What Coffee Machines Does Starbucks Use?

So which coffee machines are used in Starbucks stores? Currently, Starbucks are updating their machines to the new Mastrena II Super Automatic Espresso Machine, manufactured by Thermoplan AG. The Swiss machine maker has an exclusive partnership with Starbucks, so don’t expect to find that particular model in your local department store. Coffee commentators put the rough price estimate at $18,000 (£14,400) per machine.

Honestly Starbucks aren’t known for the quality of their coffee so much as their commercial success and branding. However, they do have some outlets where the focus is on better tasting coffee, specifically. These are known as Starbucks Reserve Bars and a new one opened in Tower Place, London in August 2021. In that location baristas use something called a Black Eagle coffee machine which is apparently the first of its kind to be used in the UK. Makes sense that the coffee chain would want to roll out a higher quality machine for a more premium bag of beans.

Victoria Arduino VA388 Black Eagle Espresso Machine, similar to the ones used at premium Starbucks coffee outlets, costs £12,490 (plus VAT).

The Starbucks story: from first grind to daily cup

Starbucks was founded in 1971 by friends who treasured the unbeatable scent of freshly ground beans. Their first coffee outlet began in a bustling marketplace in Seattle, Washington and from there the business grew. Returning from travels in the land of coffee perfection —Italy — coffeehouse entrepreneur Howard Schultz bought the chain in 1988. Today, Starbucks boasts over 32,000 stores in 80 countries worldwide.

Starbucks coffee: blends, flavours and sustainability

The Starbucks coffee repertoire is broadly tripartite: Blonde roasts which are mild in flavour, Medium roast coffees which are ideal for everyday drinking, and stronger Dark roast coffees perfect for those who need coffee with a stronger kick.

They also have a number of seasonal favourites; coffees which are only available at certain times of the year, either due to them only being available from the coffee growers for limited periods or because they are blended for a specific occasion like Christmas.

Coffee farmers in Nariño, Colombia are using a new technology called eco-pulping to use less water in their bean preparation processes.

Should you choose traditional coffee or a bean-to-cup machine?

While bean-to-cup machines are infinitely easier to use than a traditional espresso extractor, coffee snobs will tell you they produce inferior coffee. There are a lot of positives with bean-to-cup machines, though:

• No need for a separate coffee grinder
• Saves on space
• Cheaper to buy
• Much less maintenance
• Easier cleaning
• Makes coffee faster

So we can clearly see which one makes more sense from a business point of view — we’ve got to keep everyone happy, from tired executives to spreadsheet-wielding accountants. Bean-to-cup adds up to smiles all round.

Here’s our top pick of commercial bean-to-cup models:

Top 3 bean-to-cup commercial coffee machines

De’Longhi Magnifica ESAM 4200.S

JURA GIGA X8 automatic coffee machine

Sage BES980UK the Oracle Espresso Machine

Get your office caffeinated

All that talk of delicious coffee has sure made us crave a cup (well, another cup, that is). Whether you need to replace your sticky old cafetiere or you’re just sick of instant-from-a-jar, why not explore coffee machine options for your own place of work?

To make things extra easy we’ve built a custom coffee machine quote-finding tool to help you. Simply tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll match you with trusted coffee machine suppliers who can give you exclusive deals.