Espresso Machines: Top Picks for Home and Small Business Cafes in 2023

Hello lovelies! 

I started my small coffee shop last October 2022. And one of the major process of putting up the business is finding the best espresso machine in the market that is within my budget. Before my husband and I decided to start a coffee shop, we already bought a home espresso machine because we loooove coffee. Who doesn't?  

Anyway, espresso machines have become an essential part of many people's morning routines, both at home and at work. These machines are designed to quickly and efficiently brew high-quality espresso, which is a concentrated coffee beverage that provides a quick burst of caffeine and flavor. For those who need a quick pick-me-up in the morning, an espresso machine can be a lifesaver, providing a convenient and reliable way to get their caffeine fix. In a work setting, an espresso machine can also be a valuable asset, as it can help employees stay alert and focused throughout the day, increasing productivity and overall workplace satisfaction. With a wide range of models and styles available, there is an espresso machine out there to suit every taste and budget, making it an accessible and worthwhile investment for coffee lovers everywhere.

Here are some of our top picks for home and for a small business cafe. 

For home or office, there are a lot of affordable espresso machines in the market. Usually these machines can make 1 to 2 presses and 1 to 2 steams/milk frothing before needing a time to rest. Unlike commercial machines, these home machines usually cannot produce more than 2 cups of coffee continuously. It will need a short break before you can make it work again.

CASABREWS Espresso Machine 20 Bar, Professional Coffee Maker Cappuccino Latte Machine with Steam Milk Frother, Espresso Coffee Machine with 49oz Removable Water Tank, Stainless Steel

This Casabrew Espresso Machine has a newer version which has an automatic milk frother. But I prefer this one. You just put enough milk in your jug and use the steam wand/frother like a barista. 

Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional Espresso Coffee Machine with Milk Frother for Espresso, Latte and Cappuccino Burr Coffee Grinder with 35 Precise Grind Settings, Beige

Don't you just love how it looks? Imagine it on your counter top or in your coffee corner. This Gevi 20 Bar Compact Professional machine comes complete with coffee grinder and accessories like the espresso glasses and milk jug. You won't have to worry about  anything else. Just make your coffee like a pro.

There are other home machines out there but I chose these 2 because of their sleek design and the steam wand. a good steam wand matters in creating the perfect milk foam. 

For small business cafe, I would recommend a dual boiler espresso machine. You can continuously produce coffee with this kind of machines and you can steam/froth milk while you are pulling an espresso shot. It would save you time and would allow you to give fast and quality service to your customers. You can check out the following machines if you want to start a small cafe.

Gevi Espresso Machine & Coffee Maker - 20Bar Semi Automatic Espresso Machine With Grinder & Steam Wand – All in One Espresso Maker & Latte Machine for Home Dual Heating System

Breville BES920XL Dual Boiler Espresso Machine,84 oz, Brushed Stainless Steel

This next one is Italian made. It gives a completely different vibe when you serve coffee to your customers using this. You can also consider this in your cafe.

La Pavoni PC-16 Professional Espresso Machine, Chrome Black

If you have a bigger budget for your cafe, you can really go big on your machine and check this out instead.

 

Nuova Simonelli Appia II Volumetric 2 Group Espresso Machine MAPPIA5VOL02ND001 with Free Installation, Espresso Starter Kit, and Water Filter System

Which one do like the most? 

Also remember that if you will buy an espresso machine, you might also need to get the following accessories.

Tamper with calibrated spring. Check the width of your portafilter baskets before buying this, there are different sizes that depends on the machine you are buying.

Knock Box. This wooden one is so slick!

Milk frother jug. This comes with different colors to choose from. Lovely.

Double-wall insulated coffee cup. 

That's it. Get these and enjoy a higher level of coffee experience in the morning.

xoxo, Ails

Art and Coffee Collide: How I Used Relief Art to Add Depth and Dimension to My Small Business

It's been six months since my last blog post, and I wanted to update you on what I've been up to.

As some of you may know, I retired from government service at the start of this year. It was a big decision, but I knew it was time to pursue my passions and explore new opportunities.

One of those opportunities was starting a small coffee shop business. It's been a challenging but rewarding experience so far. I've been learning a lot about running a business, connecting with customers, and making delicious coffee.

But what I'm most excited about is incorporating my love for arts and crafts into the coffee shop. I've always been drawn to creative expression, and I believe that art and coffee have a natural synergy.

That's why I recently added a moon on the wall of the coffee shop. It's a beautiful and realistic three-dimensional relief art that looks even more stunning at night. I've received a lot of positive feedback from customers, and I'm excited to continue exploring ways to incorporate art into the coffee shop.

Of course, I'm still passionate about crafting and art, and I plan to continue sharing my experiences and insights with you through this blog. I'll be writing more about the intersection of art and coffee, as well as sharing tips and tutorials for those of you who are interested in pursuing your own creative passions.

Also, I've been taking care of myself and my mental health. I've been practicing mindfulness, spending time in nature, and nurturing my relationships with loved ones. It's been a challenging year for all of us, and I hope that by sharing my journey, I can offer some inspiration and support to those who need it.

Thank you for your continued support, and I'm looking forward to reconnecting with y'all.

xoxo, Ails