The coffee machine that Starbucks uses is the Mastrena High-Performance Espresso Machine, which is exclusively made for Starbucks by a Swiss company called Thermoplan AG. This machine is designed to handle high-volume and high-quality espresso production, with features such as automatic tamping, digital shot timers, and automated milk frothing. The Mastrena espresso machine is the secret behind Starbucks’ consistent and delicious espresso drinks, and it is not available for purchase by the public. In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Mastrena espresso machine, as well as some alternatives that you can buy for your home or business.
The Mastrena espresso machine is a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine that grinds, tamps, doses, and brews the coffee in one seamless process. It has a number of features that make it ideal for Starbucks’ needs, such as:
Precision Technology: The machine uses a 70-micron filter to ensure that only the finest grounds are used for brewing, and it also controls the water temperature to within one degree Fahrenheit. The machine also has digital shot timers that allow the baristas to monitor the extraction time and ensure that each shot is pulled for the optimal duration.
High-Quality Milk Frothing: The machine has an automatic milk frothing system that heats and froths the milk to the perfect texture and temperature for each drink. The machine also has a self-cleaning feature that sanitizes the milk system after each use.
Ergonomic Design: The machine has a sleek and compact design that fits well in any Starbucks store. It also has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for the baristas to operate and customize the settings. The machine also has a modular design that allows for easy maintenance and repair.
Energy Efficiency: The machine has a low power consumption and a standby mode that reduces the energy usage when not in use. The machine also has a water-saving feature that recycles the water used for rinsing and cleaning.
The Mastrena espresso machine has a number of benefits that make it a great choice for Starbucks, such as:
Consistency: The machine produces consistent and high-quality espresso shots every time, regardless of the skill level of the barista or the condition of the beans. The machine eliminates the human error and variability that can affect the quality of the espresso, and it ensures that every customer gets the same great-tasting drink.
Speed: The machine is fast and efficient, and it can produce up to 240 espresso shots per hour. The machine also reduces the waiting time for the customers, as it can brew the espresso and froth the milk simultaneously. The machine also has a large bean hopper and a dual grinder that can handle different types of beans and roasts.
Customer Satisfaction: The machine enhances the customer satisfaction and loyalty, as it delivers the signature Starbucks espresso that the customers love and expect. The machine also allows the customers to customize their drinks according to their preferences, such as the strength, size, and milk type.
The Drawbacks of the Mastrena Espresso Machine
The Mastrena espresso machine is not without its drawbacks, however. Some of the drawbacks include:
Cost: The machine is very expensive, and it can cost up to $40,000 per unit. The machine also requires regular maintenance and servicing, which can add to the operational costs. The machine also consumes a lot of coffee beans, which can increase the supply costs.
Exclusivity: The machine is exclusive to Starbucks, and it is not available for purchase by the public. This means that the customers cannot enjoy the same quality of espresso at home or at other coffee shops. The machine also limits the creativity and skill development of the baristas, as they do not have to manually adjust the grind, tamp, or dose the coffee.
Dependence: The machine is dependent on electricity and water, and it can malfunction or break down if there is a power outage or a water shortage. The machine also relies on the quality and freshness of the beans, and it can produce poor results if the beans are stale or improperly stored.
If you are looking for a coffee machine that can produce espresso similar to Starbucks, but you do not have access to the Mastrena espresso machine, there are some alternatives that you can consider. Some of the alternatives include:
La Marzocco Linea Mini: This is a semi-automatic espresso machine that is inspired by the legendary La Marzocco Linea Classic, which is used by many professional baristas and coffee shops. This machine has a dual boiler system, a PID temperature controller, and a pre-infusion feature that allow you to create consistent and high-quality espresso shots. This machine also has a steam wand that lets you froth the milk to your liking. This machine costs around $5,000, and it is suitable for home or small business use.
Nuova Simonelli Oscar II: This is a semi-automatic espresso machine that is designed to be compact and durable. This machine has a heat exchanger system, a volumetric dosing feature, and a professional portafilter that enable you to brew excellent espresso shots. This machine also has a steam wand that allows you to make creamy and velvety milk foam. This machine costs around $1,300, and it is ideal for home or office use.
Breville Barista Express: This is a semi-automatic espresso machine that is designed to be user-friendly and versatile. This machine has a built-in grinder, a pressure gauge, and a 360-degree swivel steam wand that allow you to grind, dose, tamp, and brew the coffee in one machine. This machine also has a digital temperature control and a low-pressure pre-infusion feature that help you to extract the optimal flavor from the beans. This machine costs around $700, and it is perfect for home use.
The coffee machine that Starbucks uses is the Mastrena High-Performance Espresso Machine, which is a fully automatic bean-to-cup machine that is exclusive to Starbucks. This machine is designed to produce consistent and high-quality espresso shots, with features such as automatic tamping, digital shot timers, and automated milk frothing. The machine also has a sleek and ergonomic design, a low power consumption, and a water-saving feature. The machine has some drawbacks, however, such as the high cost, the exclusivity, and the dependence on electricity and water. If you are looking for a coffee machine that can produce espresso similar to Starbucks, but you do not have access to the Mastrena espresso machine, there are some alternatives that you can consider, such as the La Marzocco Linea Mini, the Nuova Simonelli Oscar II, or the Breville Barista Express. These machines are semi-automatic and allow you to customize your espresso shots and milk frothing, but they also require more skill and maintenance than the Mastrena espresso machine. Whichever machine you choose, you can enjoy a delicious cup of espresso at home or at work, and you can also appreciate the craftsmanship and technology that goes into making the perfect espresso.
