How to Choose an Espresso Machine Size for Commercial Use?

If you are planning to open a coffee shop or upgrade your existing equipment, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is what size of espresso machine to get. Espresso machines come in different sizes, ranging from single-group to six-group models, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will help you figure out how to choose the best espresso machine size for your business needs.

The first thing you need to consider is how much espresso you expect to sell per hour. This will depend on factors such as your location, customer base, menu, and peak times. You can estimate your espresso sales by looking at your current or projected revenue, or by using industry benchmarks. For example, according to Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the average coffee shop sells 230 cups of coffee per day, of which 30% are espresso-based drinks. That means about 70 espresso shots per day, or 9 shots per hour (assuming an 8-hour operation).

The second thing you need to consider is how much space you have available for your espresso machine. Espresso machines vary in width, depth, and height, and you need to make sure that you have enough room for the machine itself, as well as for accessories such as grinders, knock boxes, tampers, pitchers, etc. You also need to account for the power and water supply requirements of the machine, as well as the ventilation and noise levels. Generally speaking, the larger the machine, the more space and resources it will need.

The third thing you need to consider is your budget and return on investment (ROI). Espresso machines are not cheap, and they can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size, brand, features, and quality. You need to weigh the initial cost of the machine against the potential revenue it can generate for your business. You also need to factor in the ongoing costs of maintenance, repairs, cleaning, and replacement parts. A good rule of thumb is to spend no more than 10-15% of your annual revenue on your espresso machine.

Based on these three factors, you can narrow down your options and choose the best espresso machine size for your commercial use. Here is a general guide on how many groups you might need depending on your espresso sales per hour:

- 1 group: up to 10 shots per hour

- 2 groups: up to 20 shots per hour

- 3 groups: up to 30 shots per hour

- 4 groups: up to 40 shots per hour

- 5 groups: up to 50 shots per hour

- 6 groups: up to 60 shots per hour

Of course, these numbers are not set in stone, and you might need more or less groups depending on other factors such as your workflow, staff skills, drink complexity, customer preferences, etc.

In AMPTO we have a Bezzera Espresso machine for you, 100% Italian Made since 1902.

We can divide in 2 big groups, professional and semi professional machines.

Professionals:

B2016

Otto

Matrix

Semi professionals

BZ10

BZ09

If you are looking for an espresso coffee machine, you might wonder what is the difference between a professional and a semi-professional model. Here are some key factors to consider:

- A professional espresso machine is designed to handle high-volume demand and produce consistent quality shots. It usually has a large boiler, multiple group heads, advanced temperature and pressure control, and various features such as pre-infusion, PID, and steam wand.

- A semi-professional espresso machine is more suitable for home or office use, where you don't need to make dozens of espressos per hour. It typically has a smaller boiler, one or two group heads, basic temperature and pressure control, and fewer features than a professional model. However, it still allows you to customize your espresso to your preference and enjoy a rich crema and aroma.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand how to choose an espresso machine size for commercial use. If you have any questions or need more advice, feel free to contact us at any time. We are happy to help you find the perfect espresso machine for your business.