Best Coffee Beans Page 2

Every outlet will have its own unique requirements and so there is a wide variation in the types and specifications to meet those requirements. Here we look at the key factors to help you choose the right machine. Additionally, you can contact us, we will be happy to give you as much advice and support that you need before and after your purchase.

One of the first considerations is to estimate the peak demand the machine will have to cope with. A skilled barista should be able to produce 240 espresso shots an hour from a two group machine, although that should always be seen as a maximum to meet peak demand because of the demands on the barista to keep this up for longer periods.

In an alternative arrangement two baristas could work together on a two group machine sharing tasks such as foaming milk or producing hot chocolate.

Where higher outputs are demanded, three group and four group machines can be chosen. However, if space is not limited output can be further improved with a second two group machine, rather than a four group. This gives the advantage of giving the baristas more space and the benefit of four steam wands. This also gives more flexibility of layout and the overall power rating being split.

If space is at a premium, even with a smaller foot print you can still expect the same high standards in quality and quantity. The La Spaziale S5 Compact machine has two steam wands and a single water outlet in a footprint just 580mm wide – up to 200mm narrower than some standard two group machines. The smaller size is enabled by the boiler size being 5 litres, which is still large enough to facilitate an output of 240 espressos per hour. Another benefit of having a smaller boiler is that it can comfortably run on a single 13amp socket.

Coffee outlets specialising in take-away custom will need to offer drinks in suitable take-away cups. Most traditional machines will not allow an espresso shot to be poured directly into take-away cups, having insufficient space under the portafilter. This means the espresso has to be poured into a shot glass and transferred leading to a reduction in the crema, heat loss and additional labour. The La Spaziale EK TA is designed with the take-away sector in mind; the taller design allows 15 or 20oz take-away cups to be placed directly under the portafilter.

A good quality espresso machine will be capable of consistently producing high quality speciality coffee beverages over many years. However, the quality of coffee and lifespan can be enhanced by correct installation, careful cleaning and maintenance.

If you live in a hard water area a water treatment unit is required to prevent scale. This will reduce maintenance and running costs, as well as improve the quality of your drinks.

Best Coffee Beans chose to supply La Spaziale coffee machines because they offer fantastic value balancing price with excellent build quality, which has made them a leading italian brand. An approved national distributor we are able to arrange installation and maintenance throughout the UK by a local, experienced and specialist La Spaziale engineer.

We supply La Spaziale machines with 24 months labour warranty and additional maintenance plans are available.

Our prices are competitive but also ensure that we are able to give you the long term training and support you would expect after making a major investment in a coffee machine.


A unique patented heat exchange system is used for heating the water for coffee delivery in La Spaziale coffee machines. Steam from the main boiler is used to indirectly heat the brew water in each group, ensuring constant temperature of the water as it reaches the coffee – essential for producing consistent, high quality espresso – regardless of the number of drinks produced. The system also helps to reduce lime-scale deposits within the machine and reduces energy costs.
Most traditional espresso machines still use a 58mm (wide) portafilter. The portafilter basket is where you dispense the coffee before tampering and drawing your espresso. La Spaziale ingeniously use a 53mm portafilter. The additional depth of the coffee in the insert basket, this gives you, makes it easier to produce consistent high quality espresso shots as it is not so sensitive to uneven tampering which can ruin the espresso shot.
Uniquely, on all models, except the Compact version, the barista can alter the temperature of the water delivered to the group head. The temperature can be altered in one degree intervals, at any time. The taste of the coffee will change with the application of water at different temperatures and this allows the Barista (not just an engineer) to find the temperature to produce the best tasting espresso for your coffee.