The purpose of this article is to discuss the differences between the traditional espresso machine and the fully automatic bean to cup coffee machine. Both types of coffee machine have their advantages and disadvantages and by giving these factors due consideration it should help you decide which type is best for your business.
There are other types of coffee machine available too, such as the filter coffee machine, pod machine or instant coffee machine, but these are not considered in this article as they cannot produce ‘proper’ speciality coffee drinks such as latte, espresso, ristretto etc.
The basis of all luxury speciality coffee drinks is the espresso which both our systems produce. This is made by passing hot water under pressure through a wad of ground coffee, to produce a short, strong and concentrated coffee liquor. When the espresso shot is blended with foamed or steamed milk then most popular types of specialty coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, macchiato can be made.
Both the traditional espresso machine and the bean to cup machine are able to produce espresso shots and foamed milk.
Firstly we will consider overall drink quality. Here the traditional espresso machine comes out on top. This is assuming that the operator (barista) is well trained and both types of equipment are clean and well-maintained.
An espresso based drink produced on a traditional espresso machine and prepared by a top barista is the best you can get! Coffee beverages made from a bean to cup machine are very good, but don’t quite make it to the standard set by a traditional system.
Secondly when considering the consistency of the final beverage the bean to cup machine would usually win. The quality of drink from a traditional espresso machine depends on the barista and his frame of mind at the time and so can vary greatly. Bean to cup machines however produce the same drink at the push of a button and are not dependent on the operator.
Thirdly, ease of use. Here again the fully automatic bean to cup machine comes out on top as most drinks are prepared by the push of a button. To prepare and serve a quality beverage from a traditional espresso machine is a skilled art and takes considerable practise to master.
Fourthly to consider is ‘theatre’ or ambience of the drink preparation. Whilst a bean to cup machine is purely a functional device to produce a quality beverage, the traditional espresso machine adds that special magic to the whole coffee experience. Customers can enjoy the overall coffee experience as they watch the skilled barista at work.
Honours are even then on the main four criteria, so the choice is yours. Decide which are the most important factors in your particular case before contacting your local coffee machine supplier.
Enjoy.
Further advice on choosing the right coffee machine for your business visit www.cafebar.co.uk
