Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brady on March 12, 2011 at 5:47am

For those of us stateside, 100cm = 39.4 inches :).

 

Could you build a short riser platform behind the bar that the baristas can stand on while working? This might have additional anti-fatigue benefits as well, if your floor is concrete or tile. Another possibility is adding a small freestanding tamper station - it could even be adjustable to accommodate workers of different heights.

 

As an average height guy, I find a 36 inch (91cm) counter to be good for both tamping and machine location. 100cm would be a bit tall for comfortable tamping for me, and would also put the machine controls a bit higher than optimum - though machines typically have some range of adjustment to compensate up or down.

 

I have two machine-related concerns:

1. Is the glass countertop capable of supporting a 200 pound (90kg) espresso machine?

2. Remember that espresso machines require drains as well, and that these drains must slope downward and be as short as feasible to avoid future issues. That is the main reason that we prefer to drill holes in countertops when installing. Draining into a bucket is a possible solution, but is risky and will require a clever solution to look attractive in a glass-display case environment.

 

As far as machine suggestions go - I'm going to repeat my usual line: consider only machines that have good local tech support. Being in Melbourne will probably give you lots of great options though. Once you have that list, machine performance is a smart criteria to rank your choices.

 

As far as aesthetic considerations, if Nuova Simonelli has a good presence there, the Victoria Arduino machines are worth a look. Other good choices include the La Marzocco FB/70 or GB/5, heck even the FB/80 might fit. Lots of good options here.

 

Good luck. You should definitely put up some pics of the space, by the way.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by olivier dutil on March 12, 2011 at 5:52am

Well we are using a  94 cm counter and sometime i find it to low. i my self prefert the bar heigth machinche but also i am 191 cm tall.So i guess at the end it just a question of preference

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Deferio on March 12, 2011 at 3:31pm

Excellent idea Brady...

Building a raised platform wold be the perfect solution.

cd

Brady said:

For those of us stateside, 100cm = 39.4 inches :).

 

Could you build a short riser platform behind the bar that the baristas can stand on while working? This might have additional anti-fatigue benefits as well, if your floor is concrete or tile. Another possibility is adding a small freestanding tamper station - it could even be adjustable to accommodate workers of different heights.

 

As an average height guy, I find a 36 inch (91cm) counter to be good for both tamping and machine location. 100cm would be a bit tall for comfortable tamping for me, and would also put the machine controls a bit higher than optimum - though machines typically have some range of adjustment to compensate up or down.

 

I have two machine-related concerns:

1. Is the glass countertop capable of supporting a 200 pound (90kg) espresso machine?

2. Remember that espresso machines require drains as well, and that these drains must slope downward and be as short as feasible to avoid future issues. That is the main reason that we prefer to drill holes in countertops when installing. Draining into a bucket is a possible solution, but is risky and will require a clever solution to look attractive in a glass-display case environment.

 

As far as machine suggestions go - I'm going to repeat my usual line: consider only machines that have good local tech support. Being in Melbourne will probably give you lots of great options though. Once you have that list, machine performance is a smart criteria to rank your choices.

 

As far as aesthetic considerations, if Nuova Simonelli has a good presence there, the Victoria Arduino machines are worth a look. Other good choices include the La Marzocco FB/70 or GB/5, heck even the FB/80 might fit. Lots of good options here.

 

Good luck. You should definitely put up some pics of the space, by the way.

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion