Coffee lovers around the world know and love Starbucks for its coffee. But have you ever wondered how Starbucks manages to consistently create such popular coffee drinks?
One big part of the answer lies in the coffee machines that the company uses to brew its drinks. But what coffee machines does Starbucks use?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at the coffee machines used at Starbucks and provide information on where to buy them.
Whether you’re a Starbucks fan looking to recreate your favorite drinks at home, or just curious about the equipment that powers one of the world’s most popular coffee chains, this guide has everything you need to know. So grab a cup of coffee and let’s get started!
What Coffee Machines Does Starbucks Use? An Overview of the Most Important
At Starbucks, the quality of the coffee is of utmost importance. That’s why the company invests in high-end coffee machines that are designed to produce the perfect cup of coffee every time. Starbucks uses a variety of different coffee machines depending on the location, but the most commonly used machine is the Mastrena High-Performance Espresso Machine.
The Mastrena High-Performance Espresso Machine
The Mastrena espresso machine is a workhorse of a machine that is specially designed for high-volume coffee shops like Starbucks. It was developed in collaboration between Starbucks and the Swiss company Thermoplan AG and is exclusive to Starbucks stores.
The Mastrena features a number of advanced features that allow baristas to create consistent, high-quality espresso shots. These features include:
- Automatic tamping and dosing: The Mastrena automatically grinds, tamps, and doses the coffee, which ensures consistency and accuracy.
- Digital shot timers: The machine has digital shot timers that make it easy for baristas to keep track of their shot times and ensure that each shot is pulled for the optimal amount of time.
- Automated milk frothing: The machine has an automatic milk frothing system that heats and froths the milk to the perfect texture for each drink.
Overall, the Mastrena is a high-performance machine that is designed to handle the demands of a busy coffee shop while producing consistently great-tasting espresso drinks.
Other Coffee Machines Used at Starbucks
While the Mastrena is the primary machine used at Starbucks, the company also uses other machines for specific purposes, such as:
- Clover Brewing System: A machine that uses a vacuum-like process to brew coffee, which allows for precise control over the brewing process and brings out the unique flavors of each coffee.
- Pour-over Coffee Maker: A simple, manual brewing method that allows baristas to control the brewing process and create a custom cup of coffee for each customer.
- Coffee urns: Used to brew large quantities of coffee quickly and efficiently.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at some of the features that make the Mastrena espresso machine so special, and explore how you can get your hands on one for your own home or business.
The Main Features of the Mastrena Espresso Machine
The Mastrena espresso machine is known for its high-quality design and advanced features. Here are some of the key features that make it stand out:
Precision Technology
The Mastrena is designed to produce consistent and precise espresso shots every time. It has a digital shot timer that makes it easy for baristas to monitor the shot time, ensuring that each shot is pulled for the optimal amount of time.
The machine also has an automatic tamping and dosing system, which means that the coffee is ground, tamped, and dosed automatically. This helps to ensure that each shot is consistent in terms of taste and strength.
High-Quality Milk Frothing
The Mastrena features an automatic milk frothing system that heats and froths the milk to the perfect texture for each drink. This helps to ensure that each cappuccino, latte, and macchiato is of the highest quality.
Ergonomic Design
The Mastrena is designed with the barista in mind. It has an ergonomic design that makes it easy for baristas to use and helps to reduce the risk of injury or strain.
Energy Efficiency
The Mastrena is designed to be energy-efficient, which helps to reduce the environmental impact of the machine. It features a standby mode that reduces energy consumption when the machine is not in use, and it uses LED lights instead of traditional bulbs, which are more energy-efficient.
Where to Buy Starbucks Coffee Machines
If you’re interested in purchasing a Mastrena espresso machine or any other Starbucks coffee machine for your home or business, there are a few options available to you.
Secondhand Markets
While Starbucks does not sell its coffee machines directly to the public, you may be able to find them on secondhand markets like eBay or Craigslist. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when buying secondhand machines, as they may not be in the best condition.
Authorized Dealers
Your best bet for purchasing a Starbucks coffee machine is to go through an authorized dealer. There are a number of companies that are authorized to sell Starbucks coffee machines, including Espresso Services Inc. and Seattle Specialty Coffee.
Renting
Another option is to rent a Starbucks coffee machine. Some companies, like Espresso Services Inc., offer rental options for Starbucks coffee machines, which can be a good option if you want to try out the machine before committing to a purchase.
In the next section, we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of purchasing a Mastrena espresso machine for your home or business.
Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Mastrena Espresso Machine
If you’re considering purchasing a Mastrena espresso machine, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to determine if it’s the right choice for you. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Mastrena espresso machine:
Pros
- High-quality espresso: The Mastrena is known for producing high-quality espresso shots, thanks to its advanced technology and precise features.
- Consistent results: With its automatic tamping and dosing system, the Mastrena ensures that each shot is consistent in terms of taste and strength.
- Professional-grade machine: As a machine used in Starbucks locations worldwide, the Mastrena is a professional-grade machine that can add a touch of sophistication to your home or business.
- Brand recognition: If you’re a business owner, having a Starbucks coffee machine can help to attract customers who are fans of the brand.
Cons
- High cost: The Mastrena is a high-end espresso machine, and it comes with a price tag to match. It may not be a practical choice for home users or small businesses.
- Limited availability: Since Starbucks does not sell its machines directly to the public, it can be difficult to find a Mastrena espresso machine for sale.
- Maintenance and repair costs: As with any espresso machine, the Mastrena requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs, which can be costly.
- Complex design: The Mastrena is a complex machine that requires a skilled barista to operate it properly. It may not be the best choice for novice users.
FAQ
Can You Buy a Starbucks Espresso Machine?
Unfortunately, Starbucks does not sell its espresso machines directly to the public. However, the company has authorized dealers who can sell, rent, or lease Starbucks equipment, including the Mastrena espresso machine. If you’re interested in purchasing a Starbucks espresso machine, you can contact an authorized dealer to inquire about pricing and availability.
What Espresso Beans Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks uses a variety of espresso beans in its stores, including its signature Espresso Roast blend. This blend is a combination of Latin American and Asian-Pacific beans that are roasted to a dark, rich flavor profile. However, Starbucks also offers seasonal and limited-time espresso blends throughout the year, which may feature different beans or roast levels.
How Much Does a Starbucks Espresso Machine Cost?
The Mastrena espresso machine, which is used in most Starbucks locations worldwide, is a high-end machine that can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000. However, the actual cost may vary depending on factors such as the dealer, the machine’s age and condition, and any additional features or accessories.
What’s a Good Alternative to a Starbucks Espresso Machine?
If you’re looking for a high-quality espresso machine that produces similar results to a Starbucks machine, there are several options to consider.
Some popular alternatives include the La Marzocco Linea and the Nuova Simonelli Aurelia, both of which are used in many specialty coffee shops and cafes. These machines are also professional-grade and offer advanced features for precision and consistency.
However, they may also come with a higher price tag than some home espresso machines. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Breville Barista Express and the DeLonghi Magnifica are popular choices for home users who want to create café-quality espresso drinks.
Check out the article about Breville VS DeLonghi to learn more about these two brands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mastrena espresso machine is a high-quality, professional-grade machine used in Starbucks locations worldwide. While it may not be practical or affordable for everyone, it’s an excellent choice for businesses or serious home baristas who are looking for consistent, high-quality espresso shots.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Mastrena espresso machine or any other Starbucks coffee machine, it’s important to do your research and consider your options carefully. Whether you decide to purchase a new or used machine or rent one from an authorized dealer, owning a Starbucks coffee machine can be a great way to take your coffee game to the next level.
