Coffee Solutions

QWe are limited for space on our back bar and don't feel we have room for a full-size espresso machine, but I want to sell top-quality coffee. What can I do?

AWhen considering serving popular espresso and espresso-based coffees, the first decision concerns the coffee-machine. The wide range available means you are spoilt for choice, but if space is limited, automatic bean-to-cup machines can be effective.

The chilled-milk container presents the most challenging decision in terms of footprint. This container needs to have sufficient capacity to avoid the need for constant refills.

It is possible to buy an automatic machine with a footprint as small as 40 cm wide x 44cm deep, and with a height of only 37cm, that includes a milk container that caters for 50 cups per day. For 100 cups per day, depth and height stay the same while the width increases to 55cm to accommodate the larger milk chiller.

To promote great taste and quality, the coffee-beans are freshly ground for each cup. This enables the customer to experience all the "theatre" associated with traditional espresso machines. And the fact that they are so easy to clean and operate makes them very staff-friendly.

First, forecast the number of cups you will sell a day, allowing for peak times.

The choice of coffee is crucial - and make sure the machine is set up to get the best from the beans. Your equipment supplier should be able to assist you.

To achieve the most effective solution, it is worthwhile talking to an expert who is prepared to spend some time with you to assess and recommend the best type of equipment for your business.