TOP 5 BEST ESPRESSO MACHINES FOR BOATS

Do you love boating and espresso and need a way to combine the two?

The answer is simple: add an espresso machine to your boat. But unless you’re a barista or espresso expert, you may not know where to begin or which machines to consider.

In this guide, we’ll show you the top 5 best espresso machines for boats and explain why each model is a great choice. We’ll also instruct you on how you can select the best machine for your particular situation.

You’ll learn the answers to these questions:

• What do basic espresso machine features mean?
• How do you determine which espresso machine to choose?
• Which are the best espresso machines for boats?

Let’s dive in.

WHAT DO BASIC ESPRESSO MACHINE FEATURES MEAN?

PLUMBED-IN VS POUR-OVER

When you’re sitting on idyllic lakes or riding ocean waves, it can be hard to imagine how important water is for your espresso machine.

But without satisfactory water, an espresso machine simply can’t do its job. Plumbed-in (direct-connect) and pour-over water tanks are the ways that they are supplied with water.

Plumbed-in machines are usually a must-have for commercial environments because they connect to water lines and fill themselves automatically. These kinds of machines are also easier to install water filters and softeners in, which is absolutely necessary on a boat if your boat’s plumbing system doesn’t already have these factored in.

With pour-over machines, manual refilling of the water tank is necessary. The greatest benefit to this setup is the mobility – since they don’t need to be hooked up to a water supply, they can work from anywhere.

The downside is the increased maintenance that comes with the territory of having to fill them yourself.

We also strongly recommend using water filters and softeners with these pour-over machines to protect them from scale buildup and preserve your water quality.

MACHINE TYPES

Whether your espresso machine is automatic, semiautomatic, or superautomatic is going to influence how you use it each time.

Semiautomatic machines give their users the most control by letting them start and stop brew cycles as they see fit. Essentially, the upside of this is the ability to easily customize drinks, but the downside is that there’s a steeper learning curve involved.

Automatic machines are the next step up as far as ease of use goes. Users start the brew cycle, but the machine stops it using pre-programmed settings at the optimal time. 

Superautomatic machines are the top of the automation pyramid. With these machines, literally all you need to do is push a button and the machine will grind the espresso, brew the shot, and steam milk for you.

Obviously, automatic and superautomatic machines are user-friendly. Their greatest disadvantage is that users don’t have as much control over the drink-making process, and so extensive personalization may not be as easy as with semiautomatic machines.

BOILER BASICS

Your boiler is the heart of your espresso machine, so it’s a vital trait to examine.

Normally, you’ll see three kinds of boiler setups:

• Single boiler
• Dual boiler
• Heat exchange boiler

Single-boiler systems, predictably, have just one boiler in them. Since steaming and brewing require different temperatures and there’s only one boiler here to provide them, you cannot steam and brew at the same time in these kinds of machines.

Dual boiler systems come with a boiler for steaming and a boiler for brewing. These are often the most powerful espresso machines, and will allow you to steam and brew simultaneously.

The drawback to them is that dual boiler machines tend to be a bit more expensive and can have a longer heat-up time when you first turn them on.

Heat exchange (HX) boiler systems are a sort of compromise between single and dual boiler designs. There’s only one boiler, but it has a tube running through it that circulates brewing water to the group and keeps steaming water isolated.

This design is particularly energy efficient, as it only has one boiler to keep hot, and it means it has a reduced heat-up time.

HOW DO YOU DETERMINE WHICH ESPRESSO MACHINE TO CHOOSE?

All the features and terminology in the world can’t tell you which espresso machine to choose if you’re not sure what you need or want.

Before you go any further in your search, stop and think about these things:

• Your budget
• Your proficiency
• Your boat’s plumbing setup
• Your available space

Budget is an easy aspect to contemplate. Basically, you’ll have to decide what kind of price range is suitable for you.

More complicated to consider is your proficiency. How experienced are you or anyone else who will be on the boat in espresso machine operation?

If your answer is not very experienced, then an automatic or superautomatic machine will be ideal for giving you high-quality drinks with little to no rehearsing.

Of course, you should also factor in your boat’s plumbing. Direct-connect machines require a water line to tap into, and if your boat has that readily available, a direct-connect machine is a worthy choice for its reduced water tank maintenance alone.

But if that’s not an option for you, a pour-over machine will still deliver you quality results. Just make sure you have a supply of fresh water nearby, and that you use water filters and softeners.

It’s necessary to look at your available space, too. An espresso machine is an investment, and you don’t want to purchase one only to find out it won’t fit where you need it to.

WHICH ESPRESSO MACHINES ARE THE BEST FOR BOATS? 

NUOVA SIMONELLI PRONTOBAR SUPER AUTOMATIC 

Even brand-new beginners can make high-quality drinks on the Nuova Simonelli Prontobar. 

Since it’s a superautomatic machine, you’re quite literally a push of a button away from an enticing latte. You’ll be able to program 6 different kinds of drink settings into its buttons, which is like teaching the Prontobar how to make your perfect beverage.

Once that’s done, you’ll push a button and the Prontobar will grind the beans, brew the shot, and froth your milk by itself if you choose the one-step model. If you choose the two-step model, the machine will do everything but froth your milk for you.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $9,855
• Machine Type: Superautomatic
• Plumbing: Plumbed-in (direct-connect)
• Dimensions: 24 inches tall, 13 inches wide, 21 inches deep
• 6 Programmable Drink Buttons: Tell the Prontobar what you want in up to 6 different espresso drinks, so that all you’ll need do in the future is press a button and wait for it.
• LCD Display: Operate the machine all through an easy-to-read LCD display.
• Automated Cleaning: Hate cleaning up? With the Prontobar, you can keep yourself from having to spend time cleaning it yourself using its automatic washing program.
• Quiet Pump: Savor the serenity of a soothing lake or ocean atmosphere undisturbed – this machine operates quietly.

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FRANKE A400 FM CM SUPERAUTOMATIC 

With just a glance, you can tell the Franke A400 FM CM is a high-end machine.

Using it will only strengthen this impression of luxury. It is so incredibly user-friendly, that it could be set out on a counter top as a self-service unit in a business.

With its sleek 8-inch touchscreen, you’ll be able to select from a number of drinks and options for each one, so you can sip on a beverage tailored to your tastes with as much effort as it takes you to use your smartphone.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $8,789.60
• Machine Type: Superautomatic
• Plumbing: Plumbed-in (direct-connect)
• Dimensions: 2.4 feet high, 1.1 feet wide, and approximately 2 feet deep
• FoamMaster System: Are you a cappuccino connoisseur? You’ll love the Franke A400’s FoamMaster system that makes silky foam time after time.
• Adjustable Beverage Spout: For those days you just need a bigger drink, you can adjust the beverage spout to accommodate cups of all sizes.
• Powder Container: Satisfy your sweet tooth by filling the built-in powder container with cocoa so you can add a decadent chocolate note to your drinks.
• CleanMaster System: Cut out the cleaning time from your routine. Integrated cleaning cartridges allow this machine to clean itself up once you’re done.

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NUOVA SIMONELLI APPIA II COMPACT 

The Nuova Simonelli Appia II Compact is a powerful yet petite machine that you can fit in anywhere.

Its convenient size makes it uniquely suitable for boats, but that’s not all. Its large 7.5-liter heat exchange boiler gives it the strength to power through drink after drink without needing a break.

It’s also designed for its users’ comfort, with features like a cool-touch wand and push-pull steam trigger. You can safely operate the espresso machine without fearing burns from the steam wand or wrist strain from turning the steam on and off. 

• Majesty Coffee Price: $5,445 (semiautomatic) or $6,030 (automatic)
• Machine Type: Semiautomatic or automatic 
• Plumbing: Plumbed-in (direct-connect)
• Dimensions: 21 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 22 inches deep
• Push-Pull Steam Wand: Traditionally, steam was operated by turning a valve into on and off positions, which could lead to sore wrists. On the Appia II, all you need to do is push or pull a lever, allowing you to use the machine for long periods of time without strain.
• Automated Cleanings: When you want to clean the machine, just set the Appia II to clean its group for you and let it do the rest.
• Cool-Touch Wand: You or any guests you won’t be burnt by accidentally touching the steam wand.
• Easy Control Pad: Control the Appia II with straightforward buttons. 

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NUOVA SIMONELLI MUSICA

The Nuova Simonelli Musica is for you if you’re looking for an espresso machine that’s dressed to impress. Its glistening exterior reeks of luxury with functionality.

A pre-infusion system boosts even extraction in your espresso, resulting in improved flavors that will make your drinks taste as if they were made professionally. You can even program its hot water spigot so that it dispenses the correct amount of hot water for other kinds of drinks, such as tea.

If you choose the Lux configuration with LEDs, the edges of the machine will be lit with LEDs that enhance the Musica’s air of refinement. You’ll enjoy the look of the Musica, and any guests you have will be suitably amazed.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $2,925 (direct-connect without LEDs), $3,240 (direct-connect with LEDs), $2,245 (pour-over without LEDs), or $2,515 (pour-over with LEDs)
• Machine Type: Automatic + manual dosing option
• Plumbing: Available as direct-connect or pour-over
• Dimensions: 17 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 13 inches deep
• Back-Lit Button Pad: Even if you dim the lights, you’ll be able to see the buttons to operate the Musica. If you opt for LED edges, you’ll be able to see even better in low-light conditions.
• Programmable Hot Water Nozzle: Tea drinkers will be able to save a little time by programming the amount of water they need into the nozzle so it will dispense the correct dose every time.
• Thermo-Compensated Group: Enjoy consistently delicious espresso due to the group head’s impressive thermal stability.
• Push-Pull Steam Lever: Even if you use the espresso machine for hours at a time, your wrist will remain completely comfortable as you steam with a lever that can be gently moved back and forth.

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LA SPAZIALE S1 MINI VIVALDI II

Don’t have a lot of space on your boat? The La Spaziale S1 Mini Vivaldi II has you covered.

But even though it’s called mini, the Vivaldi II is jam-packed with high-end features. Its dual boilers allow it to speed through back-to-back drinks so you could make up to 20 espressos an hour if you wanted. 

If you make specialty drinks or need control over the drink-making process, you’ll love the ability to adjust the group temperature in accurate one-degree increments. You can also tweak the automatic dosing settings through its user-friendly LED touch pad.

• Majesty Coffee Price: $1,895
• Machine Type: Automatic
• Plumbing: Pour-over
• Dimensions: 15 inches tall, 16.5 inches wide, 16.5 inches deep
• Adjustable Group Temperature: Tweak the group temperature in precise one-degree increments to find the perfect flavor for you.
• Fault Diagnosis Alarms: Protect your investment – the Vivaldi II will let you know the moment any kind of system failure occurs so you’ll know right away if any repairs are necessary.
• Swivel Stainless Steel Arm: Easily reposition the steam arm to whichever angle you need to froth your milk in comfort.

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For our complete collection of espresso machines for boats, take a look in the Majesty Coffee Store here.