Quality coffee machines, expertly sourced beans and passionate baristas are all distinguishing independent coffee houses from the coffee chains that dominate the high street. In fact, some mainstream brands of coffee chains are said to have ‘inferior coffee at an inflated price,’ according to a recent survey from the consumer magazine, Which?

Quality coffee machines have the edge
If you want some real juice in your java, you should pop into your local independent coffee shop that has a reputation for its quality coffee machines and beans. Coffee, like wine or chocolate, is a passion. But the Brits are relatively new to the coffee buzz. One champion barista, Simon Robertson, told the BBC that we are in the ‘Blue Nun stage’ of coffee drinking, where our taste buds simply haven’t evolved to the sophistication and subtleties of high quality coffee. To achieve superior coffee, you need the right coffee machines. Coffee machines are the foundation of extracting the right flavours from the beans and creating the perfect espresso.

Baristas, beans and coffee machines
A great coffee machine, combined with the expertise of a barista, mean you can be sure you’ll be getting consistently great coffee. The UK’s favourite coffee chain is Starbucks according to 27% of coffee drinkers, but the big chains don’t provide the overall coffee experience. The idea that you create a sense of space, a break from the real world as you enjoy a great tasting coffee, is harder to achieve in the branded bustle of the chains. The technology in coffee machines means it’s possible to knock out hundreds of cups of coffee in a matter of hours, but independents believe coffee lovers are losing out.

The lean, mean independent coffee machines
According to research it’s not surprising then that it’s the independents that provide the best coffee at the best price. Not only do they have the right equipment – the best quality coffee machines - they have the passion of the coffee aficionados too. But the sad reality is the chains are the ones whose coffee machines are in overdrive, reaping the vast majority of the £2.5bn annual turnover of the coffee industry.

Small cafes fight back
Author of Classic Cafes, Adrian Maddox, told the BBC: “The big chains are like a cancer…They’re erasing individual cafes from the UK. It’s happening at an incredible rate and is a sad situation.” As a result of the corporate brands, independents have had to be better and unique – and by investing in the best coffee machines, beans and hiring top baristas, the independents are set to become the David to the coffee chains Goliath.

Coffee Machines from Xpress Coffee
Xpress Coffee Commercial gives you the best of both worlds: online prices with store service and style. We stock a huge range of coffee machines and coffee makers, including leading brands such as Gaggia, Jura and Illy. What’s more, we can provide a range of coffee beans, pods and capsules, along with all the accessories you need to set up a fully-working coffee machine station for your home or business. Take advantage of our great internet deals and promotions. Simply browse our site with your shopping basket now, or call us on 0871 208 1717. Alternatively you can chat online to our coffee experts right now!

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