LaCrepe Senior Member Joined: 6 Aug 2012 Posts: 2 Location: Washington DC Expertise: Just starting
Posted Mon Aug 6, 2012, 1:27pm Subject: Buy or Lease Commercial Espresso Machine
Hello ALL,
I am opening a French Crepe Bistro in the East Coast and I want your input as to buy or lease espresso machine. And which one is good/best in its class. I also heard that if I buy the coffee some give you the espresso machin for free as long as you buy their coffee, is this true? Does anyone had this experience before that is done the research and arrived at some conclusion. I really do appreciate the input of anyone out there.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,678 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Mon Aug 6, 2012, 2:23pm Subject: Re: Buy or Lease Commercial Espresso Machine
Hi, Often you can get a price break on the rental/lease of a machine by buying their coffee but if quality is what you are after, don't do it. There are lots of great coffees to use and locking yourself into something you don't like is a bad thing. Not to mention that you need FRESH coffee, this is coffee that is NO MORE THAN TWO WEEKS FROM THE DAY IT WAS ROASTED!!!!!!!! Please read the last sentence 10 times more!
The "best" machine is one that is sized for your needs and that has a quality service network behind it, regardless of who's name is on the front. You will need water filtration to go with the machine so look for a local to you machine sales/service company to serve your needs. You will also need AT LEAST two commercial quality coffee grinders, preferably a grind per dose type.
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LaCrepe Senior Member Joined: 6 Aug 2012 Posts: 2 Location: Washington DC Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue Aug 7, 2012, 10:37am Subject: Re: Buy or Lease Commercial Espresso Machine
Thank you calblacksmith,
Thank you for your comment. I am trying to at leasr compare a couple to make my decision. Also I would love to get any ideas out there that - we are planning to have illy coffee but the price is a little bit expensive - what do you think ....? any recommendation..
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,716 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Tue Aug 7, 2012, 11:04am Subject: Re: Buy or Lease Commercial Espresso Machine
please don't get Illy coffee! If you do, let me know what your shop is called, because as much as I love great freshly made crepes, I won't come there if you're serving Illy. Yeah, I'm in Houston, but I do travel occasionally. Ok, sorry for being harsh. It's just that Illy is mediocre coffee and to me, if you're going to make espresso and serve it with freshly made crepes in a creperie, you should use GREAT coffee.
As far as making commercial decisions on equipment, service, cost etc, I'm not the guy to ask, so I won't comment there. My comment is only meant to be at the consumer/customer level.
Posted Tue Aug 7, 2012, 11:12am Subject: Re: Buy or Lease Commercial Espresso Machine
There is no simple answer. Some factors to consider: - If you are tied to their coffee be sure that there is some control at your end. A personal blend and roast for you alone is a good thing to consider. Also some contractual agreement that gives you control over that. if you are stuck with what they give you, a contractual "out" without penalty is critical. - Does the contract include maintenance and repair costs? Are you guaranteed a replacement in a specified amount of time in terms of failure. - There can be tax incentives one way or the other. Check with your accountant.
I have seen such a system work out well, and then the roaster has personnel difficulties, changes in staff or the roast-master, and suddenly things go from good to nightmare. Know who you are dealing with and check the coffee at some of their clients' shops.
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