Coffee Machine Guru - Espresso Machines

Coffee Machine Guru - Espresso Machines

There have been many changes in the UK’s interest in coffee in the last 15 – 20 years. Espresso machines and Commercial Espresso machines have become common place in many businesses. We are now officially a nation of coffee drinkers.

In 1938, Milan coffee bartender, Achille Gaggia filed a Patent for a steam-free coffee machine. Unlike its predecessors, Gaggia's design used a revolutionary piston mechanism which forced water through the coffee grounds at high pressure. It was his quest for the perfect espresso in 1930s Milan that gave birth to one of Italy's most iconic brands, and heralded the production of the Espresso as we know it. Traditional Espresso Coffee Machines are the type you see in Café Nero,  Costa Coffee etc. There is a separate Grinder, which usually sits on top of a Knockout Drawer which is used for the spent coffee pucks. Although most Traditional Espresso Machines have automatic dosing these days, the coffee making process is by hand (Artisan). The coffee shot; single or double, is prepared using the machine. The milk is foamed using the machine Steam Wand. The coffee is then put together to make any one of the most popular coffees. Cappuccino, Latte, Mocha, Macchiato etc. The size and complexity of espresso machines vary. Choosing the right machine to suit business requirements is important and must be given consideration. 

Smaller espresso machines have a single group head and low capacity boilers. Some can be considered as domestic machines for the coffee enthusiast. Others are low volume commercial espresso machines which are only suitable for venues where coffee is not the main focus of the business. Single group machines can have have hand fill water tanks, especially domestic machines. However, most commercial espresso machines need a mains water supply. Single group espresso machines have a single steam wand for steaming and foaming milk and can produce either one or two cups of espresso coffee at any one time. 

Commercial Espresso machines have one, two, three or four group heads, one or two steam wands, hot water facilities and a cup warming areas. Choices of semi or fully automatic group heads are usually available however automatic group heads are the most popular. These automatic group heads allow the water doses to be pre-set providing a more constant product. 

Each group head can produce one or two espresso coffees at a time.  Water boiler capacities vary and must be taken into consideration when selecting the right espresso machine. If high volumes of coffee or hot water are required then a high volume espresso machine with a large capacity water boiler will be required. A 2 Group Commercial Espresso machine satisfies most needs and will have a power rating in the range of 3.3Kw - 3.5Kw and will require a 16 Amp Power Supply. 3 and 4 Group machines will have power ratings in the region of 4.5Kw - 6.5Kw and will require 20 Amp - 30 Amp or 3 Phase Power Supplies. 

The most common Espresso machines have two groups. A 2 Group machine should be ample for most small to medium requirements up to 200 coffee per day. If the daily requirement is 200 – 350 coffees per day then a 3 Group should be considered. Over 350 coffees per day, then a 4 Group or two 2 Group machines should be considered. Usually Espresso machines will have two steam wands allowing for two staff to use the machine simultaneously. Some will have an additional auto steam wands with temperature control that doesn’t require operator attention. Ideal for large orders and only one member of staff. 

The demands for the Takeaway coffee market has led to "high level" or "Takeaway height" group heads to be pretty much the standard choice of machine models. The requirement for large cup volumes and high volume demand has seen a growth for the more powerful espresso machines. All brands that we supply have "Takeaway height" as standard or have a range of models that are "Takeaway height" or Standard height. high level  models available. The most well known range of commercial espresso machines that we supply are Expobar, LaSpaziale, Wega, Barista range from Ascaso and the unique German 6Kw WMF Espresso machine. 

Water quality is very important when producing espresso coffee. Not only should the water be tasteless you need to protect the machine against limescale. All commercial espresso machines should be installed with an appropriate water filter grade depending upon water quality hardness. Correct water treatment is especially important in hard water areas. Limescale can cause permanent damage to a machine and extensive and costly repairs will be required. When after 14mths from new, the Espresso machine needs the legally required PSSR 2000 Pressure Test in accordance HSE requirements, then excessive limescale in the boiler and machine will result in a test FAILURE. Also any faults due to limescale during the Warranty period will invalidate the Warranty.

Manufacturers

Expobar

Expobar

Expobar is made by Crem International who are a Welbilt brand. Crem is a global company of recognised prestige in the production of professional coffee machines, adding more than 85 years of experience in the market and operating in more than 90 countries. Crem develops, manufactures and markets coffee machines under three strong brands – Coffee Queen, Expobar and Spengler for offices, restaurants, catering and convenience.

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La Spaziale

La Spaziale

LaSpaziale was founded in 1969 and located in Bologna. Italy by people with an experience in the branch of Espresso coffee machines going back to 1947, thus creating a product based on quality and innovation. Today the company still believes in the original concepts by keeping the same philosophy and commit every day to producing high quality through advanced technical solutions. With all these years of experience in Espresso coffee machines, LaSpaziale bring quality Espresso machines to the market that are cutting edge paired with Italian handmade beauty, LaSpaziale's unrivalled range of Espresso machines cover all requirements and budgets.

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LASPAZIALE S40 SUPREMA (AUTO)

LASPAZIALE TRADITIONAL ESPRESSO MACHINE - S5

EXPOBAR ONYX, PID

EXPOBAR DISPLAY ECO CARAT PID

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Coffee Machine Guru

is an Authorised Distributor of many of the World's leading brands of Commercial Coffee Machines, Italian and Spanish Traditional Espresso Coffee Machines, German and Swiss Bean to Cup Machines.

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