3 group coffee machines

A 3 group coffee machine is an espresso coffee machine with three ‘group heads’ (sometimes called ‘brew groups’ or ‘brew heads’).

Coffee is ground into a portafilter (a portable filter) and tamped down before it’s inserted into the group head and secured with the aid of a handle.

The group head then dispenses pressurised hot water from the coffee machine’s boiler through the portafilter to produce espresso shots.

Most portafilters have two spouts each, giving the barista the option to extract a double shot using both spouts or two separate single shots using each spout.

This means the barista can make six single espressos or three double espressos simultaneously using a 3 group coffee machine.

Some group heads have additional features like pre-infusion, whereby a small amount of hot water is used to wet the coffee before full extraction, enabling more flavour to be pulled out of the coffee.

Commercial 3 group coffee machines typically have three boilers — one for each group head — and two or more steam wands, which are used to froth the milk.

Most 3 group commercial coffee machines fall into the following size and weight ranges:

• Width: 900–1,100mm
• Depth: 550–700mm
• Height: 450–550mm
• Weight: 65–130kg

Certain models may be larger or heavier depending on their construction materials and any additional features or accessories they may have.

It’s recommended you confirm the size and mass of the machine you’re interested in by referring to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Most commercial espresso machines require a minimum 15-amp to 30-amp power supply.

Some multi-boiler, 3 group head espresso machines may need a 40A outlet to be installed while other, more-energy-hungry units may require three-phase power.

It’s recommended you consult a qualified electrician or the manufacturer to confirm the electrical requirements of the machine you’re interested in.

The below gives you a rough idea of the size of machine you’ll need to meet demand.

It’s important to ensure your machine will be big enough to cope with the busiest periods of the day (i.e. peak demand).

1 group, single-boiler

• Up to 100 coffees per day
• 20 coffees per hour (max)

2-group, single-boiler

• Up to 150 coffees per day
• 30 coffees per hour (max)

2-group, multi-boiler

• 150-400 coffees per day
• 60 coffees per hour (max)

3-group, multi-boiler

• 400+ coffees per day
• 90 coffees per hour (max)

If you have a semi-automatic espresso machine, its output will depend to some extent on the skill and speed of the barista/s; fully automatic espresso machines generally have a higher output.

Your choice of boiler material for your 3 group commercial espresso machine will depend on the performance, durability, and ease of maintenance you’re looking for. Here are some commonly used materials:

Copper: A traditional and popular choice, copper has excellent heat conductivity, which allows for quick and efficient heat transfer, resulting in faster heat-up times. Copper also has antimicrobial properties, which can help inhibit the growth of bacteria. However, copper requires regular maintenance to prevent corrosion and scaling.

Stainless steel: A durable and corrosion-resistant material commonly used in commercial coffee machine boilers, stainless steel provides excellent heat retention and is less prone to scaling and corrosion than copper. Stainless steel boilers are easier to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice in high-volume environments. They’re also less reactive to acidic coffee and water, preserving the flavor and quality of the brew.

Brass: Another material commonly used for coffee machine boilers, brass has good heat conductivity and retention properties, allowing for consistent temperature stability. It’s resistant to corrosion and scale buildup, though may require periodic maintenance to prevent scaling. Brass boilers are often found in high-quality espresso machines known for producing excellent espresso shots.

In summary, copper and brass are known for their heat conductivity, while stainless steel offers durability and ease of maintenance.

It’s worth noting that some machines may use a combination of materials, such as a copper or brass heat exchanger with a stainless-steel boiler, to leverage the advantages of different materials for optimal performance and longevity.

The "best" boiler material ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

If you’d like to upgrade a 2 group coffee machine that you own, we’ll consider paying you cash for the machine if you finance a new, 3 group coffee machine through SilverChef.

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