sage coffee machine for start up coffee shop

IzzyAg The wilfa svart is a coffee grinder, generally used for home grinding but it can also handle low volume batch brewing at least until something better can be purchased. I have seen them used commercially before with a moccamaster and they can work as a cheap option to get started although I would probably recommend something more robust if your budget can accommodate.

https://machina-coffee.com/collections/wilfa-svart-grinders/products/wilfa-cgws-130b-svart-burr-coffee-grinder

I think I can kind of work out exactly what you’re looking for. You can get a Mazzer Major with titanium burrs from Ebay for around £299. Should have space for it in a coffee shop. That’s the grinder sorted. (You may want to add a 2nd smaller grinder for if people want decaf etc)

I definitely wouldn’t go for pre ground coffee. That’s where you lose most of your quality within 24 hours. Learning to grind and dial in isn’t a big issue if you consistently use the same blends.

As for a machine, the sage products definitely do a ‘nice enough’ cup of coffee in my opinion, but the problem would likely be volume. Stuff like the bambino plus is designed for a few shots a day, not a few hundred. Perhaps As for a machine, the sage products definitely do a ‘nice enough’ cup of coffee in my opinion, but the problem would likely be volume. Stuff like the bambino plus is designed for a few shots a day, not a few hundred. Moccamaster might be a good shout, or perhaps somebody can suggest a good 2nd hand one.

The alternative would be a good commercial grade bean to cup machine. I’m sure some exist but unsure on price.

@IzzyAg, First off, you need to define the quality of coffee that you are looking for, (Better than the railway station is pretty broad brush). Taste and quality of coffee differs from person to person. You also need to identify exactly how much work you wish to put into making the coffee, and the amount of work you wish to spend keeping the apparatus in top condition, as this effects both taste of coffee and the reliability of the equipment.

I suggest you start off by visiting a number of establishments that make their coffee in different ways (eg, drip filter, expresso etc) and taste their output, have a chat with them on what equipment they use and how much work is involved in both coffee prep and equipment maintenance.

From this you can then decide on your method of brewing and look at equipment to match.

As previously stated by others, with far more knowledge than myself you can then decide if you wish to grind your own beans for your particular method of brewing or buy reground from either a local roaster or wholesale distributor.

Most home brewing products are not suitable for a commercial environment, yes some may cope initially, but their longevity may well be compromised, and you’ll end up spending more in the long run. (Read my Avatar)

For a small budget anything espresso based is going to be hard to do

However

In the UK you can lease machines.

I would look at that, they usually come with fee beans and you should more than cover the monthly cost of the machine

IzzyAg Too bad, since my menu does include cappuccino, late, mocha, etc.

I believe there are barista courses around. To make those it might help you get started.

Leasing a machine may help too and will probably include maintenance and filters for your water supply,

The flasks were shown at the bottom of the page on the right hand side on the link I posted. Similar should be available where ever this type of machine is sold.