Most Rancilio espresso machines are large, commercial machines. For the private consumer, the Rancilio Silvia is one of the most acclaimed and well-rated espresso machines under a thousand dollars. It features an iron support frame while its body and control panels are made of stainless steel with a satin finish. The Silvia simply looks terrific on the countertop. It is quite heavy, which is an advantage because it will not budge when the portafilter is being locked it. It is very solidly built and like other Rancilio espresso machines it is also easily serviceable, with widely available parts.

The Silvia comes with the following accessories: one filter holder, a one-cup filter, a two-cup filter, measuring spoon, and coffee tamper. You can buy an optional pod adapter kit if you wish to take advantage of the convenience of espresso pods. The Silvia features a twelve-ounce boiler – a respectable size for a boiler in this class. The portafilter is made of marine-grade brass, which is a very good material because it helps to keep the temperature stable. Another feature that users really appreciate is the three-way solenoid valve. This valve depressurizes the group head after pulling a shot – the effect of that is that the used coffee grounds fall out of the portafilter as a solid disk, rather than as a soup of hot grounds.

Like other semi-professional espresso machines, the Silvia requires a bit of experience and education to use to its best advantage. You can manually control the brewing temperature, or order an optional digital temperature control. Since this Rancilio espresso machine is so popular, there are many internet sites with tips about using and troubleshooting Silvia to achieve that perfect shot of espresso.

When it comes to steaming and frothing milk, the Silvia has a hot water button to control the flow of water from the steam wand, as well as a steam button. It comes with a single-hole steam tip that is popular with consumers. The company also offers a three-hole steam tip as an option.

A good burr coffee grinder is vital for use with the Silvia – cheap grinders simply can’t get the coffee fine enough. The Rancilio Rocky is a good choice. It is possible to buy the Silvia and the Rocky as a package to save money.

The Rancilio Espresso Machine: Where Elegance Meets Steel is from grinderstore.net

In other countries alcoholic drinks are also being sold through these vending machines. Some cigarettes and tickets to hot or cold drinks such as coffee and drinks which has ice dispensers and other noted vending machines dispenses iPods, fried foods , underwears and porn magazines and sexual lubricants. So, most of these machines cause different kinds of technical and mechanical problems. The most common problems are coin acceptors vending machines which most of the time jams up when there are foreign objects or a paper bill is inserted into the coin slot. This has to be checked every now and then. Another problem is when coins fill up past the coin detector which later on prevents future purchases. This should be cleared often. Some machines tend not to accept quarters and other coins the first time you put them in. it may be due to old worn coins. So you should have new coins available in your pocket.

Vending machines using a spiral mechanism to hold and dispense a products, mostly bagged products such as potato chips for example, poses problems which the products snags on the metal spiral when it reaches it full turn and fails to vend. Commonly it is because the product is not aligned when placed or following products was disaligned when it was banged by an outside source. The products should be aligned and so with the metal spiral. Other manufacturers attached a small piece of plastic to the tip of the metal spiral that extends to help push and clears the product from the spiral.

Other problems are when the machine is not being supplied with proper power or has a short circuit, damage due to vandalism, or poor maintenance. For the power supply problem operator has to check before operating. Vandalism and short circuits are uncontrollable sources that just have to be fixed when it happens. Condition of the machine has to follow strict maintenance procedures by the operator. Bills validators sometimes falsely reject a bill because it was dirty, crumpled, or ripped the solution to this would be using new bills. So it is good to have good bills with you in case you need them. Otherwise you have to have poor bills exchanged for new ones or just forget your want or need in the vending and just purchase in a store instead.

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As you are looking into commercial espresso machines you also need to decide if you are going to need a one-group or two-group machine or more. It is not likely that you are going to have more than two shots being pulled at one time and so a two group will probably suffice.

There are basically three types of commercial machines to choose from and then within those choices are features or additions you can pick from. Your choice will probably boil down to how much money you

Types

Semi-automatic, automatic, and super-automatic are the espresso machine types you should be looking at.

Semi-automatic machines require the user to shut the steam off manually. This can make producing a consistent shot of espresso difficult.

Automatic espresso machines have a cut-off timer and produce a more consistent espresso. They can be programmed  to cut off at anytime.

Super-automatic espresso machines do everything for you. They grind the beans, tamp them, pull the shot, shut off when ready and even discard the coffee beans. While they do make pulling a great espresso super easy, they take the pleasure of watching the shot be pulled. Espresso enthusiasts enjoy knowing that the barista took great pains to make sure their espresso was just right. The super automatic maker removes that element. In addition to being super-automatic, they are super expensive.

Other Considerations

In addition to what type of machine to get, you need to consider some other important factors, after all this is for your business which in turn is your livelihood.

Boiler Capacity: The boiler capacity of your machine should be large enough to get you through the largest rush you could have.  You don’t want to have to tell your customers that it will be a few minutes due to lack of hot water or steam. This is of course going to take some guesswork, however a 9-14 liter capacity should be large enough.

Warranty and Parts Availability: First you definitely want to make sure your warranty covers all the parts of the machine for at least  five years. If offered, buy an extended warranty. Before your purchase the machine, ask about repairs.  Is there a local repair shop that sends someone out? How long does it take to get parts shipped in if necessary? Do they offer same day repair service?

These questions are very important. Not having your espresso machine can cause you to lose a lot of money. Make sure there is a way to have repairs made as quickly as possible.

Grinder Hopper: You should make sure the grinder hopper is large enough to accommodate a large amount of coffee beans. You might also want to consider a machine that offers two hoppers, one for decaf beans and one for regular beans.

Water Softener: This option doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you live in area where you know the water is hard, you should opt for a water softener. This will keep you from having to have your machine de-limed due to build up. De-liming a machine is an expensive task.

Buying a commercial espresso machine is a huge investment that should be done with careful consideration to every aspect of the machine and to all the aspects of your business. The right decision can bring you years of great income and happy customers while a wrong decision can bring you years of grief and a loss of money. Choose carefully and wisely for the best espresso bar in town.
 

Shopping for Commercial Espresso Machines is from grinderstore.net

What are your tips? What should I look for in various models?
Increasing my budget wouldn’t be too difficult, it would just mean a little longer before I could purchase the machine.

What should I look for in a machine though? I don’t want to be the person who says “this one costs the most so it must be the best”!

Can you give any examples of espresso machines that you’ve found to work well and hold up over the years?

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What type of machine can dig up stumps (12″d). Not interested in a stump grinder.? is from grinderstore.net

Traditional Espresso Machines

Available in various shapes and sizes i.e. 1, 2, 3 and 4 group machines (a group is where water is dispensed from, which passes through the coffee that sits in the group handle. A group handle can be a single or double group, which enables you to dispense either one or two shots of coffee dependent on the amount of coffee place into the handle i.e. usually around 7 or 14 grams) and semi and fully automatic (semi-automatic is where you control the dose of coffee and turn it off when you have enough, fully automatic means that the buttons have a pre-set dose and the machine will stop by its self). These machines usually feature either one or two steam arms for frothing/steaming milk, and one or two hot water outlets.

When you purchase a traditional machine package, they should consist of the following basic items:

• A grinder to grind the coffee

• Knock-out drawer which can sit either underneath the machine or under the grinder, enabling you to “knock-out” the used coffee

• Barista kit which can include such basic items such as a frothing jug, thermometer, pallet knife, chocolate shaker and an espresso shot glass

• Water filter which is connected to a mains cold water feed to prevent build up of lime scale inside the boiler and on the element,

Ideally, you will also need to provide a mains waste connection. The size of machine depends on the size of establishment or how busy you think you will be. The most common one by far is a 2 group fully automatic machine, but some smaller sites will have 1 and larger establishments may have 3 or 4.

These machines are very much about theatre and indeed they are for show as making coffee is very much an art and good barista training is extremely important and becoming skilled at understanding and making good coffee takes time and practice as it is very easy to make a bad coffee. Prices can vary from around £800 to £6000, but remember, you get what you pay for, so make sure that the machine you choose is new and fully warranted, including full barista training and a good support service. The great thing about traditional machines is that there are no major moving parts so less to go wrong.

In more recent years traditional espresso machines have become more advanced, incorporating things such as boiler or group head temperature control facilities which enable you to tailor the temperature of the espresso water to suit the varying brewing temperatures of coffee. Other innovations include automatic steam wands, also known as hyper wands or turbo wands, enabling you to automatically froth or steam your milk perfectly without any human intervention.

Bean to Cup Machines

A bean to cup machine does exactly what it says! The fresh coffee beans are placed inside the machine and on the press of a button the machine automatically grinds the beans and pours both coffee and milk into your cup.

Bean to cup machines, such as Jura coffee machines, are quick and easy, and make quality fresh coffee at the touch of a button. What you need to remember with this type of system is that there are a lot of moving parts so more to potentially go wrong and there is need for daily cleaning which has to be adhered to otherwise your great coffee won’t be so great the following day!

This type of system is ideal for a pub restaurant where staff training can sometimes be a problem; it is also great for convenience stores or petrol stations where a take away coffee station may be required. Some smaller machines require very little installation or training and can be tank fed, so no need for plumbing. These machines will also usually feature some form of de-scale cycle instead of a water filter to prevent scale build-up. It usually takes between 30 and 50 seconds from pressing the button to filling the cup, depending on the cup size and type of drink selection. Some of the higher volume machines can produce two milk based drinks at once, while most will make two black coffees at once, an essential feature for some very busy sites.

As time has passed, even the bean to cup machine has developed, and can now be found to use various combinations which feature fresh beans, fresh milk or an instant/granulated milk, instant hot chocolate and instant coffee.

These various machines are designed to produce anything from 50 cups per day to over 500 per day. The cost of these can vary from under £1000 to well over £10000, so it is important you make the correct choice.

Summary – Traditional Espresso versus Bean to Cup

The traditional machines without doubt are for those who want the theatricality of coffee making. The advantage is that they make great coffee, so long as those making it are fully trained. A combination of machine and thorough training can produce the true Italian coffee experience.

Bean to cup machines are quick, easy and require very little staff training. The machines will roughly produce the same coffee each and every time the buttons are pressed, whether it be 16 or 60 times, but remember, they have to be looked after and cleaned on a daily basis or problems will arise very quickly.

Traditional Espresso or Bean to Cup Coffee Machines for Your Business is from grinderstore.net

I want to make slag of my mine to grinder,which machine should i buy ? is from grinderstore.net

Let’s do the math:

1.  Average cost for a coffee specialty drink such as an espresso or cappuccino:   $3.50
2.  Number of trips to the Coffee Shop per year:  52 weeks * 4 visits per week =  208 yearly visits
3.  Yearly Cost:  $3.50 espresso drink cost * 208 yearly visits = $728 Annually

For $728, one can purchase a full-featured super automatic espresso machine.  Ok, now that you see that an home espresso machines is good investment, let talk about some tips on how to buy one:

1.   Decide what type of espresso drinks you like.  Do you like a cappuccino or mocha or just a straight shot of espresso?  How about a regular cup of coffee?   The choices for home espresso machines will vary greatly.  Most super automatic espresso coffee machines can brew you a strong cup of coffee just like you find at the coffee houses as well as the espresso drinks.  Perhaps you would like to choose between regular coffee and decaf in which case a bypass doser on the home espresso machine is a good option.   Choose between a super automatic, semi automatic, or automatic home espresso machines.  The most popular type of espresso machine is a super automatic espresso machines.

2.   Cost.  While many people like to have all of the bells and whistles, buying a quality espresso machine is much like buying a car.  Do you need heated seats if you live in Arizona?  Same principle.  Decide on what type of drinks you like, find a machine with those features and set a budget.  The most common question we get is how much do I have to spend for a quality machine?  If you are spending $750 – $1,000 on a fine brand super automatic such as Saeco or Gaggia, you will be purchasing a quality home espresso machine with standard features suitable for most people.  If you want the highest quality espresso drinks, a semi automatic espresso machine such as a Rancilio or Pasquini are priced in the $700 to $1,500 range.  Semi-automatic espresso machines are a bit more work but results are outstanding.  All excellent choices.

3.    Popular Espresso Features.  Milk based drinks – If you love the lattes, mochas, and cappuccino’s make sure you buy a machine with two boilers or dual heating elements.  Using a single boiler is ok for standard espresso drinks but a dual boiler will produce the fastest steam.  This is typically a feature that separates the cheap $100 – $200 espresso machines from the quality home espresso machines.

Adjustable water volume and coffee dose – Some machines will only have the ability to adjust the water so the more water you have the weaker the cup.  Having both an adjustable doser and water volume gives you the most control.  Excellent features to have especially if want a standard cup of coffee.

Digital or Analog (dials) – There is much debate on which is better to have. This comes down to a personal choice. With digital machines, your options are greater and you can really get dialed in on the coffee / water ratio. You also get statistics on your home espresso machine and most digital espresso machines will tell you when to clean it.   Another key feature digital machines typically have is the ability to regulate when the machine is on or off. 

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Other important features: 

Look for a large water reservoir typically over 40 ounces. 

Cup height adjustment – make sure your cup will fit.  Most espresso cups are 4 – 6 inches.

Water filter – espresso machines with a water filter will produce better coffee and keep you machine in better condition.  Water filters are highly recommended.

Bean hopper size – Get a machine with a minimum or 8 ounces.  You do not want to be filling the bean hopper every day.

Cup Warmer – Coffee maintains its best flavor when poured into a heated cup. 

Grinder Settings – Make sure the espresso machines have at least 3 grinder settings. This is essential for dialing in the right grind.

Heat up time – you do not want to be waiting over 5 minutes for an espresso machine to heat up.  A good machine will be ready for a second cup of espresso is just under 1-2 minutes after the initial heat-up.

4.  Size and Construction – Make sure you have adequate counter space for the home espresso machine.  These espresso machines are generally larger than a typical coffee pot so make sure you measure.  Also, having a movable base will allow you to pull the machine out to fill it with water and beans.   Almost all of the super automatic home espresso machines body’s are made of heavy duty plastic or stainless steel.  The inside boilers are either stainless steel or aluminum.  Often people make the mistake of thinking the plastic is not as durable but in reality, it is.  It is what is on the inside that counts.  A stainless steel boiler will offer years of service if properly maintained.   The espresso machines of today feature sleek, modern designs.  If you are purchasing a semi-automatic espresso machine, consider stainless steel because of all of the interaction with the machine.  If you choose a super automatic, a plastic design with stainless steel or aluminum boilers is sufficient.

5.  Proper Cleaning and maintenance – The number one problem with home espresso machines is scale build-up.  If you own a quality machine, regular descaling and back flushing is not recommended, it’s required.  What I mean is that if you want to maintain your warranty, you must complete these maintenance items.  It takes about 15 minutes each month but will keep your machine operating for years.  Don’t let your machine sit idle for a long time with water loaded as the minerals in the water can cause issues in the boilers and metal components.

6.  Water and Coffee – Buying quality coffee and using filtered water will provide the ultimate coffee experience.  Many espresso machines have built in water filters such as the Aqua Prima Water Filter.   If you use tap water and cheap brand name coffee don’t waste your money on a quality espresso machine.   Fine coffee and filtered water contribute significantly to the quality of the brew.  Use a coffee such as Lavazza or Gaggia especially made for a higher end coffee espresso machine.

7.   Choosing where to buy a home espresso machine – You can buy these machines from many of the major stores but the issue is support and buying guidance.  You simply cannot call the “red dot” store or “overstock” stores and expect to find someone that is knowledgeable about quality espresso coffee machines.  Try calling one of the major chains for support and they will refer you to the manufacturer.  The truth is that your retailer should be able to answer most questions and get you technical support if you need it.  You are not going to get the level of support from a big chain store or large e-tailer.

Today’s home espresso machines are sophisticated machines.  Buy the machine from a reputable online retailer who specializes in espresso machines or coffee makers.  Retail stores that specialize in espresso and coffee machines have knowledgeable staff that can assist you with questions, problems, tips, and service.  And guess what, the prices in the espresso coffee machine specialty stores are typically less because of the volume of machines they sell.

Choose a store that has a Better Business Bureau accreditation so you can be sure you are buying from a reputable dealer.  Beware of stores that do not specialize in coffee and espresso machines.  Where is the best place to find the best cup of coffee or espresso?  It is your own kitchen of course.  Happy shopping.

The Abosolute 10 Greatest Tips for Purchasing a Home Espresso Machine is from grinderstore.net

1. Manual Espresso Coffee Machine

This type of machine requires the person using it to carry out all the various procedures involved in order to brew a great cup of espresso coffee. You will need to add both the water and the coffee grinds as well as controlling the frother if you are making cappuccinos or lattes.

2. Semi Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine

With this particular machine you will need to start the process by turning the machine on and then pressing a button. Then once the espresso has been made, you will then need to turn the machine off. However with this machine you will be required to ensure that they water reservoir is filled and that there is sufficient beans within the grinder (as some models come with an internal coffee grinder).

3. Full or Super Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine

This machine will produce a great espresso coffee without you having to participate in the process at all. These types of machines come with a fully integrated water system (which is attached directly to a water supply) and a coffee grinder for grinding the beans. With this particular machine all you need to do now is push a button and then the machine takes over and at the end will produce a great cup of espresso coffee. During each process, once the beans have been ground and used they will then be ejected and placed in an internal bin which can then be taken out and the contents removed.

When it comes time for you to find the perfect espresso coffee machine, you will need to determine just how convenient you want it to be. So if you are someone who wants to be involved in every process of making your own great cups of coffee, then the manual espresso coffee machine is the ideal choice for you.

However if you are someone who just wants to sit back and relax before they start drinking a great cup of coffee then the semi or super automatic espresso coffee machines may be your preferred choice. Also you will need to take into consideration the cost, unfortunately both the semi and super automatic machines can be quite expensive, plus they are quite large as well so may take up more space than you have available.

A great way of learning more about these various types of espresso coffee machines is by going online. There are lots of sites that can offer you reviews as well as offering great discounts on some of the more well known brands available today.

3 Types of Espresso Coffee Machines is from grinderstore.net

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