What you need when starting up a new cafe / coffee shop.
It can be a daunting task when it comes to choosing the right equipment for the new cafe / coffee shop. One decision you don’t want to rush into or make with a faint heart as this will have a massive influence in how the new business is portrait.
Hopefully this quick guide will give you some idea in choosing the right espresso machine.
What types of Espresso Machines are there?
In general for the sole purpose of this guide we will limit this to automatic and semi-auto machines as these are 2 main types of espresso machines you will come across in cafe’s and coffee shops.
* Fully Automatic Espresso Machines – this type contains a programmable microprocessor that extracts specific volumes for specific drink types touch of a button. All buttons are pre-set to that desired volume and timing etc
* Semi-automatic Espresso machine – this type is usually pump-driven and the extraction is manually controlled via a switch or a button front of the machine.
There are pros and cons of both types of machines, one of the most significant differences is the cost between them. Within each type you will find manufacturers having their own technological input to improve user workflow for example Victoria Arduino Eagle One has something called the auto flush. When the portafilter is removed from the group head after extraction the machine flushes automatically, saving time.
Factors/ features to consider when buying Espresso Machine
To get the most out of any machine and to obtain aroma and flavour you will need to get the pressure, extraction, grind size and extraction time spot on. Following points will help you consider each espresso machine carefully before purchasing;
* Bench space – do you have adequate spacing for the espresso machine as they come in different sizes, width and height wise. Also to factor in space for the grinder, knock box and water filtration system which usually sits right underneath the bench where the machine will be.
* Budget – is a one of the most important points and needs to be addressed, what’s your budget for the entire kit? can you maybe do with leasing to spread the costs ?
* Workforce – are you going to be employing experienced or a young workforce? again you will need to look at how you going to train a younger workforce as generally there is a high turnover in that age group. or if you considering experienced personal are you happy paying their required hourly rate?
* Manufacture preference – maybe this is to do with loyalty, design, colour or country of origin
* Features – maybe you like specific feature on a particular machine that gives better flavour or better workflow
* Group heads – this depends how busy you reckon the shop going to be, will 2 group head be enough, or would 3 group is required again space requirement needs to be taken into account
* Power – what are the power requirements, generally 2 group machines are single phase 32amp or 16amp with some lower end machines can be run off 13amp. Whereas the 3 group requires 3 phase power.
* Energy-saving options – now days many manufacturers have moved over to power/ energy saving options where the machine goes into this mode when not in use.
* Water filtration system – without a suitable system your boilers will become corroded with limescale etc and this is an expensive fit. So consider this and speak to the supplier who should advice you accordingly.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the right espresso machine there are things to consider and the best machines don’t come cheap, if you want to serve high quality coffee to your customers than invest in high end espresso machine and grinder. In the long run you will attract more customers.
www.coffeeomega.co.uk
Email: info@coffeeomega.co.uk
