Help choosing an espresso machine for my cafe

[eduardo.castillo]

Hi,

Here a post from Chile. I need help choosing the right espresso machine for my cafe. I have read a lot to discover the right brand and model, but finally I always stop because the reviews come from dealers or distributors.

My cafe will have space for 40 to 60 peoples at the same time, in and italian old fashioned style and we want to offer maximum quality instead of price. I have read about La Cimbali M21 L2 machine and I have also read that la cimbali should be THE BRAND...is it true? is it as superior as said around there? which is the machine every italian cafe would like to have if there are no budget limits? (obviously there are...but I mean, the machine every barista would like to work on). I havent founded specific reasons to choose a cimbali.

Your opinion will be very important to me.

Thanks a lot for your help

[kav]

Hola Eduardo,

Welcome to Home-Barista!

Since many of us on this forum are more focused on home use of espresso equipment, we may not be able to make recommendations for professional equipment. I do see a lot of La Cimbali machines in Italian cafes, but the highest praise in United States cafes is usually reserved for La Marzocco Linea and Synesso Cyncra machines for their temperature stability.

-Mike

[HB]

Mike's right, as the site's name suggests, HB focuses more on home equipment, albeit high-end equipment. For those who are curious, below is a picture of the model Eduardo mentioned:


Cimbali M21 Leva (2-group)

I've always wanted to try a commercial lever machine... Back to your question, I found in my review of the Cimbali Junior that its reputation for impressive materials & workmanship was not overstated, earning it the only 10.0 to-date on that measure. However, professionals always recommend choosing based on the availability of repair support and parts availability first and then performance. Afterall, a repair that drags on for a week at home is an inconvenience, for a cafe it's a financial disaster.

I frequent a few other sites that focus more on business needs, such as the Barista Guild of America and coffeed.com ("for professionals and fanatics"). Additionally, CoffeeGeek.com and alt.coffee are frequented by a wide range of espresso fans, including many professionals. Finally, it's worth searching for local boards in your country for members familiar with the business environment in your city.

[T.J.]

Although the La Marzzocco has a decent rep in the USA, it is also over 90% of their global market...which is only about 2,000 units more or less.

The main reason for the popularity stems from their ubiquitous presence in Starbucks Cafes....which are the progenitors of the Seattle scene ( a low quality coffee market which is based more on the culture of personality than culture)

Cimbali is THE BRAND.

Choose and feel confident that a Cimbali will last you a long time and brew very very very good espresso.

[HB]

Cimbali is THE BRAND.

In the spirit of full disclosure, readers may wish to note your close business relationship with Cimbali:

Ammirati is America's leading importer of La Cimbali espresso machines and Lavazza espresso coffee.

[mteahan]

While not the only good machine out there, you will not go wrong with this machine and will last longer than the chairs in your cafe.

The popularity of Marzocco and Synesso in the United States is not born by the reality here and is based upon the premise that temperature stability is first: the only important factor; and second desirable at all. Marzoccos cannot pre-infuse and the Synesso can only pre-infuse one group at a time. The Cimbali pictured will, and provide for dosing control.

In the service of full disclosure: I have nothing to do with any manufacturer, though I have worked with Brasilia for close to 15 years. It is no secret that I harbor little admiration for twin boiler machines and think that the merit bestowed upon flat line temp stable machines is misguided and without foundation.

Having said that, I have a single group GS Marzocco paddle machine that I will restore this year and put into my kitchen. WIll it make the best coffee I've ever had? Who knows--I'm doing it because it looks cool.

Now, buy the Cimbali and take a bit of the money you will save NOT buying a Synesso and get a good conical grinder and kick everyone's ass.