Best Commercial Espresso Machines – Top 5 Picks By The Pros

As a coffee shop owner, you know the importance of providing customers with a great cup of espresso.

With quality espresso machines being essential to generating customer loyalty and revenue, it’s essential to find one that is reliable and delivers superior results every time.

After hours of research, La Marzocco Linea proved to be the best commercial espresso machine overall. Not only it is powerful, and reliable but also, it’s a great fit for both small and high-volume businesses.

But who we are, and why should you listen to our opinion?

As a team of experienced baristas, we strive to provide high-quality opinions and advice on espresso, especially when it comes to choosing the right machine for your business.

We know that this piece of equipment is the heart and soul of your business so we take our reviews as a matter of the utmost importance.

Our results below are based on endless hours of testing, researching, reading blogs, and watching videos, all with one goal.

To help you find the best model for your business! So let’s do that exactly…

5 Best Commercial Espresso Machines

In this blog post, we’ll walk through some of the highest-rated commercial espresso machines available on the market today so you can make an informed decision.

If you are unsure, refer to our buying guide at the end of this post as well.

La Marzocco Linea PB – Best Overall

La Marzocco Linea PB is a high-end espresso machine designed for commercial use. It is renowned for its exceptional build quality, reliability, and precision, making it a top choice for cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops around the world.

We find that the machine features a dual boiler system that provides optimal temperature stability and control, ensuring consistent shot quality with every pull.

On top of that, it also has a preheating system, which helps to maintain temperature stability even during heavy usage.

You will find this extremely beneficial for taking care of the large volume of orders during rush hours.

One of the key benefits of the La Marzocco Linea PB is its user-friendly interface. The machine has intuitive controls and a digital display that makes it easy for beginners to operate.

Furthermore, we find that the portafilters are also ergonomic, which makes them comfortable to use and reduces the risk of injury or strain.

Another advantage of the La Marzocco Linea PB is its versatility. The machine is compatible with a range of brewing methods, including traditional espresso, long blacks, and milk-based drinks.

We love the fact that you can buy it with 2 or 3 group heads. It also has a high capacity, with a large water tank and generous drip tray, making it ideal for busy environments.

While it is a more expensive option, superior build quality and advanced features make it a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about making great coffee.

Whether you own a small coffee shop or a high-volume business Line is our top recommendation when it comes to the best commercial espresso machines.

By the way, if you need some training, check out our step-by-step guide on using the espresso machine.

Nuova Simonelli Wave – Runner Up

The Nuova Simonelli Wave is a high-performance commercial espresso machine that is designed specifically for coffee shops and cafes.

It is a top-of-the-line machine that offers exceptional reliability, consistency, and versatility, making it a popular choice among baristas and coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

After reviewing it, it came very close to La Marzocco Line, especially when it comes to the ability to brew large amounts of shots quickly.

One of the key features of the Nuova Simonelli Wave is its advanced T3 technology, which provides precise temperature control and stability.

This ensures that the machine can maintain optimal brewing conditions, regardless of the volume of coffee being brewed.

Additionally, the machine has a large boiler and a dual heating system, which allows it to handle high-volume production without compromising on quality.

Another benefit of the Nuova Simonelli Wave is its user-friendly interface. The machine features a touchscreen display that makes it easy for baristas to customize their brew settings and program multiple recipes.

During our testing, we loved its programmable auto-cleaning function, which makes maintenance quick and hassle-free.

The Nuova Simonelli Wave is also known for its ergonomic design, which includes a soft-touch group lever and a comfortable portafilter handle.

This allows your baristas to work efficiently and comfortably for extended periods of time.

In the end, its ability to handle high-volume production without sacrificing quality, along with its customizable brewing options and easy maintenance, make it a top choice for coffee shops of all sizes.

Rancilio Classe 5 USB – Best on Budget

The Rancilio Classe 5 USB is a simple but powerful espresso machine designed for use in coffee shops and other commercial settings.

During our review, we find that it offers a wide range of features and benefits that make it one of the best commercial espresso machines on the market today.

And since it is less expensive than La Marzocco and Nuova Simonelli Wave, but it’s got more or less the same features, it is our best on-budget option.

One of the key features of the Classe 5 USB is its advanced USB technology, which allows users to easily program and customize their espresso shots.

The machine also includes a variety of other advanced features, such as a built-in cup warmer, hot water dispenser, and a professional-grade steam wand for frothing milk.

Another major benefit of the Rancilio Classe 5 USB is its durable construction and high-quality components.

The machine is built with a sturdy stainless steel frame and includes commercial-grade components that are designed to withstand heavy use and deliver consistent results over time.

However, it got a single boiler. So if you need to brew and steam at the same time, you are better with one of our first two picks since they have a dual boiler system.

Overall, this machine offers the reliability and versatility you need to deliver consistently great espresso drinks to your customers.

Victoria Arduino Black Eagle – Best For Large Cafes

The Victoria Arduino Black Eagle is one of the best commercial machines for coffee shops of all sizes. We were simply impressed during our review.

It combines a sleek and modern design with some of the most advanced technologies in espresso machine engineering, creating an unbeatable user experience.

We love the fact that the Black Eagle is capable of delivering a wide range of espresso drinks, from cappuccinos to lattes – all with consistent quality and flavour.

The Black Eagle uses two 1.8-litre stainless steel boilers, designed to provide separate temperatures for each group head and steam wand.

In other words, this ensures that water is heated precisely to the right temperature for extracting the perfect cup of espresso.

Additionally, the machine features independent brewing groups and pressure profiling technology that allow baristas to customize their own extraction profiles.

So if you are in the market for a high-end upgrade, we highly recommend The Black Eagle!

Other features include an intuitive LCD display, an auto-cleaning system, and a dual-pump pre-infusion system that helps ensure that all shots are properly extracted.

And if need some extra tips on cleaning an espresso machine, you can learn more in our in-depth guide.

The Black Eagle also comes with adjustable software settings for grind size and dose level, giving experienced baristas complete control over their drink production process.

Thanks to its innovative design, modern technology and precise control solutions, the Victoria Arduino Black Eagle is an ideal choice for busy coffee shops that want great-tasting espressos every time.

Rocket Espresso R58 – Best For Small Cafes

The Rocket Espresso R58 is an espresso machine that offers unparalleled performance and convenience for small coffee shops. And it was not that expensive.

Its features include a stainless steel body with a 3-way solenoid valve, dual PID temperature control, and an insulated dual boiler for optimal energy efficiency.

The machine also boasts a rotary pump with manual override and an intuitive E61 brew group. These features provide consistent pressure extraction, precise temperature control, and quick preheating times.

During our review process, we learned that it ensures consistently high-quality espresso shots with its precise temperature control and fast preheat time.

Additionally, its insulated dual boiler allows it to maintain operational stability while saving money on electricity costs.

Furthermore, its sophisticated design is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use, offering baristas maximum convenience when operating the machine.

Finally, the R58 has been designed with durability in mind; its robust construction and high-quality components ensure that it will last for years of reliable operation.

Overall, the Rocket Espresso R58 is the best machine for small coffee shops due to its many advanced features and impressive benefits such as consistent performance, energy efficiency, customisation options, aesthetic appeal, ease of use, and long-lasting durability.

Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Commercial Espresso Machine

When it comes to running a successful coffee shop, having the right espresso machine is an essential factor. You have to take many factors into consideration such as cost, quality of build, speed of production, ease of use and warranty terms.

To help you make a wise and well-informed decision, we have put together a guide for choosing the best commercial espresso machine for your business.

Your Budget

The cost of a machine can vary greatly depending on the type, brand, size, and features. Generally, prices can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

For example, a basic, entry-level machine may start at around $3,000, while a high-end, top-of-the-line machine may cost upwards of $20,000.

It’s important to consider your budget and business needs when deciding how much to spend on a machine.

Keep in mind that the cost of the machine is just one component of the overall investment in your coffee business.

Other factors to consider include the cost of installation, maintenance, and repairs, as well as the cost of accessories such as grinders and water filtration systems.

But more about all of that later in this guide.

PRO TIP: It’s important to invest in a high-quality espresso machine that can handle the volume of your business and meet your feature requirements. Buying a cheaper machine that is not suitable for your business needs may end up costing you more in the long run due to repairs and downtime.

Business Capacity

How much you will spend on an espresso machine mainly depends on the business’s capacity.

Knowing how many drinks per day you handle or will handle, will help you to determine which type you need and how much to spend on it.

Low Volume (less than 100 drinks per day): For small cafes, restaurants, or food trucks with low volume, a single-group espresso machine with a smaller boiler is usually sufficient.

These machines are smaller, less expensive, and easier to maintain than larger machines.

That said, in our opinion, single group Rocket Espresso R58 is the best commercial machine for small cafes.

Medium Volume (100-200 drinks per day): For medium-sized cafes or restaurants with moderate volume, a two-group machine with a larger boiler is recommended.

These machines have greater capacity, allowing for faster production of espresso drinks during peak hours. Our top choice is La Marzocco Linea, hands down.

High Volume (200 or more drinks per day): For high-volume cafes or restaurants, a three-group or four-group machine with a larger boiler is necessary.

These machines can handle a high volume of orders and are designed for continuous use. You should consider investing in Victoria Arduino Black Eagle if you fit the description.

Future Growth

Future growth is an important factor to consider because you want to ensure that the machine can accommodate your business’s growing needs over time.

Choosing a machine that is too small or limited in capacity can quickly become a bottleneck for your business as demand increases.

Therefore, this can lead to long wait times, reduced customer satisfaction, and ultimately, lost revenue.

When considering future growth, you should evaluate factors such as the projected volume of espresso shots you expect to serve, the number of customers you expect to serve, and any changes to your menu or business model that may require a higher-capacity machine.

Our #1 Recommendation

Whether you own a small start-up coffee shop or a high-volume business, our best recommendation for commercial espresso machines is the La Marzocco PB.

Some of the key features that make this high-quality machine stand out include:

1. Consistency: This model is known for producing consistently high-quality espresso shots, thanks to its advanced temperature stability system and customizable pre-infusion settings. Your customers will love it and will come back for more.
2. Durability: The machine is built to last, with durable stainless steel construction and high-quality internal components. This means you will be saving on costs in the long run.
3. Customization: This model offers a high level of customization, with a range of programmable settings that allow baristas to fine-tune their brewing process to their exact specifications.
4. User-friendly: Despite its advanced features, this machine is easy to use, with intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface. Even a newbie can handle this machine.
5. Aesthetics: The machine is also known for its sleek, stylish design, which looks great in any coffee shop or cafe. Admit it, that is what you want as well.

Ultimately, whether or not the La Marzocco Linea PB is the best machine for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as well as your budget.

However, it’s clear that the machine has many features that make it a top choice for many coffee professionals. We loved it!

FAQs

How many group heads do I need?

The number of group heads you need on your machine depends on your business’s volume and the number of espresso shots you expect to serve at peak times.

• A single-group machine is suitable for low to medium-volume coffee shops that serve up to 50 espresso shots per hour.
• A two-group machine is suitable for medium to high-volume coffee shops that serve up to 100 shots per hour.
• Lastly, a three-group machine is suitable for high-volume coffee shops that serve more than 100 shots per hour.

However, the actual number of group heads you need may vary depending on other factors, such as the size of your business, the number of baristas working at a given time, and the complexity of your menu.

For example, if you have a small business but a complex menu that requires a lot of preparation time, you may need a larger machine to keep up with demand during peak times.

What type of grinder should I get to pair with my espresso machine?

When looking to pair an espresso machine with a grinder for your coffee shop, you should consider getting a burr grinder.

Burr grinders are ideal for producing consistently sized grounds for brewing espresso since they use two abrasive surfaces to break the beans into pieces of a consistent size.

They also have adjustable settings, which allow you to choose the desired fineness or coarseness of the grounds.

This level of control ensures that the grounds are perfectly suited to the brewing temperature and pressure of your espresso machine.

When looking at burr grinders, make sure to select one with hardened steel burrs that won’t wear down quickly over time.

Additionally, if you’re running a busy café, opt for a motor-driven model rather than one that requires manual grinding – this will help speed up service and keep customers happy!

What is the maintenance schedule for a commercial espresso machine?

Maintaining your machine is critical to ensure that it operates efficiently and produces high-quality espresso shots consistently.

Here’s a general maintenance schedule for a commercial espresso machine:

• Daily cleaning: Clean the portafilters, group heads, and steam wands with a damp cloth after each use to remove any coffee residue. This prevents buildup that can affect the flavour of the espresso shots.
• Weekly cleaning: Backflush the machine with a detergent specifically designed for espresso machines to remove any buildup from the internal components. Also, clean the drip tray, water tank, and any removable parts.
• Monthly cleaning: Descale the machine with a descaling solution to remove any mineral buildup from the boiler and internal components.
• Quarterly cleaning: Replace the water filter to ensure that the water used in the machine is free of impurities.

We recommend having a professional technician perform a full inspection and cleaning of the machine, including replacing any worn or damaged parts.