Kat1001 Senior Member Joined: 3 Oct 2012 Posts: 4 Location: California Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 2:09pm Subject: Need Suggestions for an Espresso Machine for a Church...
Hi All,
I have been tasked with finding a new espresso machine for our church. I own an HX machine and know all about those, however my church will probably need something a little more mainstream. Here is what I'm looking for-
> Needs to be easily transportable as the church sets up and tears down every week (pour over machine) > Needs to be easy to use, either super automatic or next to fool-proof semi-auto since volunteers will be running it. > Needs to be able to handle back to back drinks > Under $2,000 > No coffee pod machines, beans only (The church gets beans donated to them by a local supplier)
I've read really great things about the Breville 900. It seems like a legit espresso machine but more geared towards easy use and the average person. Does anyone have any experience with this machine? Does it compensate well for less-experienced baristas? Basically what we're not looking for is a machine that has an extreme learning curve, is finicky with it's shots, needs lots of working out to get a right shot. We need something that will compensate for a less than skilled barista.
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 2:59pm Subject: Re: Need Suggestions for an Espresso Machine for a Church...
Kat1001 Said:
Hi All,
I have been tasked with finding a new espresso machine for our church. I own an HX machine and know all about those, however my church will probably need something a little more mainstream. Here is what I'm looking for-
> Needs to be easily transportable as the church sets up and tears down every week (pour over machine) > Needs to be easy to use, either super automatic or next to fool-proof semi-auto since volunteers will be running it. > Needs to be able to handle back to back drinks > Under $2,000 > No coffee pod machines, beans only (The church gets beans donated to them by a local supplier)
I've read really great things about the Breville 900. It seems like a legit espresso machine but more geared towards easy use and the average person. Does anyone have any experience with this machine? Does it compensate well for less-experienced baristas? Basically what we're not looking for is a machine that has an extreme learning curve, is finicky with it's shots, needs lots of working out to get a right shot. We need something that will compensate for a less than skilled barista.
Sounds like a superauto is the way to go if you don't want to worry about training everyone that is going to be using the machine. I have the Breville DB (900XL), and though it is easy to use and aims at the home market, it is certainly not going to compensate for someone who doesn't know what they're doing. A better question is: What grinder are you going to be using if you go with a semi?
Honestly, if you're looking for advice on Superautos, you're better off reading reviews online, doing google searches. Coffee forums like this one don't really promote them because they choose convenience over quality. In order to have quality, the barista has to have control over certain variables, but in order for those variables to be well-controlled, you have to have a competent barista.
Iluvdabean Senior Member Joined: 7 Mar 2005 Posts: 1,057 Location: California Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: La Nuova Era Cuadra/Gaggia... Grinder: Baratza Preciso/K-A Pro... Drip: Capresso MT 500/Pour Over Roaster: Nesco 1010/Behmor 1600
Posted Sun Jan 27, 2013, 3:40pm Subject: Re: Need Suggestions for an Espresso Machine for a Church...
I would call one of these places,they all are of good reputation while explaining your needs. I would tell them its going to be transported,use donated beans ( ??? ), the number of drinks required. I would also ask them about reliability and cleaning. The more information you give them the better the can serve you. I would also ask within the Church if there isnt a lingering coffeegeek who if given a good machine and grinder wouldnt just want to do it as a ministry. Maybe even form a team where people could learn barista skills and be responsible for the machine in service to the Church. A fine machine,the art of coffee making and the transportation itself,in and out of a car or van every weekend, make this a challenge..not to mention cleaning.
Here are four good reputable businesses that deal with these types of commercial questions on a regular basis and whose livelihood in part, is sustained by answering them satisfactorily. They will have an abundance of live real time experience.
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