Commercial Coffee Machines

What are the best commercial coffee machines

Everyone has different ideas about the best coffee machine. Some swear by certain brands, such as La Marzocco or San Remo — both of which have a sizable fan base among baristas and coffee lovers — but as a business owner, the best machine is the one that can meet your customers’ expectations for coffee quality while keeping maintenance and operation costs to a minimum.

Pubs are often short on counter space, so they tend to prefer a compact coffee machine much more than hotels, where space is less of an issue, but they really don’t want to refill a machine after every dozen or so servings.

We supply hundreds of cafes and various other venues across the UK and have developed a deep understanding of their needs. Whatever your constraints, we’ve likely encountered and resolved similar challenges before.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We are more than happy to guide you through the maze of choosing the right commercial coffee machine.

How to choose a commercial coffee machine

Selecting the right coffee machine can be challenging given the variety of features available. Based on our experience, the primary considerations are often budget and the machine’s ability to consistently produce flavorsome coffee, even in large quantities.

If you are looking to compare coffee machines, here are a few aspects to consider before pulling the trigger on your new machine:

Be mindful of the available space

When selecting a commercial coffee machine, certain models — especially those designed to handle substantial volumes — can be quite large. Smaller offices, compact bars, and small-to-mid-sized restaurants with limited counter or floor space may find that these machines are not a practical fit for their purpose.

Depending on the machine, you may also need additional space to prepare your puck. Consider space for a grinder, tamping area, perhaps a kettle and scale — possibly an d extra half to one metre of counter space.

In contrast, businesses such as established cafés and larger hotels typically benefit from more generous layouts. This allows them greater flexibility in choosing machines based primarily on their performance capabilities and ability to meet the demands of a high customer throughput, without being unduly restricted by size constraints.

User-friendliness

Ensuring comfort and familiarity with the machine’s user interface and available features is paramount for efficient and consistent coffee preparation.

We offer a broad spectrum of commercial coffee machines, from simple manual barista coffee machines to highly sophisticated automatic bean-to-cup models. While high-tech features may appeal to establishments seeking specialised functionalities, they can introduce unnecessary complexity for the less coffee-savvy staff.

Therefore, before finalising your purchase, take the time to ensure that the individuals who will be operating the coffee machine are familiar with its user interface and understand its various functions.

Should your team require it, we offer training to ensure smooth and continuous operation.

Budget

Budget is a key consideration, helping us prioritise essential features over desirable extras. While being cost-conscious is important, compromising on coffee machine quality can result in costly maintenance and reduced customer satisfaction.

An expensive coffee machine can pay off in the long run. Consider it a long-term investment. When deciding on your next machine, prioritise your business objectives and customer needs.

Aesthetics

Office hallways often serve purposes beyond just housing the coffee machine. Therefore, a subtle and unobtrusive machine might be preferable. Conversely, a customised, prominently displayed machine can impress clients, foster a sense of pride in associating with your business, and make a statement to competitors.

How much are commercial coffee machines?

There is a good reason why we offer coffee machine rentals and leases.

Depending on the needs, it is not rare for a commercial coffee machine to cost between £9,000 to £30,000. For example, La Marzocco Linea Classic —a loved and trusted machine by almost everyone who has worked in a cafe— usually costs well above £10,000 brand new. A San Remo Cafe Racer — a head-turning design inspired by real racing motorcycles — can quickly go above £15,000.

Of course, the above are considered high-end machines and simpler units are more affordable.

If these figures seem daunting, consider exploring our refurbished coffee machine offerings.

When to buy, rent or lease?

With Logic Vending, you have several options when considering how to purchase your dream machine: rent, buy, or lease.

Buy

For café owners aiming for a unique identity, purchasing and even customising their own coffee machines is a popular choice. However, it’s crucial to consider the impact on your assets. Like vehicles, espresso machines are depreciating assets despite their aesthetic appeal and essential function.

That said, from experience, robust, high-quality machines, such as those from La Marzocco, tend to hold their value well. This makes them a sought-after option if you wish to sell and upgrade.

Rent

Many café owners consider renting a commercial coffee machine. Renting operates similarly to a debit order but offers flexibility: you can cancel or downgrade if affordability becomes an issue, or upgrade if higher demand requires it. This makes renting a worthwhile option.

Lease

Leasing offers a path to ownership without a large upfront payment, although the total cost will be higher due to the payment flexibility. While upgrades or downgrades are possible to meet changing needs, the process is less straightforward compared to renting.

Consider leasing if you intend to own the coffee machine but prefer to spread the cost rather than pay a substantial amount upfront.

Why choose Logic Vending?

We are a leading UK supplier of commercial coffee machines, providing installation services and a wide selection of catering equipment and accompanying supplies. Our strong reputation is built on assisting numerous businesses across the UK, from revamping cafés and pubs to large restaurants and canteens, with solutions for every scale.

Exceptional customer service is central to our approach. Our knowledgeable team offers guidance to help you select the ideal equipment tailored to your specific business requirements. We go beyond just price and quality, focusing on identifying machines that can effectively meet your operational demands, guiding you through every stage of the decision-making process.

To make acquiring the latest coffee machine technology accessible, we offer various financial solutions, including rental, lease, and purchase options. This flexibility allows you to manage your investment and provide superior refreshments to your customers and employees.