Best 5 Small Commercial Espresso Machines Ideal For Any Coffee Shop

Regardless of its size, every single coffee shop needs an espresso machine that can provide a delicious, full-flavored brew in the shortest time possible. But what happens if you simply don’t have enough room for a large machine on your countertops?

This is where a small commercial espresso machine comes in place. Before you set your mind on one machine, consider its design, power rating, extraction pressure, additional functions, etc. Once you cover all your bases, you will know exactly what you are looking for. We explained all the important features and functions in this post to ensure you can easily make your choice.

The Rundown

What Do We Mean By Small?

Small models are considered to be all those that are 7 to 14 inches in length, 5 to 14 inches in width, and 12 to 16 inches in height.

The Optimal Machine Size

The smallest espresso machine is only about 12 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 5 inches high. Others may vary an inch or two from these measurements. This means that they have a very small footprint. As they do not come with a direct water line they are very flexible. This means that you can easily move them around if needed, and even store them out of away.

Why Are Small Models Desirable For Commercial Use?

Small machines are desireable simply because they take up less space. They are still highly effective and can meet the requirements of every coffee shop, restaurant, and other business types.

Where Can You Use Them?

These brewers are suitable for use in any environment. They work perfectly in smaller bars, cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and hotel kitchens, etc. Since they take up a minimal amount of counter space you can place them in a corner or have them displayed atop the bar so your customers can observe the brewing process.

Are They Suitable For Home Use?

Although they are designed to meet professional standards, their somewhat smaller size makes these espresso machines suitable for home use too. You should keep in mind that they are somewhat pricier. The only disadvantage of using a professional model is that they consume much more power than “regular” home models do.

Different Types You Can Find

Yes, the four main types of espresso machines are:

• manual
• semi-automatic
• automatic
• fully automatic

While manual ones require hands-on use, the fully automatic models are powerful robots that deliver consistent results with every use. Which one you’ll choose depends solely on your business capacity. Generally, automatic brewers are always the best choice for busy environments. Their only downside is that the more sophisticated they are, the higher the maintenance level they require. They are also more inclined to fail at some point.

Are They Easy To Use?

Although automatic machines may be more convenient, both the manual and fully-automatic brewers are generally easy to use. You need to make sure that the water reservoir has enough water in it, add desired coffee grounds to the portafilter, choose the preferred setting between a single/double shot, and that is it.

Important Things To Consider

There are some important questions you need to have answers to if you want to choose the best machine for your needs:

What Are Commercial Brewers Made Out Of?

These machines are constructed out of high-quality stainless steel material. They offer the highest durability and can easily withstand the high demands of professional environments.

They do have some plastic exterior components such as a portafilter holder, base, switch controls, etc. Although uncommon, some models have plastic parts that come in contact with the brew. Make sure that they are food-safe and BPA-free.

How Much Power Do Commercial Machines Consume?

There is no one specific answer to this question. It depends and differs from one machine to another. In general, small single group brewers use approximately less than 3000 Watts. This means that they can easily run on a 13 amp plug. The main reason why commercial models use a lot of power is that they constantly maintain the water at its brewing temperature.

How Many Brew Heads Do They Offer?

You can find small machines for commercial use that come with a single or a double brew head. The advantage of double head models is that they provide more consistent brewing results. For instance, the temperature between the two cups of coffee won’t wary as much as it might with single brew heads.

Do Small Machines Come With A Coffee Grinder?

Since listed models come in a somewhat smaller size, no, they do not come equipped with a coffee grinder. However, you can find models that do. Your other option is to buy a separate coffee grinder you can easily store away when you don’t need it.

Can You Use Any Coffee Beans To Brew Espresso?

Generally yes, you can use your favorite coffee beans (grounds) to brew espresso. However, keep in mind that the optimal espresso taste is reached by carefully aligning versatile variables including the water temperature, grind size, and extraction time. You need to get a perfectly sweet and creamy shot with a perfect caramel finish.

Is Steamer Included?

Yes, almost all commercial machines come equipped with a milk steamer even the small models. Thanks to this feature you can use them to make other coffee-based beverages too. They help you make cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, etc. You can even use them to have a go at latte art. They are very efficient and provide great results in only a few seconds.

Best 5 Small Commercial Espresso Machines

Every model we reviewed below offers exceptional performance and many beneficial features such as a cup warming tray, an advanced milk frothing wand, powerful extraction pressure, etc. Check them out and find your perfect match!

De’Longhi EC680M Espresso Machine

This small machine uses a high 15 bar pressure to extract all the delicious flavors from the coffee grounds you are using to brew the espresso. Its twin brewing cycle ensures you can make a double shot of espresso. To set the desired option simply press the designated control button atop the machine.

Since it comes equipped with an advanced milk frother, you can easily use this brewer to make coffee-based beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos, etc. You can control it manually and froth milk into a smooth silky texture or a thick foamy froth.

You won’t have any trouble keeping this brewer clean. Its drip tray and water tank are completely removable to ensure that you can give them a thorough clean after every use. They are also dishwasher-safe. Make sure that you clean the machine thoroughly after every use, including the frother, to ensure that there is no bacteria build-up.

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Calphalon Temp iQ Espresso Machine

Due to its simple dial interface, this brewer allows you to choose whether you want to brew a single or double espresso shot with a simple turn of a knob. You can also choose between “steam” and “hot water” options. Its precise temperature heating system ensures optimal flavor extraction results.

The top of this machine works as a convenient cup holder. It features a warming tray that constantly keeps your espresso cups warm. As a result, the brewed espresso will remain at its optimal temperature for a longer time. Its automatic shot-control system ensures delicious results with every use.

This machine under $500 comes with a 58mm café-sized portafilter that can hold a much larger amount of coffee grounds at once. It also ensures an even water dispersion that will slowly saturate the grounds at first and ensure delicious robust flavors at the end.

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Breville Infuser Espresso Machine

With its automatic purge system, this small-sized commercial espresso machine delivers perfect results with every single use. It ensures that every espresso shot will be extracted at an optimal temperature level. You will get to enjoy delicious brewing results with every single cup.

You can easily control the volume of each cup you brew with a simple touch of a button. Its PID temperature control system allows you to adjust the brewing temperature in 4⁰ F increments. The included steaming wand features a 1650 Watt element that ensures very high steam pressure.

All parts of this semi-automatic machine are completely removable. This is a great thing as it ensures that you can thoroughly clean every part of the machine before/after every use. With its versatile accessories, this machine includes everything you need to get started with the brewing process.

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Gaggia Classic Pro Espresso Machine

With its durable brushed stainless steel housing, this espresso machine can easily withstand the high demands of professional environments. It offers exceptional quality and resistance to versatile exterior damages including rust, corrosion, dents, scratches, etc. It is a perfect choice for any professional environment.

This is another model that is very easy to use. Its simple rocker switch controls are located on the machine’s interface. You can easily access them and set them to your needs. It comes equipped with a 3-way solenoid valve that is specially designed to relieve the pressure off the coffee.

The most important thing worth mentioning is that this brewer provides less noise during the brewing process. Its vibration pump is precisely mounted to dampen the brewing sound. Also, with its dual heating elements, the machine provides a very quick and efficient heating process.

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Gevi Professional Espresso Coffee Machine

To use this commercial machine properly simply add water to the tank, add coffee grounds to the filter, and tamp it. Install portafilter in its place, choose the desired dose, and let the machine do the rest of the job. In a few moments, you will get perfectly brewed coffee you can enjoy instantly.

Its powerful 1350 Watt fast thermoblock heating system is specially designed to ensure that you can brew cup after cup. It needs only about 45 seconds to provide a perfect brew. You can customize its brew size between single/short and double/long options with a simple push of a button.

Note that its bottom drip tray features a height-adjustable design. Thanks to this feature you can brew coffee in both small and larger coffee cups. Additionally, the heated metallic plate on the top of the machine constantly keeps your cups warm. Thanks to this feature you don’t have to worry that the flavor of the extracted coffee might be affected.

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What Makes A Small Machine Suitable For Commercial Use?

Most commercial models come either with an NSF or ETL certificate. They ensure that the machines have been tested and approved to meet specific quality, efficiency, and safety features that are set by national organizations. They can also come with an SCA certificate which is granted only to specialty brewers that meet rigorous requirements.

How To Set Up An Espresso Machine?

Most espresso machines do require some assembly. The machine itself comes in one piece and you are expected to attach its removable parts. This includes:

• a filter holder
• single filter basket
• double filter basket
• an E.S.E. filter basket (optional)

Everything you need to do is attach the filter holder with any filter basket and place it in its position.

Maintenance Level

Here are some steps you should follow to ensure that your small commercial espresso brewer has a lasting lifespan:

1. Flush machine’s brew heads before each new round of espressos
2. Purge the steamer/frother before and after every use
3. Wipe down the steamer/frother after every use
4. Make sure that your cleaning cloths are always laundered

Additionally, you should arrange a minor service for the espresso machine about every 3 months.

What About Used Machines?

If you are worried about your budget, a used espresso machine for commercial use is a great option. However, you need to make sure that it is still in proper condition. To ensure that, find out if and how often has the machine been serviced, who completed the service, is the machine still covered by warranty, etc.