What Espresso Machines Does Starbucks Use?
Quick Answer
Starbucks uses the Mastrena. It is a fully automatic espresso machine built only for Starbucks by the Swiss company Thermoplan AG. You cannot purchase this machine anywhere as a regular buyer. It grinds coffee and pulls shots at the press of a button. Milk can be steamed the same way. The Mastrena replaced the older Verismo 801 in 2008. Both machines were made so baristas can work fast. Consistent drinks across every store were also expected.
Key Takeaways
- Starbucks uses the Mastrena espresso machine. It is produced only for Starbucks by Thermoplan AG in Switzerland.
- Thermoplan AG was founded in 1974. It became Starbucks' exclusive supplier in 1999.
- The Mastrena replaced the Verismo 801. The Verismo 801 was discontinued in 2008.
- The machine is fully automatic. Grinding and dosing are handled inside the unit. Shot pulling is handled the same way.
- The public cannot buy the Mastrena anywhere.
- The newer Mastrena pulls blonde and regular and decaf shots with dedicated buttons.
You have probably seen it happen. A barista taps a button and waits a moment. Then a fresh espresso shot appears like clockwork. The machine behind that speed looks unusual if you are used to café style equipment. It sits low on the counter. It makes a soft hum. It works fast and stays out of the way. There is a clear reason for that. Thermoplan AG built it for Starbucks and for no one else. Here is the full story behind the machine that helps Starbucks serve espresso all day long.
What Espresso Machine Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks uses the Mastrena. Simple as that.
It's a super-automatic espresso machine. That means it grinds the beans, measures the dose, and pulls the shot on its own. The barista presses a button, and the machine does the rest. No manual tamping. No guesswork. Just consistent espresso at high speed.
Thermoplan AG, a Swiss company, builds the Mastrena exclusively for Starbucks. You won't find it in any appliance store. It's not listed anywhere for public sale. It's not available to small coffee shops or home brewers. Starbucks has a direct and exclusive agreement with Thermoplan AG, and that agreement has been in place since 1999.
The Swiss Company Behind Starbucks' Espresso
Thermoplan AG sits in Weggis, Switzerland. Domenic Steiner founded the company in 1974. For years, they focused on building commercial kitchen appliances. Their biggest break came in 1999 when Starbucks chose them as their exclusive espresso machine supplier. That one partnership changed the entire direction of the company.
Word spread fast after the Starbucks deal. By 2004, major brands like McDonald's and IKEA had also started using Thermoplan equipment. That same year, the Central Swiss Chamber of Commerce awarded Thermoplan the 2004 Innovation Award. That kind of recognition doesn't come easy. It showed Thermoplan had built something genuinely impressive, not just a machine that looked good on a product sheet.
By 2021, the company employed around 420 people at their Weggis site. They sell machines in 80 countries. Their export share reached 98%. That means nearly everything they produce leaves Switzerland and ships to the rest of the world. Starbucks sits right at the center of that global operation.
The Verismo 801 Came First
Before the Mastrena, Starbucks ran on the Verismo 801. Thermoplan built that machine too, also exclusively for Starbucks.
It had dual bean hoppers and could pull single, double, and half-caff espresso shots. It also had a steam wand with an automatic temperature probe, a hot waterspout, and a button control panel on the front. For its time, it was a capable machine.
But it had one real problem. It was too tall. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz noticed the height of the Verismo 801 blocked baristas from seeing and talking to customers. That may sound like a small detail, but for Starbucks, customer connection is a core part of the experience. Schultz wanted baristas in full view of the people they were serving. So, when the time came to build a new machine, Thermoplan designed the Mastrena with a noticeably smaller frame. Starbucks discontinued the Verismo 801 in 2008. The Mastrena took over from that point forward.
What the Mastrena Can Do
The Mastrena has all the features the Verismo 801 had, and then some. It comes with a larger dual bean hopper. It pulls ristretto shots, regular espresso shots, and lungo shots. The newer version added dedicated buttons for blonde espresso, regular espresso, and decaf.
Each button on the machine matches its hopper position. Left is blonde. The middle is regular. Right is decaf. Baristas can also select ristretto or lungo from a separate set of buttons. They can even pull odd numbers of shots if a customer asks for three ristretto shots. The machine handles it without any extra steps.
Speed is another big strength of this machine. Shots pull in under 30 seconds. That matters in a store serving hundreds of customers every morning.
The newer Mastrena also steams milk faster than the old model and at higher temperatures. The regular temperature comes out at 160 degrees. Extra hot drinks go to 170 degrees. The Verismo 801 ran at 140 to 145 degrees for regular temp, so the Mastrena runs noticeably hotter across the board.
One more useful feature: baristas calibrate the machine once in the morning. After that initial calibration, it stays consistent for the entire day. No adjustments needed between drinks or during the busy rush.
Why You Cannot Buy One
The exclusivity agreement between Starbucks and Thermoplan keeps the Mastrena behind the Starbucks counter. Full stop.
Thermoplan does not sell it to other coffee businesses, home brewers, or anyone outside of Starbucks. This protects both companies. Starbucks gets a machine no competitor can copy. Thermoplan gets a large-scale guaranteed customer. It also allows both companies to work closely on updates without outside pressure. When Starbucks needs something specific, Thermoplan can respond directly.
If you want to recreate a Starbucks-style espresso at home, consumer brands like Breville, De'Longhi, and Jura make solid super-automatic machines. You won't replicate the exact Starbucks experience, but a great home machine with high-quality beans can get you surprisingly close.
Other Machines in the Thermoplan Range
Thermoplan builds more than just the Mastrena. Their lineup includes a few other machines worth knowing about.
The Tiger is a lower-volume espresso machine with a modular design similar to the Mastrena. Bunn distributes it in the United States. The Black and White 2 is an upgraded version of the original Black and White line. It pulls together features from both the Verismo 801 and the Tiger. Starbucks and Costa Coffee use it as part of their licensing programs in the UK. Thermoplan also now offers the B and W 4, their newest line, currently available in the US through importers.
The Machine Matters, But So Do the Beans
The Mastrena is a great machine. It's fast, consistent, and built for serious volume. But the machine alone doesn't create a great espresso. The beans carry a lot of the weight.
Starbucks uses their Espresso Roast, a dark and bold blend, in the Mastrena. The machine pulls that shot consistently every single time. But if you drop in lower quality beans, even the best commercial machine can't save the cup. That's something worth keeping in mind at home too. Lifeboost Coffee's organic, low-acid, single-origin beans are an excellent starting point for home espresso. The natural flavors come through clean, with no bitter aftertaste. That's the kind of base that makes every shot worth drinking.
Conclusion
Starbucks uses the Mastrena, built exclusively for them by Thermoplan AG in Switzerland. It replaced the Verismo 801 in 2008 and has powered every Starbucks espresso bar since. It's fast, precise, and purpose-built for the demands of a global coffee chain. You can't buy one, but now you know exactly what it is and why Starbucks chose it.
Want a better espresso at home? Start with the right beans. Lifeboost Coffee delivers single-origin, organic coffee that brings out the best in any home espresso machine. Try a bag and taste the difference for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I buy a Mastrena espresso machine?
No. Mastrena is exclusive to Starbucks. Thermoplan AG does not sell it to consumers or any business outside of Starbucks.
Who makes the espresso machine used at Starbucks?
Thermoplan AG, a Swiss company based in Weggis, Switzerland, makes the Mastrena exclusively for Starbucks.
What machine did Starbucks use before the Mastrena?
Starbucks used the Verismo 801, also made by Thermoplan AG. Starbucks discontinued it in 2008 and the Mastrena took its place.
Is the Mastrena a super-automatic espresso machine?
Yes. It grinds the beans, measures the dose, and pulls the shot automatically with a single button press.
How hot does the Mastrena steam milk?
The regular temperature is 160 degrees. Extra hot drinks come out at 170 degrees.
Can the Mastrena pull different types of espresso shots?
Yes. It has buttons for blonde, regular, and decaf espresso. It also has options for ristretto and lungo shots, including odd numbers of shots.
About the Author
This article was written by the Lifeboost Coffee writing team. We referenced information from trusted sources including Thermoplan AG company records and Starbucks product documentation to provide accurate details about commercial espresso equipment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Product specifications and availability may change over time. Contact Starbucks or Thermoplan AG directly for the most current information about their equipment.
Disclaimer: Coffee contains caffeine and you should consult with a health care professional with any concerns you might have on the effects of coffee on your health and well being. Additionally, the way coffee is grown, low acid coffee, decaf coffee, as well as different roast types (light, medium, dark, etc.) can alter caffeine levels. If you have questions about the caffeine levels or pH levels of our coffee, please reach out to our support team for clarification. If you have any concerns with how our coffee, or any product will affect you or your health, consult with a health professional directly.
