Takes roughly 6 seconds to dispense enough grounds for a double shot. Our other machines take about 2 seconds.
Absolutely loving my Puq press mini loveing the sleek look and it’s precision job of tamping I highly recommend 🤜🏻🤛🏻☕️
Are you a small business looking for a commercial espresso machine that won’t be a huge expenditure?
If that sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss the top 4 greatest espresso machines for $4,000 or less.
Every machine on this list can perform on a commercial level – for a smaller price tag.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:
The first thing you’ll notice about most espresso machines is their basic type, which is usually divided into either semiautomatic or automatic.
Semiautomatic machines are preferred by many espresso enthusiasts. The reason for that is they give the maximum amount of control to baristas by allowing users to determine how long or short a shot is pulled for.
Need to pull really long shots or ristretto shots? A semiautomatic machine will allow you to do so.
The main disadvantage to semiautomatic espresso machines is that they take some know-how to use. As a result, beginners will need time to learn the ropes.
Comparatively, an automatic machine uses programmed dosing settings to control the duration of the brew cycle for the users. With automatic machines, a consistently high-quality shot is made with the simple touch of a button.
This means they’re extremely simple to learn, even for beginners. But there’s also less room for customization of drinks, and they tend to be a bit more expensive.
It is exceedingly rare to find a commercial setting that uses pour-over machines, and here’s why:
With pour-over machines, you have to stop and refill the water tank when it runs dry. This does mean the machine can be used from anywhere since it doesn’t need to be connected to a water supply, and caterers or coffee carts might find this crucial.
But it also means that you’ll need to carefully monitor the water level and you’ll need drop everything to replenish it when it’s low. In the middle of a rush, this can really cramp the flow of your business.
Direct-connect machines streamline the process by being hooked up to your water supply. Because of that connection, they refill automatically throughout the day.
Since it’s easy to install water softeners and filters in them, maintenance is easier. They also save you time that adds up when you don’t need to stop and pour water into the reservoir.
Their main disadvantages are that direct-connect machines lack the portability of pour-over machines and are often more expensive.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, when it comes to choosing the right espresso machine for your business, you need to closely look at your individual situation.
Beyond budget, there are many different reasons why you would consider one espresso machine over another.
Ask yourself the following questions to clarify what you need in your espresso machine:
Think about if your employees are generally experienced or if you have a high rate of turnover and frequently need to train new hires.
For businesses with lots of new hires to train, an automatic machine, which is often much quicker to learn, will most likely be better for you.
Semiautomatic machines, on the flipside, are fantastic at showcasing the skills of veteran baristas.
If you’re a specialty coffee shop that makes lots of customized drinks, then you may prefer the flexibility of a semiautomatic machine.
But if your business serves the basics or your customers don’t often request highly customized drinks, then you’ll find an automatic machine should meet your needs.
Busier shops with a greater volume of espresso orders will want a machine that can keep up with a breakneck pace.
Automatic machines are often better for this, because they free employees up to handle other tasks while the machine handles the brewing process.
These kinds of businesses will also probably benefit most from a direct-connect model, so they don’t need to worry about interrupting a line of customers with the need to refill a water tank.
Yet businesses with a smaller amount of espresso orders may find that a semiautomatic machine accommodates their needs. They may also not be as inconvenienced by pour-over machines, as the tank won’t be depleted as often.
The Nuova Simonelli Appia II Semiautomatic is poised to become any barista’s best friend, packed with ingenious features that refine the art of drink-making.
As a semiautomatic machine, it gives total control to the user, but also gives each user the tools they need to craft the perfect drink. A built-in reverse mirror makes visual monitoring for each shot of espresso effortless, and a push-pull steam lever makes steaming painless by saving baristas from the wrist strain of repeatedly having to turn a steam valve.
At the end of the day, this machine can even clean its group heads by itself with automated cleanings. All the barista needs to do is start the cleaning cycle and let the machine handle the rest.
Uniquely flexible, the Rocket R58 is a machine that excels in all kinds of environments, from homes to small coffee shops or restaurants.
If you’re a business on the go that needs an espresso machine which can go with you, you’ll love its pour-over option. However, if you’re looking for a machine as a fixed appliance in your shop or restaurant, then you’ll like the R58’s plumb-in convertibility, which allows you to easily convert it to a direct-connect machine.
In addition to its flexibility, this is one good-looking machine. Its stainless steel build will look polished on any counter.
Nuova Simonelli created a work of art when they manufactured the Nuova Simonelli Musica.
It has attractive rounded edges and a refined steel appearance. If you choose the Lux configuration, it even comes with LED-lit edges that make the machine shine – literally and figuratively.
Like other Nuova Simonelli machines, the Musica was designed for user comfort. It has an easily repositioned articulating steam wand, an ergonomically friendly push-pull steam switch, and a reverse mirror that makes monitoring each espresso possible without having to hunch over.
Available in Red or Black, the La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi II will blend into just about any décor.
This espresso machine is ideal for small businesses, but has the power to meet the demands of medium-sized businesses handily, too. Its ability to speed through 20 espresso shots an hour means you’ll be able to serve your customers quickly.
With a powerful dual boiler system, the Vivaldi II won’t break a sweat when you’ve got a line of customers.