A bean-to-cup coffee machine makes coffee automatically according to the principles of espresso brewing - it takes roasted coffee beans from a hopper, grinds the amount required for the next cup, "tamps" (compresses) the ground beans; "pre-infuses" the initial small amount of water through the ground coffee, followed by the conventional amount of water at the conventional temperature and pressure, and dispenses the resulting brew. It will automatically steam and froth milk, and dispense a fully-made latte or cappuccino.
MILK TEXTURING TECHNOLOGY
Black&White Cool
Price £9,995
We say This high-performance automatic bean-to-cup machine was designed to provide high volume outlets with barista-standard espresso-based drinks at the touch of a button
Features
● Automatic cleaning function
● "Energy save" technology to reduce operating costs
● Output of 240 espresso, 200 coffees and 100 teas per hour
Dimensions 350mm(w) x 600mm(d) x 700mm(h)
United Coffee
Tel: 01908 275 555
Versatile cooled milk storage
Price £8,200
We say Designed to provide a compact, yet high yielding, solution for space-restricted operations. Single or dual hopper models are available and an optional steam wand helps lend a little barista style flair
Features
● Drinks menu can store more than 100 options
● Detailed touchscreen display communicates exactly what is happening
● Output of 250 espressos (or 200 cappuccinos) an hour
Dimensions 350mm(w) x 650mm(d) x 774mm (h) (to top of the hoppers)
Melitta System Service
Tel: 01628 829888
Manual milk frothing
WMF 2000S
Price £5,870
We say Convenience and speed of a fully automatic machine as well as the option of the theatre of manually heated and frothed milk. Offered in three versions, enabling operators to configure their own individual machine
Features
● 16 drink options, including integrated chocolate option
● Heat sensor in the optional steam wand for perfect foam quality
● Output of 200 cups per hour
Dimensions 325mm(w) x 556mm(d) x 680mm(h)
WMF
Tel: 01895 816106
16oz cappuccinos
Cimbali Q10 CS11
Price £6,000
We say Designed for operations with a lower output demand but a need to serve the best quality coffee. Easy to use, versatile and compact, it is available with two grinders and two soluble canisters
Features
● Will dispense 16oz cappuccinos at a rate of 40 cups per hour
● Automatic cleaning without the need to remove any parts
● Output of 200 espressos (or 140 cappuccinos) per hour
Dimensions (without fridge) 350mm(w) x 630mm(d) x 670mm(h)
Cimbali UK
Tel: 0208 238 7100
Latte art
Egro One Touch with iSteam
Price £6,975
We say Manufactured in Switzerland, the machine features iSteam, an advanced auto frother which produces a creamy, textured milk with tight bubbles and enables baristas to produce flat whites and create latte art
Features
● Easy User Interface with 5.7in touchscreen controls
● Can deliver coffee, steam and water at the same time
● Output of up to 250 espressos per hour
Dimensions 300mm(w) x 570mm(d) x 770mm(h)
The Coffee Machine Company
Tel: 020 7237 6862
Buyers' checklist
What is the cleaning regime? Reliability problems with bean-to-cup machines have generally been down to cleaning - specifically, the removal of milk residues. If it is easy, staff will do it - if not, they won't. If they don't, expect problems.
What is the servicing schedule? Bean-to-cup machine contain more complex technology than an "ordinary" espresso machine, but if properly cared for, will be reliable. If there is a problem, realistically, how quick will the engineer be with you?
What is the realistic output? Manufacturers quote all kinds of figures, from 20-70 per hour to 40-700 per day. Find out exactly what a quoted output figure refers to.
Does the machine have an integral milk frother? If it does, that is one human job saved, but one more technological reliability factor to be considered. And if the frother is automatic, test the difference between its latte milk and its cappuccino milk.
How is the milk stored? If it is held in a built-in fridge, check the capacity, and how often it needs to be refilled. If drawn through a pipe from an external supply, make absolutely sure the external source can be kept adequately cool.
Source: Boughton's Coffee House www.coffee-house.org.uk