Making the Right Coffee Equipment Decision

When purchasing coffee equipment, it's essential to consider a few critical factors to ensure you make the best decision for your business.

First and foremost, identify your local service technician. They are the most crucial link in the equipment chain. Ask them what brands they service and carry parts for, and whether they sell the equipment. Relying on local service techs ensures better after-sales support, accurate filtration recommendations, and a lower cost of ownership by avoiding overlooked nuances often associated with online purchases.

Next, consider the goals of your shop and the type of coffee program you plan to run. Your local service tech likely has extensive knowledge of various coffee programs and can advise on the machines that make sense for your needs. For example, both the Strada X and Simonelli Appia are excellent machines, but each serves different purposes and may not be suitable for every shop.

Quality varies significantly between different brands of coffee equipment. Differences in materials, build quality, ease of access to parts, and hydraulics design all impact the machine's performance and maintenance requirements. One machine might require only one heavy maintenance per year and three light preventative maintenances (PMs), while another in the same price range might need two heavy and two light PMs, resulting in higher labor and parts costs.

It's also essential to match your equipment to your shop's volume. Here's a general guideline based on daily cup output:

• Less than 150 cups per day: A two-group semi-automatic (EE) machine with a good 65 mm grinder (e.g., Mahlkonig E65, Mazzer Major V).
• 150-225 cups per day: A two-group automatic volumetric (AV) machine with a 65 mm grinder.
• 225-300 cups per day: A three-group AV machine with an 80 mm grinder (e.g., Mahlkonig E80, Mazzer Robur).
• 300+ cups per day: A three-group machine with scales and 80 mm grinders (e.g., Mazzer Kold) that reduce grind time to under three seconds.

Ensure you align your equipment choice with your business revenue needs. Avoid an underperforming espresso setup if you have high overheads, such as a $10,000 monthly lease. You need a setup that can handle high volume to meet your business goals. Plan to grow into your machine rather than starting off at maximum capacity.

In conclusion, work closely with your local service technician, understand your shop's goals, and choose equipment that will support your growth and business needs. This approach will help you make a well-informed decision and ensure the long-term success of your coffee program.