The secret to great coffee? The right coffee machine for your venue

For many guests, coffee is more than just a drink—it’s a daily ritual, a moment of connection, and often a reason to return. Choosing the right coffee machine for you not only guarantees excellent quality in every cup but can also significantly enhance customer loyalty and strengthen your venue’s reputation.

But what exactly should you look for in the ideal professional espresso machine? Let’s explore how to turn every espresso into an unforgettable experience. We appreciate it can be hard to choose, so let us help you!

Coffee quality begins with the right coffee machine for your business 

In the UK hospitality market, where cost pressures and shifting consumer expectations are reshaping business models, investing in the right coffee machine for your business goes far beyond the beverage itself.

With inflation impacting both operational costs and guest spending habits, you should look for equipment that balances quality with long-term value.

Here are the key elements to consider:

Pressure and temperature

The best machines operate with a minimum pressure of 9 bars to extract essential oils that give the coffee its richness and aroma. Equally important is maintaining a stable temperature between 88°C and 92°C—avoiding over-extraction or burnt flavours. Precision in these parameters is essential for a balanced, high-quality espresso.

Ease of use

Baristas need reliable, ergonomic equipment that allows them to work quickly and consistently without sacrificing quality. A professional machine with intuitive controls and automated features streamlines service, helping staff focus on customers and personalised drink preparation.

Maintenance and cleaning

Coffee residue and limescale buildup can negatively affect taste and machine performance. It’s crucial to choose a machine with self-cleaning systems and easily removable components. A well-maintained machine guarantees a fresh-tasting product and reduces long-term costs by extending the machine’s lifespan.

Design and technology: innovation at your venue

A modern coffee machine for bars is equipped with advanced technologies that enhance the brewing process. Features like pre-infusion ensure more uniform extraction, elevating the coffee’s flavour. Adjustable settings for water volume, temperature and pressure provide flexibility to match different coffee types and guest preferences.

Smart features such as app connectivity allow operators to monitor and manage settings remotely, offering greater control and efficiency.

Adaptability to your business needs

Each bar has specific needs depending on its customer flow and the type of coffee it serves. That’s why it’s important to consider:

• Production volume: for high-traffic venues, it’s essential to have a machine with greater capacity and fast preparation speeds, ensuring efficient service without extended wait times.
• Available space: choose a model that fits your layout. There are compact options for smaller establishments, as well as more robust equipment for those requiring continuous, high-volume output.
• Beverage variety: a bar that serves espresso, cappuccino, latte and other coffee drinks should be equipped with a machine that includes a milk frother and features for customisation. This not only enhances the quality of the final product but also helps attract a broader clientele with diverse tastes and preferences.

Profitability and sustainability

Choosing the right coffee machine is also a strategic move to enhance profitability and meet evolving customer expectations. Today’s consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious—particularly younger demographics—and sustainability credentials are becoming a key factor in venue selection.

Modern commercial coffee machines contribute to business performance by offering:

• Energy-efficient systems, such as insulated boilers and eco modes, which help reduce energy consumption during off-peak periods.
• Long-lasting components and reduced maintenance needs, extending the lifecycle of the equipment and minimising repair costs.
• Automated cleaning cycles and optimised water use, ensuring consistent hygiene while lowering environmental impact.

By integrating eco-conscious technology, you can also appeal to a client base that increasingly values transparency, responsibility, and ethical operations. In a competitive market, these attributes can reinforce brand reputation and drive repeat visits—making sustainability not just a moral choice, but a business opportunity.

Customer experience goes beyond the cup

A good coffee is just the beginning. To truly impress guests, every aspect of the experience must be considered.

Presentation plays a key role—serving coffee in quality cups with careful attention to detail enhances the perceived value of the offering. Proper extraction ensures that the coffee’s aromas and flavour notes are brought to the forefront, delivering a full sensory experience. Moreover, guest interaction is essential: well-trained baristas who can explain the characteristics of the coffee help build stronger connections with customers and foster long-term loyalty.

Choosing the right coffee machine is a strategic investment in guest satisfaction, brand image and business growth.

To find the ideal coffee machine for bars, there’s no better way than tasting the final product. That’s why we invite you to enjoy a complimentary tasting of the finest illy coffees—so you can experience firsthand the quality and flavour that will set your venue apart.
Discover how a great coffee can win over your customers and help your business grow!