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Commercial Coffee Machines

Choosing a commercial coffee machine for the first time can feel confusing. There are traditional machines, automatic machines and instant machines, all designed for different business types. This page helps you understand the basics quickly so you can find the right type of machine for your needs.

This master collection brings together all of our commercial coffee machines in one place. Whether you run a café, a hotel, a restaurant, an office or a retail space, we can guide you toward the equipment that fits your menu, budget and daily routine.

Every machine purchased through Espresso Direct includes delivery, installation, setup and a fitted water filter. We handle everything for you so you start with confidence and no hidden costs.

Types of commercial coffee machines

If you are new to commercial coffee machines, the three categories below give you a simple starting point. Click through to explore each type in more detail.

Professional espresso machines

These are the machines you see in cafés and coffee shops. They produce the highest quality drinks because a barista controls the espresso and the steamed milk. If your business cares deeply about drink quality and your staff will be making coffees, this is usually the best option.

Explore professional espresso machines

Commercial bean to cup machines

Bean to cup machines grind fresh beans, brew the espresso and prepare the milk automatically. Anyone can use them, which makes them ideal for hotels, offices, reception areas, self serve stations and cafés with mixed staffing. They give very consistent results and require less training.

Explore commercial bean to cup machines

Instant coffee machines

Instant machines use high quality soluble ingredients to produce drinks very quickly. They are extremely reliable, simple to maintain and ideal for high footfall or long opening hours. They suit forecourts, convenience stores, self serve areas and any location prioritising speed and uptime.

Explore instant coffee machines

How to choose the right type

If you have never bought a commercial coffee machine before, these questions make the decision much easier:

  • How busy is your busiest hour? Machines must match peak demand, not total daily drinks.
  • Who will make the drinks? Staff with training suit espresso machines. Anyone can use bean to cup or instant machines.
  • What type of drinks do you want to serve? Espresso menus, chocolate drinks, fresh milk drinks or simple favourites.
  • How much space do you have? Espresso setups need room for the machine and grinder. Bean to cup and instant machines are all-in-one.
  • How much involvement do you want each day? Espresso machines have simple barista routines. Bean to cup and instant machines run guided cleaning cycles.

Installation and requirements

Every machine purchased through Espresso Direct includes installation. Before delivery we confirm your water, power and space so everything is ready on the day.

  • Water supply — Most machines connect to a cold water feed. We install a commercial water filter as standard.
  • Drainage — Some machines need fixed drainage. Others can run with a waste container if required.
  • Power — Some models use a standard plug. Larger espresso machines need higher rated power. We confirm everything in advance.
  • Space — Allow room for the machine, grinder if needed and daily cleaning access.

Which machine suits your business

Here are typical choices made by different business types:

  • Offices — Bean to cup for consistent, simple drinks.
  • Cafés and coffee shops — Professional espresso machines for full control and highest quality.
  • Restaurants and pubs — Espresso or bean to cup depending on drink volume and staffing.
  • Hotels — Espresso behind the bar, bean to cup or instant for self serve areas.
  • Retail and high footfall — Instant or high speed bean to cup machines.
  • Mobile vans — Compact espresso machines or compact bean to cup units.

Commercial coffee machine FAQs

What type of machine is best for beginners?

Bean to cup machines are usually the easiest starting point because they grind, brew and prepare the milk automatically. Instant machines are even simpler. Espresso machines give the highest quality but require staff training.

Do I need plumbing for a commercial coffee machine?

Most machines connect to a water supply. Some bean to cup and instant models can run from an internal tank if plumbing is not available. We check this with you before installation.

Is a grinder required?

Only espresso machines require a separate grinder. Bean to cup machines have grinders built in. Instant machines do not need grinding.

What is included when buying from Espresso Direct?

Delivery, installation, setup, filtration and training are all included. We make sure every machine is ready for service from day one with no hidden extras.

What businesses say

“They made choosing a machine so easy”

As complete beginners we had no idea what type of machine we needed. Espresso Direct explained the options clearly and recommended something perfect for our office. Installation was quick and the machine has been faultless.

— Office team, Leeds

“Our café setup is now so much smoother”

We upgraded from an older machine and the difference is huge. Espresso Direct handled the whole installation and dialled in the grinder for us. Our workflow is cleaner, faster and the coffee tastes better than ever.

— Independent café, Glasgow

“Perfect machine for our hotel guests”

We needed a reliable self serve option for guests. The recommendation was spot on and the team showed our staff exactly how to run the machine. It has made mornings much easier.

— Hotel manager, Cardiff