Are you looking for the best espresso machines for restaurants?
Whether you’re a restaurateur looking to add espresso to your menu or an avid coffee lover looking for the perfect at-home machine we’ve got you covered.
We’ve compiled a list of the best machines on the market based on factors like price quality and durability.
So whether you’re in the market for a budget-friendly model or something high-end we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to learn more!
Best Espresso Machines For Restaurants
Breville BES870XL Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is a top-of-the-line choice for those looking to bring third wave specialty coffee into their own homes.
As the #1 best seller in super-automatic espresso machines, this product offers an all-in-one solution with its integrated grinder, allowing you to go from beans to espresso in under one minute.
One of the key features of this machine is the Dose Control Grinding.
The integrated precision conical burr grinder grinds on demand, delivering the perfect amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter for your preferred taste with any roast of bean.
Additionally, the Optimal Water Pressure feature ensures that all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup.
The machine also offers 16 precision grind settings for even more control over your coffee.
The Breville Barista Express also includes a Digital temperature control (PID) that delivers water at precisely the right temperature, ensuring optimal espresso extraction.
The powerful steam wand performance allows for manual microfoam milk texturing, enhancing flavor and enabling the creation of latte art.
The grind size dial is simple and intuitive, giving you control over the grind size no matter what type of bean you’re using.
One of the standout features of this machine is the innovative grinding cradle, which allows any at-home barista to grind directly into the espresso portafilter for the perfect espresso.
The machine also comes with a variety of accessories, including a Razor Dose Trimming Tool, 54mm Stainless Steel Portafilter, 1 & 2 cup Single & Dual Wall Filter Baskets, Coffee Scoop, Integrated Tamper, Stainless Steel Milk Jug, Cleaning disc, tablets, brush tool & Allen Key, Water Filter & Filter Holder.
It’s important to note that this machine is not self-explanatory and requires reading the instructions to fully understand and properly use it.
Additionally, the machine costs around $500, and it is recommended to invest another $100 to get the most out of it and avoid frustration.
Pros:
- Integrated precision conical burr grinder
- Optimal water pressure and 16 precision grind settings
- Digital temperature control (PID) for optimal extraction
- Manual microfoam milk texturing
- Innovative grinding cradle
- Comes with a variety of accessories
Cons:
- Not self-explanatory and requires reading instructions
- Additional investment of $100 recommended to fully enjoy the machine.
Breville BES990BSS Oracle Touch
The Breville Oracle Touch Espresso Machine is a top-of-the-line option for those looking to bring a café-quality experience into their own home.
With automation at every stage and touch screen operation, making your favorite espresso drinks has never been easier.
One of the standout features of this machine is its integrated conical burr grinder, which automatically grinds, doses, and tamps 18-22 grams of coffee, similar to the commercial espresso machines found in your favorite café.
This ensures a consistent and precise dose of coffee for each and every drink.
The digital temperature control (PID) technology also ensures that the water temperature is kept at its optimum range, resulting in a balanced and delicious espresso.
Additionally, the Over Pressure Valve (OPV) is a commercial feature included in the Oracle Touch that limits the maximum pressure throughout the extraction, helping prevent bitter flavors in the coffee shot.
It also has true low pressure pre-infusion, which gradually increases the pressure to gently expand the grinds for an even extraction.
Another highlight is the microfoam milk texturing feature, which allows for a delicate balance of espresso flavor and rich, sweet milk with a micro-foam texture.
The steam wand, powered by a dedicated steam boiler, automatically textures milk to your taste and preferred temperature, delivering barista-quality silky micro-foam that enhances the flavor of coffee.
Plus, the steam wand even cleans itself!
The triple heat system, consisting of a dedicated steam boiler with integrated Heat Exchange, a dedicated espresso boiler with Digital PID control, and a heated group head PID controlled embedded element, all work together to maintain thermal stability and deliver precise water temperature.
The touch screen operation with 5 pre-programmed favorites and the ability to create, save, and name 8 customizable coffee settings, as well as adjustable Grind Control, programmable Milk Temperature and Texture, and the option for one or two shots and hot water, make this machine truly customizable to your preferences.
With a 1 year repair warranty and construction materials of brushed stainless steel and stainless steel dual boiler, this machine is built to last.
Pros:
- Integrated conical burr grinder for precise dosing and tamping
- Digital temperature control technology for balanced and delicious espresso
- Over Pressure Valve (OPV) to prevent bitter flavors in coffee shot
- Microfoam milk texturing feature for café-quality drinks
- Triple heat system for thermal stability and precise water temperature
- Touch screen operation with customizable settings
- 1 year repair warranty
Cons:
- Expensive upfront cost
- Requires a dedicated water line for optimal performance
Gaggia Babila
The Gaggia Babila RI9700/64 espresso machine is a top-of-the-line option for coffee lovers who want to enjoy café-quality drinks at home.
With a sleek stainless steel design and programmable features, this machine offers convenience and versatility.
One of the standout features of the Gaggia Babila is its one-touch brewing and frothing capabilities.
The bean-to-cup feature allows for easy preparation of espressos, lungos, coffee, ristrettos, lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos, flat whites, and milk foam.
The included milk carafe also features automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos and milk froth, and the manual steam wand can also be used as a hot water dispenser.
The machine also comes with a variety of accessories, including a bottle of Gaggia Descaler, an AquaClean water filter, a water hardness test strip, a tube of brew group lubricant, a brew group brush, and a coffee scoop/grinder key.
These accessories make it easy to maintain and keep the machine running smoothly.
In terms of programmability, the Gaggia Babila offers 8 options for brewing and frothing, allowing for customized drinks to suit individual preferences.
Additionally, the machine features a top-loading removable 50.7oz water reservoir for easy access and refilling.
However, some users have reported issues with the drip pan filling up quickly and the top hinge breaking during emptying.
Additionally, regular maintenance is required to keep the machine in top working condition.
Overall, the Gaggia Babila RI9700/64 espresso machine offers high-quality and convenient features for coffee enthusiasts.
While some users have reported issues with the drip pan and hinge, the machine’s programmable options, easy maintenance, and delicious taste make it a worthwhile investment.
Pros:
- One-touch brewing and frothing capabilities
- Automatic milk frothing for cappuccinos and milk froth
- 8 programmable brewing options
- Easy access to water reservoir
- Includes various accessories for maintenance
Cons:
- Drip pan may fill up quickly
- Hinge may break during emptying
- Regular maintenance required
Calphalon BVCLECMPBM1 Temp iQ
The Calphalon Espresso Machine with Coffee Grinder is a versatile and high-quality option for coffee lovers looking to elevate their home brewing experience.
This machine comes equipped with a variety of features, including a 15-bar Italian pump, integrated conical burr mill grinder with 30 adjustable grind settings, pre-programmed settings for single and double shots, and a dial interface for selecting steam or hot water.
One of the standout features of this machine is its thermoblock heating technology and PID temperature control, which delivers even heat for consistently great-tasting espresso and gentle pre-infusion blooms the espresso grounds for optimal extraction.
The 58millimeter café-sized porta filter holds more grounds and ensures even water dispersion and extraction for robust flavor.
Additionally, the machine comes with a removable 2.8 liter water reservoir with hinged lid for easy filling and a cup warming tray for espresso-ready cups.
The Calphalon Espresso Machine also includes a steam wand for frothing milk, making it easy to create cappuccinos, lattes, and other drinks, just like in coffee shops.
The package also includes a stainless steel milk jug, tamper, cleaning disc, cleaning brush, and cleaning pin for easy maintenance.
According to Amazon user Jerry Zeisler, who has had the machine for a month, the machine is easy to use and comes with detailed instructions.
Some reviewers have had complaints about the feet sliding on the counter when inserting the portafilter, but Jerry has not had that problem on a granite countertop.
Some reviewers have also complained about the machine having some plastic parts, but Jerry finds that it looks nice and is not a problem at all.
The only complaint that Jerry has is that the knob that selects steam or hot water is harder to turn than it should be.
He suggests that it probably would have been better to install a flip switch than a knob.
However, this is not a big enough problem for him to return the machine or suggest not buying it.
Pros:
- 15-bar Italian pump
- Integrated conical burr mill grinder
- Pre-programmed settings for single and double shots
- Dial interface for selecting steam or hot water
- Thermoblock heating technology and PID temperature control
- 58millimeter café-sized porta filter
- Removable 2.8 liter water reservoir with hinged lid
- Cup warming tray
- Steam wand for frothing milk
- Stainless steel milk jug, tamper, cleaning disc, cleaning brush, and cleaning pin
Cons:
- Knob that selects steam or hot water is harder to turn than it should be.
Nuova Simonelli Musica
The Nuova Simonelli Musica Pour Over Tank Version Lux Espresso Machine is a feature-packed powerhouse that combines both beauty and functionality.
This machine is designed after the critically acclaimed Oscar True electronic pre-infusion Pour over model, and offers a variety of features that make it the perfect choice for those looking for a permanent solution for their morning java.
One of the key features of the Nuova Simonelli Musica is its removable water tank, which makes it easy to fill and clean.
Additionally, the machine has a heat exchange boiler with a vacuum breaker valve, a Sirai Pressurestat and boiler steam pressure gauge, and an all metal body construction with a polished chrome face.
The cup tray and LED backlit trim are also included, making this machine a great choice for any coffee lover.
The Musica also offers automatic espresso dosing, which allows you to program your favorite ristretto or espresso sizes and have the machine automatically stop brewing when that volume has been dispensed.
This is a great feature for a small coffee shop that wants to minimize employee training.
Additionally, the Musica has a programmable hot water dispensing feature, which allows you to make Americanos and brew tea with 100% fresh hot water.
The machine also includes a commercial Sirai Pressurestat and vacuum breaker valve, which helps to regulate the boiler temperature and reduce energy consumption.
Additionally, the front-mounted pressure gauge allows you to accurately adjust the brewing temperature by raising or lowering the pressure, which is important for different espresso blends that prefer different temperatures.
In terms of support and delivery, the Nuova Simonelli Musica is eligible for return, refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt, and is shipped from J.L.
Hufford.
Additionally, the machine is also eligible for payment plans, with $122.18/mo (48 mo) at an example APR of 30% (rates from 10-30% APR).
Overall, the Nuova Simonelli Musica Pour Over Tank Version Lux Espresso Machine is a great choice for anyone looking for a feature-packed, high-quality espresso machine.
It offers a variety of features, including a removable water tank, programmable hot water dispensing, and a commercial Sirai Pressurestat and vacuum breaker valve, all of which make it a great choice for both home and commercial use.
Pros:
- Removable water tank for easy filling and cleaning
- Heat exchange boiler with vacuum breaker valve
- Sirai Pressurestat and boiler steam pressure gauge
- Automatic espresso dosing and programmable hot water dispensing
- Commercial Sirai Pressurestat and vacuum breaker valve
Cons:
- Expensive price point
- Need to be familiar with adjusting the brewing temperature and pressure to get the perfect cup of coffee.
home espresso machine vs A restaurant espresso machine
Restaurant espresso machines have a number of features that normal home espresso machines do not.
These features include but are not limited to: a higher pressure boiler dual boilers pre-infusion capabilities and PID controllers.
A higher pressure boiler can reach up to 1.5 bar whereas normal home machines only go up to 9 bar.
The difference in pressure is due to the amount of water that can be stored before it starts heating up.
With more heat you get a larger expansion of steam which increases your internal pressure.
Restaurant machines also tend to have two boilers so there are no temperature fluctuations.
The reason for this is that one boiler is used for espresso extraction while the other is used for milk steaming and frothing.
Other features include pre-infusion capabilities and PID controllers that allow them to consistently deliver quality results every time they’re being used.
Do Restaurant espresso machines make better tasting coffee?
Restaurant espresso machines are designed to deliver the best tasting coffee no matter what.
This is because they’re made with restaurant-grade components that won’t wear out over time unlike home espresso machines.
For example most home machines come with a plastic or aluminum boiler instead of brass or stainless steel boilers found in restaurant units.
With these lower-quality components you will experience flavor loss over time due to their material properties.
Are some home units capable of producing higher pressure?
Some high-end home models can create similar results as a restaurant unit by using modified group heads and pumps to increase the internal pressure for extraction purposes.
However this can cause many problems since it’s not designed for continuous use like the ones used commercially which typically have full-time baristas behind it.
Are some home machines capable of dual boiler functions?
Some low-end models that only have one main boiler can still steam/froth milk due to the design of its internal components.
When you pull a shot on these machines rather than pulling coffee through your portafilter directly into the cup they actually stop the shot right before the final drop and divert it to another chamber where hot water is sprayed on top of it in order to froth milk while using this excess heat to heat up your cup.
Using this method on low-end machines not designed for restaurant use will decrease your overall extraction time since it’s dividing espresso volume into two parts.
Can I use a Restaurant espresso machine at home?
Restaurant espresso machines are designed for restaurant use.
As previously mentioned they’re made with parts that can handle the constant use of a full-time barista.
This means they have components built to last longer are more durable and are intended to make multiple cups per day without wearing them out over time.
Using a restaurant espresso machine for your home use will shorten its lifespan causing it to wear out sooner than expected.
Restaurant units are also not designed for water filtration systems so you may face a number of problems if you try to use it with a home machine since they require different pressures and water pressure against their group heads.
When should I consider buying a Restaurant grade espresso machine?
Restaurant grade machines may be the right choice depending on your situation.
If having high-quality drinks prepared by professionals that can consistently deliver results is important to you then this type of machine should be considered.
That being said if making high-end drinks aren’t crucial for your business or caffeine needs it’s advised you stick with a home unit.
They’re cheaper while still producing decent-tasting coffee.
Are Restaurant espresso machines worth the money?
If you’re going to spend a few hundred dollars on an espresso machine it makes sense that you want a quality product that’s going to last.
Restaurant grade machines are made with higher quality components that can handle long hours of use and abuse from everyday tasks without failing.
On average these units have labor costs built into their price since they require full-time baristas who understand how to operate them properly for your business or home needs.
The more expensive models also have PID controllers as well as pre-infusion capabilities so shots come out perfectly every time.
While some pricey home machines do offer similar features it may not be worth spending extra cash on something that won’t live up to its hype.
What to look for in a Restaurant espresso machine for a restaurant?
Restaurant espresso machines for restaurants should also be noted that they’re not just designed to make one type of espresso drink.
As the home market they offer a variety of features and functionality that can meet all kinds of needs ranging from traditional cappuccinos/lattes to more unique ones like Irish coffee and chai lattes.
These machines typically have larger boilers so they can handle multiple drinks per day without a problem while still maintaining quality extractions.
Do Restaurant espresso machines have built-in grinders and steamers?
Typically restaurant-grade coffee machines are just the espresso machine itself.
This means that you have to have separate grinders and steam wands for different drinks.
Some units do come with built-in wand steamers but most will require an external device for steaming milk or prepping other mixes like chocolate syrups.