catering to other requirements. Therefore, it is a perfect addition to a small bakery.

The Jura 15145 Automatic Coffee Maker comes with 12 pre-programmed functions. These functions cover many different forms of coffee. Therefore, you can have at least 12 items on your menu that will not take a lot of time to prepare.

If looking from an investment point of view, few espresso machines can match this one’s quality. It has the auto-off feature that helps you save energy. Along with that, setting it up and maintaining the model is also an economical affair. Therefore, it is a fantastic buy for small businesses looking for budget-friendly and value for money products.

The large water tank capacity allows you to brew several cups of coffee throughout the day. Therefore, you do not have to run around to refill the tank multiple times a day. The larger the water tank capacity, the more the number of coffee cups. Therefore, you can cater to a large clientele at one go.

With the help of this beautiful machine, you can let your business grow multifold in no time. Since the device does not come with a grinder, you can add pre-ground beans to get various beverages. The gadget features two temperature options and eight strength options that allow for fluctuation according to the customer’s needs.

Pros

• Medium-sized container for grounds
• Various temperature and strength options
• 12 pre-programmed beverage options

Cons

• The water tank is big but could be bigger

La Pavoni PUB 1M-R 1 Commercial Espresso Machine

This espresso machine by La Pavoni PUB is undoubtedly one of the best espresso machines for small businesses. It is a fully automatic or Volumetric machine that simplifies the barista process for anyone to use. This is one of the most compact yet powerful espresso machines on this list. It is capable of making barista-grade high-quality drinks in no time.

Unlike most espresso machines for small businesses, this machine has a 19-bar Italian pressure pump. Such high-quality machinery guarantees an exemplary cup of coffee at every single brew.

The fast-heating system integrated into this model allows you to achieve the perfect coffee within 30 seconds. This is not the only thing that saves energy in this machine. The auto shut off feature is an excellent way of saving energy as it stops the device within nine minutes of inactivity.

The La Pavoni PUB Commercial Espresso Maker has a microprocessor along with a digital control pad. Therefore, using it is also incredibly easy. You can make any size of coffee cup with this machine by simply pressing the stop button when you’ve reached the desired amount.

Even though the model is small, it has a large water tank capacity. It can serve up to 150 cups of coffee a day, which is appropriate for a small business. However, refilling the tank is also reasonably easy due to the removable water tank.

This espresso machine is an overall very well built and affordable machine. As a small business owner, you will really appreciate the usability of the product.

Pros

• 19-bar pressure pump
• Heats within 30 seconds
• Large water tank capacity
• Automatic shut off feature
• Extremely energy saving
• Neat and compact design

Cons

• It does not come with a milk frother. Therefore, you cannot make latte art.

What to Look for in The Best Espresso Machines for Small Business

If you’re looking at this section, you have likely read the product reviews of all our favorite espresso machines for small businesses. After reading those reviews, you must be confused about the things you need to look for according to your business.

The best espresso machines cannot serve the one-size-fits-all criteria. All businesses have their unique requirements, and the machine they purchase should fit those requirements perfectly.

Below are a few things you should keep in mind before buying an espresso machine for your small business. If you keep these things in mind, you will surely be able to add the right asset to your inventory.

Automation Types of Espresso Machines

You need to know the different types of espresso machines you will encounter while buying. The differences and similarities in all types of espresso machines can influence your buying decision. Given below are the different types of espresso machines.

Volumetric or Automatic Espresso machines

Automatic espresso machines are the best way to go if your small business is located in a high-traffic place. Such a location will attract higher footfall, and you will require a quick machine that does not require a lot of attention to brew coffee. You do not require to spend too much of your commission on expensive coffee machines for smaller businesses.

The important thing that distinguishes an automatic machine from others is that it doses the water by itself. This machine does not require your instructions to make a standard espresso shot. Therefore, the machine ends the extraction cycle when the ratio of water to grounds is perfect. This is also a great product for newly trained staff.

Semi Automatic Espresso Machines

If your business is at a prime spot or if your barista is well-trained, you can opt for a semi-automatic coffee machine. These espresso machines are generally only used by seasoned baristas since they allow many functions.

While the brew cycle and most other features in these machines are automatic, some of the key features such as water quantity, bean grinding, and pressure application are administered by the barista. While using these espresso machines could be difficult if you or your staff are great at brewing coffee, these machines will make your business shine.

Automatic Espresso Machines that Have Manual Dosing Options

Many people like to work with the ease that the automatic machines ensure while having semi-automatic machines’ customizability. If you are one of those people, you will appreciate automatic espresso machines with manual dosing options.

These machines are the perfect middle ground between the previously mentioned two types. They allow you not to have to pull on several levers and make major alterations. However, you also get to control a lot of the important things that matter to many customers. These are the most versatile espressomachines that you can buy for your small business.

Budget

The very first thing that you need to make your small business work is to invest well. However, it is advisable to invest in many things at once rather than splurging on a single item. Even though an espresso machine is critical, you should stick to the budget that you designed for yourself.

The good news is that espresso machines are so cost-versatile that you can find one at any price range. There are many budget-friendly espresso machines that you can choose from to start your small business. However, you must also note that the higher the cost of a machine, the more premium feature you will get to work with.

You should find the balance between the amount of money you are willing to spend and the kind of functions you want. The endnote is that you do not want to buy a budget-friendly machine that does not suit your requirements. Similarly, you do not want to buy a premium machine with too many functions, most of which you will never use.

Employee Expertise

As mentioned in the types section, the kind of machine you are going to buy ultimately relies on your employees’ expertise. If you keep on changing your staff or beginners, you surely do not want to buy a complicated coffee machine. However, if your team is seasoned, you can up your coffee game by getting a high-end semi-automatic machine.

Your staff is going to work on the machine. Therefore, buying a coffee machine according to the kind of staff you have is an important factor. Have a conversation with your staff to understand the kind of machine that they’re comfortable with.

Business Reputation

A coffee machine plays a huge role in the kind of reputation that your small business has. Is your business a cozy family barista? Then you can buy a small countertop machine that can brew relaxing coffee beverages. However, if you have to maintain an up-scale reputation, you will have to buy an up-scale machine.

Number of Espressos You Make Per Day

One of the essential features of a coffee machine that you need to consider is the number of cups you brew per day. Not only does this influence the tank size that you will require, but also the multifunctionality features espresso machine.

If you brew up to 100 cups of espresso in a day, you will require a large tank. When you serve many cups, you may have some peak hours when you require to serve multiple cups in one go. Therefore, espresso machines that can make double shots should be your priority.

In case the number of cups that you serve per day is about 50, you can relax. You can buy a machine that has a small to medium size water tank. A single shot machine will also be useful to you, as long as the crow you receive is steady and not accumulated at a particular time.

The number of cups that you brew in a single day also affects the boiler compartment and type required. Most double shot coffee machines have double boilers. This is an important distinction to remember to buy a machine that is perfect for your small business.

Power

Before buying an espresso machine, you need to check how much power it has. High-powered systems will help you get high-quality coffee. This is because, with high power, espresso machines can remove the bitterness from the wet ground, allowing you to get the most delicate taste profile possible.

The power of coffee machines is determined by the number of pumps that it has. Most good quality espresso machines have 15 Italian pumps. This much power is great to produce delicious coffee. However, espresso machines such as the La Pavoni PUB offer 19 Italian pumps. Espresso machines that have over 14 Italian pumps have the capability of giving your customers premium taste profiles.

Speed

Speed is one factor that cannot be compromised even if you have to splurge on a coffee machine. There is no way that you would want to keep your customers waiting while you wait for the machine to brew coffee. It is always advisable for you to buy a machine that has high brew speeds.

If a machine can produce a cup of coffee in under one minute, it is considered to have decent speed. However, you can also find products that have lower heating and brewing time than that. They are the best options you can buy from, especially if your business is located in a crowded and busy location.

Temperature Options

Ask any coffee enthusiast what the optimum temperature for enjoying coffee is. Most of them will answer that the ideal temperature is 192^oF. Even though the ideal temperature should be enough, some people prefer to drink their beverage at a higher or lower temperature. With a temperature change, the entire process and taste of coffee are altered.

Since you are running a small business, you do not know what a customer might ask you for. Therefore, it is nice to have temperature controls on an espresso machine. 

Auto Shut-Off Feature

The auto shut-off feature is not only a safety measure but also an energy efficiency method. When espresso machines have an auto shut-off function, they have the capability of switching off after only a few minutes of inactivity. This can save your barista a lot of money and energy. It is a convenient feature to have in a coffee machine.

Maintenance

Most easy to maintain espresso machines feature removable components such as the water reservoir and the drip tray. If you have the opportunity of completely removing these components from the machine, they are easy to wash.

Some espresso machines also come with a descaling alarm. If you are generally vigilant about cleaning your equipment, then you might not need it. However, it is a great function to have since it reminds you when the machine requires cleaning.

Wrapping Up

Buying an espresso machine for your small business is one of the most important things you will have to do. You need to make a well-informed and well-through decision that will help you grow your small business. For the sake of information, the above-given list and buyer’s guide should give you a brief idea of what you need to buy.

The espresso machine that you decide to buy should cater to all your coffee requirements. Every business has a different style, genre, and needs. Therefore, make sure that the espresso machine you buy is the best for you, even if it is not the highest-rated product.