Mastrena espresso machines are made by Thermoplan AG, a Swiss company that specializes in super-automatic espresso machines. These machines are exclusive to Starbucks and are designed to produce high-quality espresso shots at a fast and consistent rate. In this article, we will explore the history, features, and benefits of Mastrena espresso machines, as well as some alternatives for home use.
A Mastrena espresso machine is a proprietary, automatic espresso machine developed and manufactured by Thermoplan AG—a Swiss company that employs around 230 people. It actually belongs to a class of coffee makers called “super-automatic espresso machines” for their unrivaled abilities to brew perfect shots continuously, cup after cup, with minimal downtime and exceptional ease of use.
Mastrena espresso machines are very unique. They have a single spout, a flat spare, and buttons up top that allow the barista to customize the drink size, strength, and temperature. They also have a built-in grinder, a dual bean hopper, a steam wand, and a milk frother. They can produce up to 240 shots per hour and have a self-cleaning system that reduces maintenance.
Mastrena espresso machines are not available for sale to the public. They are exclusive to Starbucks and are installed in over 21,000 coffee shops worldwide. Starbucks partnered with Thermoplan AG in 1999 and has been using their machines ever since. The current model, the Mastrena 2, was introduced in 2015 and features a touchscreen interface, a cloud-connected system, and a sleeker design.
Why Does Starbucks Use Mastrena Espresso Machines?
Starbucks uses Mastrena espresso machines for several reasons. First, they are designed to produce consistent and high-quality espresso shots that meet Starbucks’ standards. They have a patented brewing system that extracts the optimal amount of flavor and aroma from the coffee beans. They also have a pressure profiling feature that allows the barista to adjust the pressure during the extraction process, resulting in a richer and smoother crema.
Second, they are built for speed and efficiency. They can brew espresso shots in less than 10 seconds and have a dual bean hopper that allows the barista to switch between different types of beans. They also have a steam wand and a milk frother that can create various types of milk foam, such as latte, cappuccino, or flat white. They can handle a high volume of orders and reduce the waiting time for customers.
Third, they are easy to use and maintain. They have a user-friendly interface that guides the barista through the steps of making a drink. They also have a self-cleaning system that automatically rinses the machine after each use and performs a deep cleaning cycle every night. They have a cloud-connected system that monitors the machine’s performance and alerts the service team if there are any issues.
What are the Benefits of Mastrena Espresso Machines?
Mastrena espresso machines have many benefits for both Starbucks and its customers. Some of the benefits are:
They improve the quality and consistency of the espresso shots. They ensure that every shot has the same temperature, pressure, and extraction time, resulting in a balanced and flavorful taste.
They enhance the customer experience. They reduce the waiting time and the human error, and allow the customers to customize their drinks according to their preferences. They also create a more interactive and engaging atmosphere, as the customers can see the barista making their drinks and chat with them over the low-profile machine.
They increase the productivity and profitability of Starbucks. They enable the barista to make more drinks in less time and with less waste. They also reduce the labor and maintenance costs, as they require less training and servicing.
What are the Alternatives to Mastrena Espresso Machines?
Mastrena espresso machines are not for sale to the public, so if you want to enjoy a similar quality of espresso at home, you will need to look for some alternatives. There are many types of espresso machines on the market, but the closest ones to Mastrena are the super-automatic espresso machines. These machines are fully automated and can grind, tamp, brew, and froth the milk with a touch of a button. They are convenient, easy to use, and versatile, but they are also expensive, bulky, and less customizable.
Some of the best super-automatic espresso machines that you can buy for your home are:
DeLonghi Magnifica S. This machine is compact, sleek, and affordable. It has a built-in grinder, a removable water tank, a steam wand, and a milk carafe. It can make espresso, cappuccino, latte, and more. It has a simple control panel and a customizable brewing system. It costs around $700.
Jura E8. This machine is elegant, sophisticated, and smart. It has a ceramic grinder, a large water tank, a milk system, and a color display. It can make 16 different types of drinks, including espresso, ristretto, flat white, and macchiato. It has a one-touch operation and a smart connect app. It costs around $2,000.
Saeco Xelsis. This machine is luxurious, innovative, and personalized. It has a titanium grinder, a dual water tank, a milk system, and a touchscreen interface. It can make 15 different types of drinks, including espresso, lungo, americano, and cappuccino. It has a multi-user function and a coffee equalizer. It costs around $3,000.
Conclusion
Mastrena espresso machines are the secret behind Starbucks’ success. They are made by Thermoplan AG, a Swiss company that specializes in super-automatic espresso machines. They are designed to produce high-quality espresso shots at a fast and consistent rate. They are exclusive to Starbucks and are not available for sale to the public. However, there are some alternatives that you can buy for your home, such as the DeLonghi Magnifica S, the Jura E8, or the Saeco Xelsis. These machines are also super-automatic and can make various types of espresso drinks with ease. They are not as advanced or as expensive as Mastrena, but they are still capable of delivering a satisfying and enjoyable espresso experience.
