Best Commercial Coffee Machine 2020 – The Ultimate Guide

Are you looking for the best commercial coffee machine in the market, but you just do not know where and how to start? Relax, we have got you covered.

In this piece, we have put together a review of the best commercial coffee machines that will make your decision easier.

We will be touching on the different types of coffee machines and their amazing features, so whether or not you are veteran when it comes to coffee brewing, you will find this review very useful.

We will also explore the technical details as well as their practicalities depending on application.

Model	Image	Machine Type	Features	No Of Group	Type Of Operation	Dual Boiler	Read Full Review	Score	Check Price
Sage by Heston Blumenthal – The Dual Boiler Coffee Machine		Espresso	Cup Warmer, Jug, Milk Frother, Programmable, Timer, Water Filter, Dose Control	1 Group	Manual	Yes	Read Full Review	9.6/10
Jura Impressa J9 One Touch TFT Coffee Machine		Bean to cup	Coffee grinder, foam technology, pre-ground coffee recognition	1 Group	Automatic	Yes	Read Full Review	9.5/10
Gaggia 2 Group Auto Coffee Espresso Machine – D902		Espresso	Hot water tap for mixing, manual bypass brew buttons, a programmable touchpad	2 Groups	Automatic	Yes	Read Full Review	9.7/10
Fracino Retro Espresso Coffee Machine 2 Group Electric FCL2		Espresso	Two retro levers, dual spring high pressure lever, a triple contact pressure switch	2 Group	Manual	Yes	Read Full Review	9.6/10
Fracino Velocino Espresso Coffee Machine Including 4.4Ltr Fridge		Hybrid (Espresso/ Bean to cup)	Needle valve, Milk frother, Key lock, Control pad, LCD display	1 Group	Automatic	Yes	Read Full Review	9.4/10

Coffee remains the most popular drink in the world and is drunk by people of all tribes and statuses.

It’s popularity continues to grow with new brands that specialize in turning coffee beans into such amazing drinks entering the market.

Brands like Starbucks have played such a huge role in this regard and we have many other brands doing it in a similar way and having such a huge impact on coffee consumers.

Coffee has been around for centuries and it still pretty much remains the same with various recipes.

The process of brewing coffee remains practically the same from roasting the beans to grinding them up and then adding some hot water.

This simple and straightforward process has not slowed down developments in the technology that is being deployed in creating the equipment that is being used to brew coffee.

Today, we have dozens of coffee machines for both home and commercial uses; therefore, there is something for everyone.

The focus of this review, however, is commercial coffee machines, so we will not branch into the home coffee machines.

Commercial coffee machines offer more in terms of output, better quality of brews, and generally a higher performance than the home coffee machines, therefore costing more in the market.

Just like car brands, coffee machines have been taking design and style very seriously.

The premium brands intend to catch the attention of coffee consumers who do not mind owning a nice and elegant looking coffee machine.

Generally, the nicer the coffee machine looks, the higher the price.

If you know your stuff, then you know to look for other performance based features rather than just the physical appearance of the machine.

The end goal is to brew quality coffee so although design is a factor, it’s not the be all and end all.

It is interesting to see how process brewing coffee has advanced over the years from the infusion process which was first used in France to the current high performing and sophisticated ‘coffee gadgets’ we have today.

What to look for when buying coffee machines

There are basically two main types of coffee machines: Espresso and Filter.

Espresso machines extract the coffee by using pressurized hot water, while filter machines work by way of filtering water through ground coffee.

Filter coffee machines tend to be easy to use. They also make more coffee in a shorter time. This makes them the perfect choice for occasions where many coffee drinkers will be present. This type of coffee machine would be suited to someone who wants a coffee machine that makes coffee on the go.

Espresso machines are better with a smaller crowd or fewer people as they generally take longer to make the coffee.

Alright, now let’s take a look at types coffee machines based on features that distinguish them and how they operate.

Espresso Coffee Machines

There are basically three types of coffee machines that are used to make espresso:

• Bean-to-cup
• Manual
• Capsule.

Now we shall look at them one after the other in order to highlight their differences.

Manual Espresso Machine

There are quite a number of coffee drinkers who prefer the manual machines, this could be due to a number of reasons ranging from price to the fact that they just enjoy the process of operating a manual coffee machine.

Manual espresso machines require some learning in order to make a good quality cup of coffee.

In order to get the best out of your manual espresso machine, first you need to ensure that your beans are finely ground.

If you are looking to purchase pre-ground coffee, do ensure that it is finely ground.

We recommend a burr coffee grinder if you are going to be doing the grinding yourself.

This is a very important aspect of using a manual espresso machine because it ensures that it runs perfectly and takes the adequate amount of time required getting a quality cup of espresso.

A shot of espresso is about 30ml, but you can decide the volume of your espresso shot with a manual espresso machine.

Most home manual machines come with a single boiler, but if you are into milk based drinks we suggest a double boiler as it saves time, and you can heat up your milk and espresso at the same, but they are more expensive.

Bean to cup coffee machines

This coffee machine handles the process of converting your beans to coffee from start to finish.

They are quite easy to operate and do not necessarily need any extra supervision.

This type of coffee machine is great for coffee drinkers and enthusiasts who like the taste and idea of brewing fresh beans.

This coffee machine is also perfect for self-service shops and locations.

You will usually find a manual milk frother in the cheaper bean-to-cup machines. This can require a little bit of hands on by using the wand and other manual controls to heat up the milk. These could take a little bit of practice to learn the skill, but after a while it becomes second nature.

Dual boiler coffee machines are the best as you can get your espresso and some steam at the same time, giving you more flexibility and quicker milk.

Unlike the manual single boiler, which requires more time to increase the temperature required to make your coffee froth.

The high end/ commercial coffee machines come with automatic milk frothers.

They ensure that your coffee is ready without spending too much time, all that is required is you add your milk to the frother and choose the type of coffee you want.

It is pretty much ‘touch of a button’, but you are definitely going to have to invest the big bucks to purchase one of these, simply because the process is fully automated.

Ensure that you have a look at the water reservoir; we recommend at least a 1L tank, you do not want to have to refill the tank every time you want some coffee.

Capsule Coffee Machine

These are coffee machines operate by inserting a sealed capsule containing coffee into them. The capsules contain coffee that is specially ground and packed in order to make the perfect cup of espresso. There are a variety of capsule machines with each of them having a dedicated or should we say customized capsule system, which is completely incompatible with the others. Ylu may be familiar with some of the capsule coffee systems like Nespresso (the best known out there), Nescafe Dolce Gusto, A Modo Mio, and so on.

If you are looking for something really simple to use without the stress setting things up here and there, but you just want a cup of coffee and go, then a capsule coffee machine should be your best choice. Another good thing about capsule coffee machines is that you get to choose from a variety of capsules. One of the downside is that the capsules can be quite expensive compared to using real coffee beans. Another downside is that you can only enjoy the blends and flavours that the producing company has offered.

Many capsule machines do not have milk frothing and milk steaming abilities, which can mostly be found in the more expensive capsule machines. This can be quite limiting.

Capsule machines are great for people who aren’t necessarily particular about experimenting with beans, but just want a nice refreshing cup of espresso.

Filter Coffee Machines

For regular black coffee, filter coffee machines are the usual choice and are very simple to use.

They usually come with a washable filter or ones that can be used with a paper filter.

The washable filters are generally quite easy to use as you can basically take the filter out and run clean water from the tap over them before reusing them.

Paper filters can only be used once, which saves you the hassle of cleaning.

They come very cheap and can be used to alter the flavour of your coffee by trying the different types that are available.

Now, you need to make a choice between glass jugs and thermal jugs.

A glass jug is considered the standard. It is placed on a hotplate to keep your coffee warm.

Hotplates are highly regulated in the EU with laws stating that you cannot use a hotplate for more than 40 minutes. Another downside to using hotplates is that heating your coffee for a long period will eventually make it bitter.

The advantage of using thermal jugs is that it keeps your coffee warm by insulation, this keeps your coffee tasting the same.

One factor that you should also consider is the volume of coffee that a machine can make. You can easily identify this as coffee machines are usually identified by the number of small or large cups that they can make. Smaller cups take up to 85ml, while larger cups can take up to 125ml of coffee.

Generally, your coffee consumption will guide you to choosing the right size, therefore if you drink a lot of coffee then you should buy a bigger machine.

Sage by Heston Blumenthal – The Dual Boiler Coffee Machine Review

This is one of the best manual espresso machines that you can find in the market. If you are looking for an amazing coffee machine that gives you a great deal of flexibility and quality then, the Sage Dual Boiler Coffee Machine by Heston Bluementhal should be right on top of your list. This coffee machine has been referred to as the home barista by many users, it is in fact the home version of the types of heavy duty coffee machines that you will come across in coffee shops.

Beautifully designed with a full metal body to add that extra elegant and durable look to it and a LCD display that adds a modern tech touch, the Sage Dual Boiler Coffee Machine is a masterpiece in its own right. It certainly is one home and kitchen appliance that adds that extra touch to your kitchen.

Apart from good looks, this coffee machine comes with all the features that make coffee making less of a hassle. The Dual Boiler allows you to simultaneously extract espresso and heat up your milk, ensuring that your espresso and milk are ready and at the right temperature that captures all the aromas of the drink.

Other key features include: a dose control – which moderates the amount of coffee that make for a great cup of espresso, a PID temperature control feature which regulates the dual steel boilers and delivering heated water at the right temperature in order to ensure consistency in quality, an Over Pressure Valve- this limits the overall pressure that is delivered during the extraction process.

The Sage Dual Boiler has a steam wand that delivers a pressure of 15Bars which helps create that micro foam texture. Special Features: Cup Warmer, Jug, Milk Frother, Programmable, Timer, Water Filter

We recommend that you purchase the Smart Grinder Pro.

What’s in the Box?

1 x Both single & dual wall, single & double cupfilters (4 baskets)

1 x 480ml stainless steel jug, cleaning tools, cleaning disc and tablets, water filters

Conclusion

The Sage Dual Boiler machine is certainly an eye catching fantastic coffee machine, if you have a very tight budget and are not looking for a machine with all the extra features then this is not for you. You can expect to get the same quality with this machine; it never disappoints and is worth the investment.

Check Price For Sage Dual Boiler Coffee Machine On Amazon UK

Jura Impressa J9 One Touch TFT Coffee Machine Review

This Is probably one of the most stylish looking coffee machines that you can find. The Jura Impressa J9 is a combination of elegant style and luxury. The Swiss made coffee machine comes with a double coat metallic brilliant front finish with a white aluminium top, sides and back.

This one touch bean to cup coffee machine has a reputation of making the best quality cappuccino, espresso, and a whole lot of other variety with just a touch of a button. This fully automated coffee machine does not lack in the technology department, it has a high resolution interactive colour screen where you can do a whole lot of fun things like selecting your drink, the display also stores up your drink preferences so you don’t have to go over the settings every time.

Other innovative features include a coffee grinder with a pre-ground coffee recognition feature and wireless technology. This is awesome!

The most exciting of all its features would have to be its foam technology which produces the best quality and perfect froth with a creamy consistency.

What’s in the Box?

1 x JURA IMPRESSA J9 TFT One Touch Cappuccino Bean to Cup Coffee Machine with integrated fine foam milk frother
1 x 0.6L Stainless Steel vacuum milk flask with milk tube and connectors
1 x CLARIS Blue water filter cartridge
2 x JURA 2-Phase coffee machine cleaning tablets
1 x 100ml JURA Cappuccino cleaning liquid
1 x Pre-ground coffee spoon
1 x Microfiber cleaning cloth
1 x CLARIS Blue water filter cartridge holder
1 x Supplementary milk frother air inlet valve
1 x Water hardness test strip
1 x JURA IMPRESSA J9 TFT User Instruction Manual
JURA Machine passport and Installation Checklist

Conclusion

If you are into stylish kitchen appliances and do not mind splurging some money on a coffee machine, the Jura Impressa J9 is for you. This coffee machine will definitely upgrade the look of your kitchen or coffee shop.

Check Price For Jura Impressa J9 On Amazon UK

Gaggia 2 Group Auto Coffee Espresso Machine – D902

The Gaggia 2 Group Auto Coffee Machine – D902 is a top-of –the-range coffee machine that boasts of the ability to work non-stop. This makes it the perfect addition to very busy locations. This coffee machine is built to last with a body built with extra strong steel panels; also, its internal parts are built with materials of the highest quality. It comes with steel wands which are fitted with turbo nozzles that produce milk froths in the shortest time possible, giving that extra silky cappuccino or creamy latte high quality foam. The Gaggias D90 comes with a hot water tap for mixing, manual bypass brew buttons, a programmable touchpad.

This coffee machine will definitely catch the eyes of individuals who are looking to buy a coffee machine with very high standards and performance while having a amazing design. The Gaggia 2 group Auto coffee machine appeals to both commercial and home users. Commercial users in particular often go for this coffee machine due to the fact that it just keeps going. This is definitely a skilled baristas best friend.

What’s in the Box?

• 1 X 2 group automatic
• Includes delivery, install & warranty
• 1X Grinder and water filter included
• 1X Auto fill 13 litre copper boiler
• 1 or 3 phase
• 2 steam & 1 water spout
• 1X Cup warmer

Conclusion

This is a coffee machine for individuals who are looking to own a coffee shop and are in need a coffee machine that is reliable and can make coffee in the shortest time, also if you are one that tends to host a lot of people in your home from time to time, and won’t mind spending such a huge amount of money on a coffee machine then, this is the one for you.

Check Price For Gaggia 2 Group Coffee Machine On Amazon UK

Fracino Retro Espresso Coffee Machine 2 Group Electric FCL2 Review

This retro design coffee machine is one to adore as it adds an elegant look to your kitchen or coffee shop. This is definitely an attention drawing coffee machine, with its stainless steel and chrome finish; it carries a sense of luxury with it. The Fracino Retro Espresso Coffee Machine features two retro levers reminiscent of the 50’s era combined with an outstanding performance. If you are looking to purchase this coffee machine for your coffee shop or for use at home, you will be making the right choice. This coffee machine is definitely not for everyone, it most likely will appeal to collectors and individuals who do not mind spending the big cash on a stylish coffee machine. This 2 group coffee machine allows you to continuously make espresso, which is a big deal for coffee shops located in very busy locations. This Retro Espresso Machine is fitted with a unique dual spring high pressure lever group which deliver BAR pressure which can be controlled by a triple contact switch.

What’s in the Box?

• 1X Fracino Retro Espresso Machine
• 1X Installation manual

Fracino Retro Espresso Coffee Machine – Conclusion

You don’t get to see such retro styled coffee machines every day, it is totally worth the big bucks and it not only looks great, it is a workhorse and a high performer.

Check Price For Fracino Retro Espresso Coffee Machine On Amazon UK

Fracino Velocino Espresso Coffee Machine Including 4.4Ltr Fridge Review

The newest addition by Fracino is the Velocino, a luxurious coffee machine that screams state of the art and hybrid. This impressive espresso machine combines the abilities of a bean to cup coffee machine and the traditional espresso machine, crafted with the highest quality stainless steel with copper and brass components for longevity and durability. The Velocino is a very reliable espresso machine and easy to maintain. Certainly, it was built to last.

The Velocino Espresso Machine has been designed to deliver high quality drinks every time and does not require any expertise or experience to be operated. It comes fitted with chrome plated brass group with an automatic milk frother, an easy to use but advanced control panel that stores up all your programming. At the touch of a button, you can dispense a variety of espresso drinks.

The Velocino Espresso uses a key lock in order to access timings, drink doses, and other technical menus, which ensures that unauthorized persons do not tamper with your programmed settings.

The Velocino has some great features such as a LCD display, pressure switch, a dual pressure gauge, a manual steam valve, an automatic water level system and a 4.4 litre fridge

What’s in the Box?

1 X Fracino Velocino Espresso Machine

1 X Milk thermometer

1 X ESE pod conversion kit

1 X Stainless steel tampers

1 X Cleaning brush

Conclusion

We think this espresso machine is one of the best Fracino has produced, apart from being a stunning coffee machine, its hybrid feature i.e. combining both bean to cup and traditional espresso machine into one is one to really consider. The Velcino is a great coffee machine that should be bought by every coffee shop owner.

Check Price For Fracino Velocino Espresso Coffee Machine On Amazon UK