Starbucks Coffee Machines: Understanding The Maker

Quick answer

• Starbucks does not manufacture its own coffee machines; they partner with established equipment manufacturers.
• Commercial Starbucks machines are primarily made by Thermoplan (Switzerland) for espresso and Curtis (USA) for drip brewers.
• Home espresso machines sold under the Starbucks brand in the past were often made by companies like Saeco.
• The specific manufacturer can vary depending on the machine type (espresso, drip, automatic) and the era it was produced.
• For current models in cafes, check the machine’s branding or specifications if available.
• If you’re looking for a “Starbucks-like” experience at home, focus on machine features and coffee quality, not just brand.

Who this is for

• Anyone curious about the origins and manufacturers of Starbucks’ commercial and home coffee equipment.
• Home baristas looking to understand the technology behind their favorite coffee shop’s brews.
• Individuals considering purchasing a coffee machine and wanting to know which brands Starbucks trusts.

What to check first

Brewer type and filter type

Starbucks uses various brewers. Commercial espresso machines, like the Mastrena series, are super-automatic, grinding beans and brewing shots with integrated filters. Drip coffee makers, often large batch brewers, use commercial-grade paper filters. At home, consider if you want espresso, drip, or a different style. Each has specific filter requirements (e.g., paper, permanent mesh, portafilter baskets).

If you’re looking for a reliable drip coffee maker for your home, consider models designed for consistent performance, much like the commercial ones Starbucks uses.

xBloom Studio Coffee Machine – Drip Coffee Maker with Built-in Grinder and Scale, 3 Automation Levels, App Connected Pour Over Coffee Maker for Home and Office, Midnight Black

• 1. Three Levels of Automation for Any Skill Level: Choose from Autopilot, Copilot, or Free Solo mode. Autopilot handles the entire brewing process automatically. Copilot provides step-by-step guidance. Free Solo gives you full manual control. This coffee machine works for beginners and professional baristas alike.
• 2. Intuitive User Interface with Tactile Knobs and LED Matrix: The Studio features physical control knobs and a clear LED Matrix display. You can adjust grind size, water temperature, and flow rate in real time without navigating complicated touchscreen menus.
• 3. Full Customization via the xBloom App: Use the xBloom app to create, adjust, save, and share your favorite coffee recipes. Every brewing parameter can be fine-tuned and synced to the machine instantly. Your perfect cup is saved and repeatable.
• 4. Compostable xPod System for Minimal Waste and Maximum Flavor: Each xPod contains carefully selected whole beans and a built-in filter. Tap the recipe card, pour the beans into the grinder, place the pod into the dock, and press start. No capsules, no extra paper filters, no unnecessary waste.
• 5. What Is Included in the Box: The package includes the xBloom Studio, Omni Dripper 2 with Hyperflow Bottom, 10 paper filters, xPod Dock, Magnetic Dosing Cup, default recipe card, quick start guide, cleaning brush, universal power cord, and a 2-Year xbloom brand warranty. Everything you need is included—along with long-term peace of mind.

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Water quality and temperature

Good water is crucial for good coffee. Starbucks locations typically use multi-stage filtration systems to ensure optimal water quality, removing impurities that can affect taste and machine longevity. For home brewing, filtered water is highly recommended. Brew temperature is also vital; most coffee extracts best between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Inconsistent temperatures lead to under or over-extraction.

Grind size and coffee freshness

Starbucks grinds beans fresh for each brew in their commercial machines. The grind size is precisely calibrated for each brew method – very fine for espresso, coarser for drip. For home brewing, always use freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing. An incorrect grind size is a common cause of poor coffee; too fine can lead to bitterness, too coarse to weakness.

Coffee-to-water ratio

Starbucks follows strict recipes for their beverages, including precise coffee-to-water ratios. A common starting point for drip coffee is a 1:15 to 1:18 ratio (e.g., 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water). Espresso ratios are often much tighter. Consistency in this ratio is key to repeatable results.

Cleanliness/descale status

Starbucks machines undergo regular cleaning and maintenance schedules to ensure optimal performance and taste. Coffee oils and mineral deposits (scale) can quickly build up, impacting flavor and machine function. For any coffee maker, regular cleaning (daily rinsing, weekly deep cleaning) and descaling (monthly or as needed) are essential.

Step-by-step (brew workflow)

This workflow focuses on a general home drip coffee brewing process, similar to what a Starbucks drip brewer aims for.

1. Prepare your water.

• Good looks like: Using filtered, fresh, cold water.
• Common mistake: Using tap water with off-flavors or pre-heated water. Avoid it by: Always starting with fresh, cold, filtered water in your reservoir.

2. Measure your coffee beans.

• Good looks like: Weighing whole beans for precision (e.g., 30 grams for 16-20 oz of coffee).
• Common mistake: Using volumetric scoops inconsistently or pre-ground coffee. Avoid it by: Investing in a small kitchen scale for accuracy, or at least using level scoops.

3. Grind your coffee beans.

• Good looks like: Grinding just before brewing to a medium consistency, similar to coarse sand, for drip.
• Common mistake: Grinding too fine (like espresso) or too coarse (like French press), or grinding days in advance. Avoid it by: Using a burr grinder and adjusting it until the consistency is right for your brewer.

4. Prepare your filter.

• Good looks like: Placing a fresh paper filter in the brew basket and, if paper, rinsing it with hot water to remove paper taste and pre-heat the basket.
• Common mistake: Forgetting to rinse paper filters, leaving a papery taste. Avoid it by: Briefly pouring hot water through the empty filter into the carafe, then discarding the rinse water.

5. Add ground coffee to the filter.

• Good looks like: Leveling the coffee bed gently without compacting it.
• Common mistake: Tapping the basket to compact the grounds, which can lead to uneven extraction. Avoid it by: Simply pouring the grounds in and shaking the basket gently to settle them.

6. Fill the water reservoir.

• Good looks like: Adding the correct amount of filtered water based on your desired coffee volume and ratio.
• Common mistake: Overfilling or underfilling, leading to weak or overly strong coffee. Avoid it by: Using the markings on your reservoir or carafe, or weighing the water for precision.

7. Initiate the brew cycle.

• Good looks like: The machine heating water to the ideal temperature (195-205°F) and evenly saturating the coffee grounds.
• Common mistake: Starting a brew cycle without all components in place (e.g., carafe missing). Avoid it by: Double-checking everything before pressing the brew button.

8. Allow full extraction.

• Good looks like: The brew cycle completing fully, with all water passing through the grounds, typically taking 4-6 minutes for a standard drip pot.
• Common mistake: Interrupting the brew cycle prematurely. Avoid it by: Letting the machine finish its process completely.

9. Serve immediately.

• Good looks like: Pouring and enjoying your coffee within 15-20 minutes of brewing for optimal flavor.
• Common mistake: Letting coffee sit on a hot plate for extended periods, leading to burnt flavors. Avoid it by: Brewing only what you’ll drink, or transferring to a thermal carafe if you need to keep it warm longer.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If your coffee tastes sour or weak, then your grind might be too coarse or your brew temperature too low because it’s under-extracting.
• If your coffee tastes bitter or overly strong, then your grind might be too fine or you’re using too much coffee because it’s over-extracting.
• If your machine is brewing slowly or making strange noises, then it likely needs descaling because mineral buildup is restricting water flow.
• If your coffee has a papery taste, then rinse your paper filter with hot water before adding grounds because it removes cellulose dust.
• If your coffee lacks aroma and flavor, then your beans are likely stale or pre-ground because coffee degrades quickly after grinding.
• If you want to replicate Starbucks espresso at home, then look for a machine with at least 9 bars of pressure and a good steam wand because these are essential for proper espresso extraction and milk frothing.
• If you’re using a drip machine and getting inconsistent results, then measure your coffee and water by weight, not volume, because it’s far more accurate.
• If your coffee machine is making your coffee taste “off,” then clean it thoroughly (including descaling) because old coffee oils and mineral deposits severely impact flavor.
• If you want to keep coffee warm without burning it, then transfer it to a pre-heated thermal carafe because hot plates continue to cook the coffee.
• If you are experiencing weak coffee, then check your coffee-to-water ratio and ensure your water is hot enough because both impact extraction efficiency.

FAQ

Does Starbucks make their own coffee machines?

No, Starbucks does not manufacture their coffee machines. They partner with specialized equipment manufacturers to produce the high-volume, high-quality machines used in their cafes and, historically, for their home-branded products.

Who makes the espresso machines for Starbucks cafes?

The primary manufacturer for Starbucks’ commercial espresso machines, particularly the super-automatic Mastrena series, is Thermoplan AG, a Swiss company renowned for its high-performance coffee equipment.

Who makes Starbucks’ drip coffee makers for their stores?

For commercial batch brewing, Starbucks often uses machines from manufacturers like Wilbur Curtis Co. These are heavy-duty, reliable brewers designed for high-volume output in a cafe setting.

Did Starbucks ever sell home coffee machines under their own brand?

Yes, in the past, Starbucks did sell home espresso machines and other coffee makers under their own brand name. These were typically manufactured by other companies, such as Saeco, and rebranded for Starbucks.

Can I buy the same type of machine Starbucks uses in their cafes for my home?

While some commercial-grade machines are available to consumers, the specific high-volume models used in Starbucks cafes (like the Mastrena) are generally not sold for home use due to their size, cost, and specialized maintenance requirements.

What should I look for in a home coffee machine if I want a “Starbucks-like” experience?

Focus on features like consistent brew temperature, adjustable grind settings (if integrated), good pressure for espresso (if applicable), and a reliable steam wand for milk drinks. High-quality beans and proper technique are also crucial.

For those aiming for that signature Starbucks espresso at home, investing in a quality home espresso machine with good pressure and a steam wand is key.

Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ Coffee and Espresso Maker by De'Longhi, Candy Pink

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What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific troubleshooting for individual coffee machine models
• Detailed comparisons of different home espresso machine brands
• Advanced latte art techniques
• The history of specific coffee machine manufacturers
• In-depth chemical analysis of water quality for coffee brewing