Fully Automatic Coffee Machine for the Catering Industry: The Buying Guide
A fully automatic coffee machine for commercial use is not a large household appliance. Crucial are number of cups per day, milk system and water connection – and these are exactly the three points where purchasing decisions are most often wrong. This guide takes you through the selection process.
Still undecided between filter, portafilter and fully automatic machine? The overview of all catering coffee machines classifies the types — this guide focuses on the fully automatic machine in detail.
First question: How many cups per day?
The daily output determines the brewing unit, grinder and price range. Anyone running a machine permanently at its limit pays back the seemingly low purchase price through repairs.
| Cups/Day | Typical Operation | Price Range (net) |
|---|---|---|
| up to 50 | Office, holiday apartment, small kiosk | approx. €500–900 |
| 50–150 | Café, bakery branch, hotel breakfast | approx. €1,400–2,200 |
| 150–250 | Restaurant, canteen, petrol station | approx. €2,200–3,000 |
| over 250 | Bakery chain, clinic, contract catering | from approx. €3,000 |
Fresh milk or instant?
- Fresh milk system: clearly better taste and foam, but requires a refrigerator nearby and daily cleaning. Mandatory wherever cappuccino and latte are sold
- Instant/topping module: low maintenance, no cooling required, cheaper to operate – acceptable in self-service environments, not in cafés
- Combined: some devices offer both simultaneously, such as fresh milk for cappuccino and topping for chocolate drinks
Important: A fresh milk system is a hygiene issue. Daily automatic rinsing must run, and the milk hose must be included in the cleaning schedule.
Fixed water or tank – and the water hardness
A tank allows flexible placement but must be filled; from around 80 cups per day this becomes inconvenient. Fixed water connection is the better choice from this size upwards.
The water hardness is underestimated: it is the most common cause of costly repairs. Above 8 °dH a filter is required – the costs for this are a fraction of a boiler replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Isn't a good household machine enough?
For up to about 20 cups per day, yes. Beyond that, the brewing group and grinder are not designed for it – and in the event of damage, the warranty usually does not apply to clearly commercial use.
What are the operating costs per cup?
Beans, milk, water, electricity and cleaning usually add up to between 25 and 40 cents per cup – depending on bean quality and beverage type.
How often must it be descaled?
That depends on water hardness, not on the calendar. With a filter usually twice a year, without filter considerably more often with hard water.
Do I need a high-voltage connection?
Machines up to about 3.5 kW run on 230 V. Larger machines with two boilers require 400 V – this must be clarified before purchase.
Devices at Gastro-Nik
- Bartscher Easy Slim 200 – slim entry for small spaces
- Bartscher Easy Black 250 – for offices and small businesses
- Bartscher Easy Plus 550 – the all-rounder for cafés
- Bartscher KV1 Comfort – more power for daily business
- Bartscher KV1 Deluxe – full equipment for high throughput
- Virtus Touchscreen with fresh milk module – 50–70 cups per hour
Which machine suits your daily business?
Tell us your cup number and beverage range – we will suggest two to three suitable devices.