A single-group commercial espresso machine  is ideal for coffee carts, coffee trailers and specialty cafes that see low to medium traffic. They’re also a great choice for restaurants, bakeries and offices that want to offer espresso as a complement to their current menu items or coffee service.

If you plan on offering more than just coffee drinks, consider a two-group or larger commercial espresso machine with multiple brew and steam heads that can handle higher volume during peak times. You’ll also need to choose the right type of water filtration system to remove sediment and chlorine, which can negatively impact your brewing process and the taste of your coffee.

Triple the Espresso Joy: Exploring 3-Group Espresso Machines for Your Café

One of the main advantages of a single-group espresso machine is that it can be operated by anyone with basic barista training. This makes it a popular choice for small businesses, like boutique retail stores or cafes that hire part-time baristas for special events or pop-up locations. It’s also a favorite for homes that want to make their own espresso at a fraction of the cost of buying specialty coffee.

If you’re considering a single-group machine, look for a brand that prioritizes a great experience for your baristas with features like independent brew and steam boilers to create back-to-back drinks, and stylish gauges that show the boiler and pump pressure. It’s also important to find a machine with a pre-infusion function, which dampens the ground coffee before brewing, and patented needle valve technology that helps ensure a consistent flow rate throughout the extraction process for exceptional quality.