Essprexo Senior Member Joined: 18 Nov 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Seattle Expertise: Pro Barista
Posted Fri Nov 18, 2011, 1:41pm Subject: Voltage on commercial machines
Hi, I'm a new member here. :) So I am trying to help a business set up their own coffee cart but we have run into a problem: all commercial machines take around 220 voltage. The area we have is set up for regular 110 v. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to solve this problem, other than calling a whole team to come in and mess around with the electricity? Are there converters that work this way?
JGG Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 1,343 Location: Kentucky, US Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: PID Silvia; PID Alexia Grinder: Mazzer Mini E (A), SJ; Rocky... Roaster: Hottop D w/PID; Thermometric...
Posted Fri Nov 18, 2011, 3:35pm Subject: Re: Voltage on commercial machines
It is possible to step up the voltage from 110 to 220, but this is not likely to work for your situation. The issue that you'll stumble over is that the current demand will more than double when you run a 220 machine from 110. Probably will require more current than is available on the 110 circuit.
Best solution is to bite the bullet and run a 220 line to the location. Otherwise, if you only have 20A @ 110V available, maybe look for a high capacity HX machine (one heater), rather than a double boiler (two heaters).
johnboddie Senior Member Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 147 Location: Virginia Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Brasilia Mini Classic,... Grinder: Rocky, KitchenAid Pro Drip: Cuisinart (non-grinding)
Posted Fri Nov 18, 2011, 3:49pm Subject: Re: Voltage on commercial machines
For a cart operation, have them take a look at a machine like the one-group Rancilio Epoca. It runs at 110 volts and has the ability to be used as a "pour-over" machine so it doesn't need to be plumbed in. Nouva Simonelli makes a similar machine. I've seen the Rancilio used successfully in cart operations at craft fairs and in convention centers. It's larger than a home machine, but seems to fit espresso carts well.
stefano65 Senior Member Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 1,335 Location: Eugene OR Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Vibiemme,Elektra, Grinder: Vario,Macap, Vac Pot: not Drip: not Roaster: not
Posted Fri Nov 18, 2011, 4:46pm Subject: Re: Voltage on commercial machines
to add the the above posts keep in mind that you will need as well a grinder, (at least) most likely a secondary flow jet pump then carts are required to have sink and water ( from same flow jet pump or possibly a foot operating one....) then perhaps a blender that a lot of amps to run out 1 110v circuit
Essprexo Senior Member Joined: 18 Nov 2011 Posts: 8 Location: Seattle Expertise: Pro Barista
Posted Sat Nov 19, 2011, 12:00pm Subject: Re: Voltage on commercial machines
Thank you all for getting back to me so quickly!!
The cart we have came with a La San Marco 2 group and a San Marco grinder. I'm not sure if the grinder runs on 220v but the machine definitely does. La San Marco is a single boiler machine.
It sounds like there is no obvious easy trick here so you all may be right in that we just need to run a line through.
Luckily the cart is set to be situated indoors and not mobile.
Out of curiosity, does anyone know how they power the mobile carts?
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,671 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Tue Nov 22, 2011, 8:30am Subject: Re: Voltage on commercial machines
I would think it on a case by case basis. The ones I have seen, use a power cord, like you might have on a Motorhome or camper. Short of using the electric power that your equipment was designed for, you could change the espresso machine to one that runs on a gas flame system but that brings in a whole new set of problems and issues!
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
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