Specialty Coffee Industry Blog

Whether you’re a home barista or the owner of a coffee bar, you’ve probably put lots of time and energy into finding the best tools of the trade. The espresso machine and coffee grinder are the superstars that bring out the complex flavors of the beans, but did you know that the cup you choose also affects the taste?  That’s why we love sipping coffee from ceramic mugs (and especially from brands like Loveramics because of their emphasis on craftsmanship and quality). Here, we discuss the perks of using ceramics at home or in your café.  Let the Flavor Profile Shine...

If you’re planning on treating yourself (or a lucky person) to a prosumer espresso machine this holiday season, Rocket is an excellent brand to consider. We love many of Rocket’s products, and several have features of commercial machines packed into a small footprint. If you’d like to learn more about this brand’s prosumer line, we share a few of our favorites here.  Rocket R58 Cinquantotto  Rocket is known for incorporating classic styling into modern machines. The R58 Cinquantotto is a high-tech option that looks as great as it performs. This beautiful little machine lets its Italian-inspired roots shine through and...

Ready to move forward with your dream of opening a coffee shop? The first steps are to create a solid business plan and budget. If you’re planning to get a business loan in order to make your goal a reality, budgeting early in the process is a must.  If you’re not sure where to begin, we can help! We know there’s a lot to think about, so we share our top budgeting considerations below:   New vs. Used or Refurbished Equipment We totally understand the appeal of purchasing all-new equipment. Just the thought of your brand-new espresso machine(s) arriving to be...

This holiday season, consumers are faced with more options than ever for home espresso machines (and grinders…so many grinders), so we’ve curated this guide to help you make the best decision for your situation.  We’re solution-oriented around here at Voltage, so we’re going to take a fresh look at some well known, and some brand new, premium espresso machines, and break them down into their various use cases to help you identify what’s best for you.   La Marzocco Linea Mini La Marzocco GS3 AV La Marzocco GS3 MP Victoria Arduino E1 Prima Slayer Single Rocket R58 Sanremo YOU There are...

Whether you’re shopping for an espresso machine for commercial or home use, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is how your machine receives its water supply. Water is essential in the creation of espresso, and your machine will either be configured for direct plumb, a tank that holds water, or a switchable option. Not sure which is best for your needs? Here, we discuss the different types of water supply. Direct Plumb  Machines that are plumbed into a water line are often the choice for commercial coffee shops. By connecting with a water line, the need for a...