For a lot of businesses, from offices to restaurants, being able to offer customers and clients a cup of coffee is just a nice touch.
Hotels, designed for hospitality, can really up their service when they’re also able to provide fresh coffee for guests. Even better, espresso-based drinks like a comforting latte might be just what a guest tired after a long day of travel needs, and for that, you’ll need a top-notch espresso machine.
We’ve written this guide to help hotels decide which espresso machine to get. We’ll discuss the basics of the espresso machine market and our selections for the top 5 best espresso machines for hotels.
This is what you’ll discover:
- Espresso machine fundamentals
- Considerations to help you choose the right espresso machine
- Our hand-picked top 5 best espresso machines for hotels
Let’s dive right in.
ESPRESSO MACHINE FUNDAMENTALS
MACHINE TYPE
Day-to-day use of an espresso machine is most heavily impacted by its basic type.
You’ll run into three types of espresso machines most of the time:
- Semiautomatic
- Automatic
- Superautomatic
Semiautomatic espresso machines give power to the users to begin and end brewing shots. Because of this, they take more time to learn, but they grant more flexibility to add personalization to drinks.
Automatic espresso machines must be started by the user, but they stop brewing themselves when the espresso is complete. This automation makes these machines easier to use for all skill levels, and frees employees to work on other tasks.
Superautomatic espresso machines take the automation of automatic models and up the ante. With these kinds of machines, you’ll usually see that every single step of the drink-making process is handled by the machine from grinding the beans to frothing the milk.
Given the high rate of employee turnover most hotels face, hotels are in a great position to fully reap the benefits of automatic and superautomatic espresso machines. These types are also fantastic in businesses that aren’t coffee-centric because they’re so easy to use.
Honestly, one type isn’t necessarily better than the others here as far as flavor goes, because all kinds can make a great espresso. It’s more a matter of your preference and how much user-friendliness you want.
NUMBER OF GROUPS
Imagine a busy rush of guests during a continental breakfast. In this kind of situation, you might get back-to-back espresso orders, so you’ll want a machine that won’t get left in the dust by high demand.
One way to ensure speedy drink-making is by having more groups. More groups translates to being able to make more drinks at the same time, which can be a lifesaver when you’re whipping through lines of drink orders.
Hotels that only serve the occasional complimentary cappuccino here and there may find that a single-group machine is enough to meet their needs, however.
PLUMBING
Another thing to consider is whether you would prefer a direct-connect machine or pour-over machine.
Which one is better? Generally speaking, direct-connect machines tend to be better for commercial settings.
This is because they are connected to a water line and refill themselves automatically. Employees who aren’t familiar with espresso machines won’t need to stop to open up and refill a water tank.
Pour-over machines require you to refill the water supply by hand when it runs low. Although this means they can be moved around easily, it also can be hard to keep track of when multiple people are using the machine.
We usually recommend direct-connect machines to businesses for their convenience and how easy they are to install water filters or softeners in, but some smaller businesses may get by comfortably with a pour-over one.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT ESPRESSO MACHINE
VOLUME OF DRINKS
If you get a lot of customers clamoring for espresso drinks in the morning, it’s imperative your espresso machine can keep up.
For a hotel with a high demand for espresso-based drinks, you may want to look at a machine with more than one group. This allows you to make more drinks at a time by increasing the amount of espresso shots you can brew at once.
High-volume businesses also might want to look at automatic or superautomatic machines, which are often faster simply because employees don’t have to stand at them and carefully time doses for shots.
By contrast, if you’re not making as many drinks, a single-group machine should be a good match for you.
EMPLOYEE PROFICIENCY
A lot of hotels experience a high employee turnover rate.
In those kinds of situations, having a machine that’s simpler to use will make training new hires a cinch. Automatic machines are wonderful for novices because they don’t have to know when to stop the brew cycle to get a perfect espresso every time.
Superautomatic machines are even better when it comes to user-friendliness. Their outstanding comprehensive design means even freshly hired employees can make great-tasting drinks with the push of a button or swipe of a screen.
More advanced baristas, however, will be able to hone their abilities and demonstrate their skills with the flexibility provided by a semiautomatic machine.
Read Also: Best Commercial Espresso Machines
DIMENSIONS
In cramped kitchens or counters, the size of the espresso machine is really important.
If you’re wondering how you’re going to fit one into your business layout, examine the dimensions of the espresso machine in advance. You can plan out potential areas to install your machine and get their measurements to guarantee your choice will fit.
There are many compact options for espresso machines, so even the most crowded countertops can be accommodated.
TOP 5 BEST ESPRESSO MACHINES FOR HOTELS
With the Franke A600 FM CM, the future is now.
This espresso machine is truly a one-stop shop, handling the entire process from grinding your coffee beans to frothing your milk for you. Using the clear 8-inch touch screen, employees will be able to choose from an array of options to craft a variety of drinks with a few quick taps.
It’s so easy to use, you could even set it out as a self-service station at a breakfast buffet or in the lobby to welcome your guests.
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Majesty Coffee Price: $14,032
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Machine Type: Superautomatic
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Boiler System: Multiple brewing units to steam, brew, and get hot water
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Plumbing: Direct-connect
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Built-In Bean Hoppers: With bean hoppers and grinders built right into the Franke A600, you won’t need to spend extra on buying a coffee grinder and you’ll save on counter space.
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Pre-Infusion: By gently soaking grounds before extraction, this machine promotes a more balanced brew cycle, leading to fuller flavors for your guests.
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FoamMaster System: Give your guests something extra to rave about by providing them lattes and cappuccinos with perfectly silky milk foam every time.
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Powder Containers: With up to two powder containers that you can use for milk or chocolate powder, you can offer your guests the sweet and comforting drinks that are popular with so many people.
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CleanMaster System: With just a few easy steps, employees can set the Franke A600 to thoroughly clean itself, allowing them to focus on other work.
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Interested in the high-tech of a superautomatic machine for a more modest price? The Nuova Simonelli Prontobar has you covered.
One really neat feature of the Prontobar is its quiet pump, which means late-night drinks won’t disrupt sleeping guests elsewhere. It also comes with an automated washing program that will clean the machine for you so no one has to deal with the hassle of cleaning it up.
This model comes in one- or two- step configurations. With the one-step configuration, all your employees will need to do is push a button to start making a drink, while the two-step machine will require employees to steam the milk.
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Majesty Coffee Price: $9,855
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Machine Type: Superautomatic
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Plumbing: Direct-connect
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Integrated Dual Grinders: Two grinders and hoppers are built into the Prontobar, so you can store beans, grind, brew, and steam in one place.
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Built-In Espresso Tamper: Automated tamping means each shot will be perfectly packed for a balanced extraction every time.
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LCD Display: No obscure buttons or incomprehensible menus on this machine – employees will be able to easily control it through one simple LCD display.
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Automated Cleaning: Increase employees’ ability to multitask with an espresso machine that can clean itself.
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The La Pavoni Bar-Star 2V is a machine built for speed.
This is the espresso machine for you if you’re looking for one that can breeze through a rush of customer orders. With two groups and steam wands on either end, you’ll be able to make multiple drinks simultaneously.
An added benefit to the Bar-Star is the telescopic side handles that make this model easy to move for routine countertop cleanings.
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Majesty Coffee Price: $6,500
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Machine Type: Automatic (volumetric)
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Groups: 2
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Boiler System: Heat exchange
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Plumbing: Direct-connect
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Anti-Vacuum steam valve: Keeps maintenance painless by preventing milk from getting sucked into the steam wand.
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Copper Boiler Construction: On top of being energy efficient, the copper boiler is also antimicrobial for increased sanitation.
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Telescopic Side Handles: Moving the machine is effortless with the side handles as convenient grips.
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Energy-Saving Power Switch: Reduce electric bills using the four-position power switch that can drop the energy consumption of the Bar-Star by 33%.
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Hotels with packed counters and kitchens will appreciate how easy it is to fit in the Nuova Simonelli Appia II Compact.
You won’t need to spend time juggling your appliances to find the perfect setup with this machine. It can comfortably fit in practically any space.
Aside from being economical when it comes to space, the two groups on this machine give it the power to sprint through back-to-back orders. If you like consistency, it’s available as an automatic model, but it also comes in a semiautomatic configuration if flexibility is the name of the game for you.
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Majesty Coffee Price: $6,030 (automatic) or $5,445 (semiautomatic)
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Machine Type: Automatic or semiautomatic
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Groups: 2
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Boiler: Heat exchange
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Plumbing: Direct-connect
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Raised Group Heads: Brew into cups of practically any size with raised group heads, so you can offer your guests the same sizes they know and love from their favorite coffee shops.
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Cool Touch Wands: Employees new to drink-making won’t be unpleasantly shocked by a nasty burn from this steam wand.
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Automated Cleanings: Cleaning up at the end of a shift can be a real chore. With the Appia II, it’s as simple as choosing which group needs the cleaning and then letting the machine do the rest.
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Smart Wand Option: The automatic configuration has an optional smart wand upgrade you can add so that the machine can also froth milk perfectly for you.
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Compact Size: Measuring at 21 inches high, 22 inches wide, and 22 inches long, the Appia II Compact and squeeze in just about anywhere.
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The La Pavoni S1 Vivaldi II is a great choice for hotels with a low volume of espresso orders looking to add an affordable machine to their repertoire.
A powerful dual boiler system will allow employees to brew and steam milk simultaneously. With a single group, it may be slightly slower than machines with more, but this also means each drink can be focused on for perfection.
The rotary pump in this machine is quiet and long-lasting, so guests won’t be disturbed by the noise and you won’t need to worry about expensive repairs anytime soon.
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Majesty Coffee Price: $2,575
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Machine Type: Automatic
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Groups: 1
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Boiler System: Dual boiler
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Plumbing: Direct-connect
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Rotary Pump: Guests will be able to comfortably sleep in without a noisy machine waking them. As a bonus, rotary pumps are especially sturdy, so you won’t need to be concerned with it breaking down in the near future.
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Fault Diagnostic Alarms: The machine will alert you in the event of any failure, so you’ll known instantly when a repair is necessary.
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Dual Manometer: A pressure gauge right on the front of the machine will allow you tell right away if the machine is ready for brewing and steaming.
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