This newer machine operates in the same way but features some additional functions that the CS2 was lacking, such as artificial intelligence. The coffee is fed into the machine and automatically ground with the built-in burr grinder before each espresso shot.Īs impressive as this machine is, The Mastrena CS2 is slowly being phased out and replaced with a new Mastrena II model. It features a large bean hopper on the top of the unit that holds enormous amounts of whole coffee beans.

It’s a state-of-the-art commercial espresso machine that can produce over 240 shots per hour.

What Is The Mastrena Espresso Machine?Įssentially the Mastrena CS2 espresso machine is one big computer designed from the ground up for easy operation and fast production. I would still like to think that the barista working behind the counter at Starbucks, at the very least, has some knowledge regarding espresso and brewing coffee? And isn’t entirely reliant on the machine doing “all” of the work. Over time, the investment will pay for itself – especially in outlets with significant staff turnover. To be honest, it doesn’t require a barista’s skill anyone can push a button.Īlthough super-automatic machines can cost as much as 4 to 6 times the amount as a standard coffee maker, they can be operated by pretty much anyone.īy investing in these machines, the cost to train new staff members is significantly reduced. With a push of a button, everything is calibrated and done for you. These hands-off machines take away all of the guesswork from pulling a good espresso shot. The first model of the Mastrena espresso machine was launched back in 2008 with the purpose of making Starbucks baristas’ jobs easier and quicker. Once Starbucks began to expand and franchises popped up in major cities worldwide, they switched from standard espresso machines to the more expensive super-automatics. The Marzocco Linea actually required a bit of skill to operate, and some knowledge of pulling the perfect shot would have been vital for any barista working behind the counter. Instead, they used a pretty standard unit – the La Marzocco Linea machine.Ĭompared to the newly installed espresso machines. In the early 90s, Starbucks didn’t have an exclusive espresso machine. in 2013, the company made about $130 million from those machines alone. Today the partnership is booming, and the machines they manufacture for Starbucks are big business for them. Before their venture with Starbucks, they were relatively unknown in the world of coffee. Nestled in a tiny part of Switzerland, the small Swiss company employs around 230 people and has a long history that dates back to the 1950s. Starbucks signed on the dotted line for their exclusive deal with Thermoplan AG back in 2008. What’s So Special About The Thermoplan AG Company? Not really.Īpart from being Swiss-made, it functions like any other super-automatic espresso machine. Is there anything special about the Mastrena super-automatic? No. This is an exclusive coffee maker only used by Starbucks and not sold commercially. The model used varies slightly from different outlets around the globe, but the most widely used model fitted in almost all Starbucks stores is the Mastrena super-automatic espresso machine, with the latest model currently at version 2. The machine Starbucks uses for espresso is manufactured by a Swiss company called Thermoplan AG. If you’ve come looking for a direct answer, I’ll cut to the chase. What Brand Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use

Starbucks espresso