There are many types of espresso machines available. Of them, the stove top espresso machine is widely used in homes, and it works very well for trekkers or travelers.

However, there are some types of espresso machines which are widely used commercially in espresso bars. Commercial Espresso Machines can be graded as semi-commercial espresso machines and commercial espresso machines.

One of the main differences between semi and home espresso machines is the heat exchanger. With the semi-commercial espresso machines, one does not have to wait till the boiler heats up after the espresso is brewed.

Commercial espresso machines are separated from semi-commercial-espresso machines by the pump. While the semi-commercial machine has a vibratory pump, the commercial machines have a rotary vane pump. The rotary vane pump is larger, stronger and more powerful.

In a semi-commercial-machine, the user has to determine the amount of water used. The user also has to determine the doses and disposal of the coffee beans.

Semi commercial machines cost around $1000 to $2000, while commercial machines cost $3000.

The characteristics of a commercial espresso making machine are:

Heat exchanger and boiler for heating the tea and the boiler for steam. Some machines have separate boilers for brewing water and for preparing steam; therefore, there is no need to switch from brewing mode to brewing mode as in other espresso making machines.

The various types of commercially used Espresso machines are:

Pump Driven Espresso Maker:

This machine is a modification of the piston driven espresso machine. It has become the most popular machine in commercial espresso bars. Unlike the piston driven espresso maker, it doesnt use manual force, but a pump with a boiler.

The higher-end machines specifically made for commercial use have a built-in timer for shots. The low-end machines have an in-built water reservoir, whereas the higher-end machines can be attached directly to the site. In some models, the boiler is eliminated due a heat-exchanger, which heats the water as it is pumped.

Automatic Espresso Machines:

Though automatic espresso machines are more expensive than pump driven espresso machines, they produce a more consistent quality than pump driven ones. Therefore, they are becoming used more commercially.

They also require less fine-tuning than pump driven espresso machines. Some automatic espresso machines have a flow meter, through which, once a previously amount of water is reached, the shot is automatically cut.

A thermoblock eliminates the use of a boiler in favor of a heat exchanger that heats the water as it is pumped.