Have you ever thought of starting a coffee shop? Coffee shops are such pleasant places to spend a spare hour. If you would like to open a coffee shop there is one major item you will need in order to make amazing coffees that will keep your customers coming back again and again. That is an espresso machine. This article will provide you with an overview to the espresso machine's position in a coffee shop.

Many coffee shops have a large menu of varying coffees for their customers to try. Did you know that virtually all of these specialty coffees originate with an espresso machine? No doubt, you have tried a latte before. It may surprise you to know however, that a latte is composed of an equal amount of espresso shot and steamed milk. Or perhaps you prefer an Americano? This coffee is made by adding together a shot of espresso and some hot water to produce a full cup of coffee. Mochas, cappuccinos, frappuccinos, and macchiatos are all created with an espresso shot!

Okay, so the espresso machine is important. But what does it do exactly? An espresso machine uses pressurized steam to brew a 4-ounce shot of very intense coffee. Not everybody appreciates a plain espresso. So espresso machines also come with a milk-frothing tip. This can be used to froth milk for a latte or you can switch it to dispense hot water to add to a cup of Americano. The full bodied flavor of an espresso disguised in some of these specialty drinks is sure to keep your customers coming back for more!

There are two varying types of espresso machines - semi-automatic and automatic. The primary difference is price and time. The semi-automatic will of course be cheaper but it requires a bit more oversight as the brewing cycle needs to be started and stopped manually. Automatic espresso machines can be set on time brew and can be virtually worry free as they do everything automatically. However, they will be a bit more pricey. You simply need to determine which is a better deal for your restaurant. Another decision you will need to make is in regard to how many espresso shots your machine produces at a time. Espresso machines can come with single, double, triple, or quadruple dispensing heads. Before purchasing an espresso machine you will need to decide how much coffee you will need to make at a time.

With a simple purchase of an espresso machine you could revolutionize your restaurant's menu! Take some time to plan out what type of espresso machine would be best for your situation. Then get out there and purchase an espresso machine. You'll have more customers than you know what to do with!