Espresso Machines
A commercial espresso machine uses a boiler and pump to force hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure, the standard choice for cafés and pubs wanting full control over shot quality, milk texture and drink customisation. Group count, boiler capacity and boiler configuration set the shortlist, with twin-boiler designs allowing simultaneous brewing and milk steaming for faster service.
Key specifications
Most independent cafés run 1-3 group machines with boiler capacities typically between 5-20 litres. Most commercial models require a plumbed-in mains water and drain connection alongside a dedicated power supply — often 13A single-phase, or 3-phase for larger units.
Espresso Machines — FAQs
How many groups does a café espresso machine need?
A 2-group machine suits most independent cafés doing up to around 150 cups/hour, while high-volume sites or those with queues should consider a 3-group machine for faster parallel brewing.
Single or twin boiler for a busy pub or café?
A twin-boiler machine lets you brew and steam milk at the same time without temperature fluctuation, making it the better choice for busy sites serving a lot of milk-based drinks; single-boiler machines suit lower-volume, simpler drink menus.
Fracino leads the stocked range, with La Pavoni and Nuova Simonelli espresso machines also well represented.