Quick answer
Starbucks uses the Mastrena Espresso Machine, which is manufactured by a Swiss company called Thermoplan AG. There are newer versions of the Mastrena that Starbucks is currently updating to, such as the Mastrena II Super Automatic Espresso Machine.
What Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use?
If you’re a coffee aficionado, you might have wondered what espresso machine Starbucks uses. As one of the most popular coffee chains in the world, Starbucks is known for its high-quality coffee and its sophisticated brewing equipment. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the espresso machine used by Starbucks and explore its features and specifications.
The Espresso Machine Used by Starbucks
Starbucks uses a variety of espresso machines in its stores, but the most commonly used model is the Mastrena High-Performance Espresso Machine. This machine was jointly developed by Starbucks and Swiss company Thermoplan AG, and it’s been in use by Starbucks since 2008.
The Mastrena is a super-automatic espresso machine, which means that it’s capable of performing all of the steps required to make a perfect espresso shot with just the push of a button. This includes grinding the coffee beans, tamping the grounds, and extracting the espresso.
One of the key features of the Mastrena is its precision. The machine is designed to produce a consistent and high-quality shot of espresso every time, thanks to its advanced brewing technology. It also has a built-in self-cleaning system, which helps to ensure that the machine stays in top condition.
Another feature of the Mastrena that makes it ideal for use in Starbucks stores is its speed. The machine is capable of producing up to 240 shots of espresso per hour, which is essential for keeping up with the high demand in busy coffee shops.
In addition to the Mastrena, Starbucks also uses other models of espresso machines in some of its stores. For example, some locations use the La Marzocco Linea, which is a popular high-end espresso machine that’s favored by many specialty coffee shops.
However, the Mastrena remains the workhorse of the Starbucks espresso machine fleet, and it’s the one that you’re most likely to see in use if you visit one of the chain’s stores.
What Sets the Mastrena Apart
So what sets the Mastrena apart from other espresso machines on the market? One of the key factors is its precision. The Mastrena is designed to produce a consistent shot of espresso every time, which is essential for ensuring that customers get the same great-tasting coffee regardless of which store they visit.
The machine is also incredibly user-friendly, which makes it easy for baristas to operate even during the busiest times of the day. The Mastrena has a simple and intuitive interface, and it’s designed to be easy to clean and maintain.
Another key advantage of the Mastrena is its speed. As mentioned earlier, the machine is capable of producing up to 240 shots of espresso per hour, which is essential for keeping up with the high demand in busy coffee shops.
In addition to its speed and precision, the Mastrena also features a sleek and modern design that fits in well with the aesthetic of Starbucks stores. The machine has a stainless steel exterior and a bold, eye-catching look that helps to draw customers’ attention.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the Mastrena is also eco-friendly. The machine is designed to be energy-efficient, and it uses a minimal amount of water and electricity compared to other espresso machines on the market. This helps to reduce Starbucks’ environmental footprint and make the chain more sustainable.
History Of Starbucks Espresso Machines
Starbucks is one of the largest and most well-known coffeehouse chains in the world, and its espresso machines are an important part of its success. Here is a brief history of Starbucks espresso machines:
- La Marzocco Linea: Starbucks first began using the La Marzocco Linea in the 1980s. This machine, which was developed in Italy, is known for its durability, reliability, and high-quality espresso production. Starbucks continues to use the La Marzocco Linea in many of its locations today.
- Mastrena: In 2008, Starbucks partnered with the Swiss company Thermoplan to develop the Mastrena espresso machine. This machine was designed specifically for Starbucks and is used in many of its locations worldwide. The Mastrena is known for its speed and consistency, which helps Starbucks to serve high volumes of customers quickly and efficiently.
- Black Eagle: In 2012, Starbucks began using the Victoria Arduino Black Eagle espresso machine in select locations. This machine, which was developed in Italy, is known for its precision and advanced temperature stability. The Black Eagle allows baristas to fine-tune the espresso shot to create a customized and consistent experience for customers.
- Verismo: In addition to traditional espresso machines, Starbucks also developed its own at-home espresso machine called the Verismo. This machine uses Starbucks’ own espresso pods to create high-quality espresso drinks in the comfort of customers’ homes.
How Starbucks Chose Their Espresso Machine
Starbucks is known for its high-quality espresso drinks, and the company takes great care in choosing the right espresso machines to meet its needs. Here are some factors that Starbucks considers when choosing its espresso machines:
- Reliability and Durability – Starbucks operates thousands of locations worldwide, and each location serves a high volume of customers each day. As such, it’s crucial that the espresso machines used in these locations are reliable and can withstand heavy use over a long period of time. Starbucks looks for machines that are built to last and can handle the demands of a busy coffee shop.
- Consistency – Consistency is key when it comes to creating high-quality espresso drinks. Starbucks looks for machines that can consistently produce espresso shots with the same flavor and texture every time. This is important because customers expect a consistent experience when they order a latte or cappuccino from Starbucks.
- Customization – While consistency is important, Starbucks also recognizes that customers have individual preferences when it comes to their espresso drinks. Starbucks looks for machines that allow its baristas to customize the espresso shot to meet each customer’s specific tastes. This might include adjusting the temperature or volume of the shot, or using different brewing techniques.
- Speed and Efficiency – Starbucks serves a high volume of customers each day, and it’s important that the espresso machines used in its locations can keep up with demand. Starbucks looks for machines that can produce espresso shots quickly and efficiently, without sacrificing quality.
- Brand Reputation – Finally, Starbucks considers the reputation of the espresso machine brand when making its decision. Starbucks is known for its commitment to quality, and it seeks out brands that share this commitment. In addition, Starbucks values brands that are innovative and forward-thinking, and that are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with espresso technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Buy a Starbucks Espresso Machine?
Starbucks purchases their espresso machines from Mastrena, which means that they do not manufacture their own machines. Therefore, you cannot buy a Starbucks-branded espresso machine. However, you can purchase similar machines from Mastrena or other manufacturers, although they may not be exactly the same as the ones used in Starbucks stores. Additionally, Starbucks does offer coffee and espresso pods for home use with Nespresso Vertuo machines.
What Espresso Beans Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks uses a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans for their espresso. The specific blend is made up of select Latin American and East African beans, and is carefully roasted to coax out sweet, vibrant notes of candied apple and bittersweet chocolate. Starbucks also uses their signature Espresso Roast, which is made with dark roast beans and has an intense flavor with rich and caramelly notes. The espresso is prepared using a Mastrena II super-automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine, which was developed exclusively for Starbucks by the Swiss company Thermoplan.
How Much Does The Mastrena Espresso Machine Cost?
The cost of a Mastrena espresso machine varies, but it is typically several thousand dollars. According to the search results, it is estimated to cost between $15,000 and $18,000. Some sources mentioned a specific cost of $18,000 for the Mastrena II espresso machine used in Starbucks stores, but this may not apply to purchasing the machine for personal use. It is important to note that the Mastrena espresso machine is a commercial machine and may not be available for purchase by individuals. Additionally, some sources mention the availability of refurbished machines at lower prices.
How Many Coffee Beans Does Starbucks Use In A Year?
Starbucks uses approximately 462 million to 800 million pounds of coffee beans per year. However, the amount of coffee beans cannot be directly converted from weight to a number of beans. It depends on many factors such as the type of beans, their size and weight, and the roasting process. Additionally, the number of beans used by Starbucks may vary year by year based on their demand and supply.
How many coffee does Starbucks sell in a year?
Based on the search results, it’s unclear what the exact number of coffees that Starbucks sells in a year is. Different sources provide different estimates and numbers for Starbucks coffee sales, ranging from millions to billions. However, some sources suggest that Starbucks sells millions of cups of coffee per year, with some estimates ranging from 547,500 cups per year to 6 million cups per day on average. Nonetheless, it is important to note that these numbers are estimates and can change from year to year.