La Cimbali and coffee on yachts
La Cimbali is an Italian espresso machine maker, part of Gruppo Cimbali, which was founded in 1912 near Milan. Its machines are used in cafés, bars, hotels and restaurants, and the range covers both traditional espresso machines and super-automatic machines, along with grinders.
On a yacht, coffee service runs from early morning to late at night. Guests may expect café-quality espresso in the salon, cappuccinos on the aft deck and coffee after dinner, while the crew needs something reliable and quick in the mess. Professional espresso equipment handles that pace better than a household machine, which is why it shows up in so many yacht pantries.
Traditional or super-automatic on board
The first decision is about who will make the coffee.
- Traditional espresso machines suit yachts with interior crew who enjoy making coffee by hand. Grinding, dosing and steaming milk give full control and a certain sense of theatre at a guest bar.
- Super-automatic machines grind, brew and often handle milk at the touch of a button. They give consistent results regardless of who is on duty, which helps with rotating crew and busy charter weeks.
Some yachts use both: a traditional machine at the main bar and a super-automatic in the guest pantry or crew mess. Others choose one super-automatic unit and keep things simple.
Grinders deserve attention too. A traditional machine needs a separate grinder, and its position beside the machine shapes the workflow and the counter space. A super-automatic machine grinds internally, so it needs clearance around the bean hopper for refilling, which is easy to overlook under a low pantry cupboard.
Where espresso machines go on a yacht
- Guest pantry. The most common location, close to the dining and lounge areas, where interior crew prepare drinks out of sight.
- Bar and sky lounge. A visible machine at a guest bar works well when crew prepare coffee in front of guests.
- Crew mess and galley. A robust machine for the crew keeps the guest pantry free during service.
Pantries usually also need milk and drinks refrigeration; our Vitrifrigo marine page covers compact drawer units for these spaces.
Water, steam and stowage around an espresso machine
Water for taste and machine life
Water is the most important factor for both taste and machine life. Watermaker output and water taken on in different ports can be very different, so treatment should be chosen for the yacht's own water rather than for a typical shore café. The same applies to ice machines; see our Hoshizaki marine page.
Plumbing in before the joinery is built
Plumbed machines need a reliable water connection and a drain to the grey water system with a steady fall. Plan both before the joinery is built.
Heating draw on the circuit and generator
Professional espresso machines draw significant power while heating. Confirm the yacht's voltage and frequency, 50 Hz or 60 Hz, and make sure the circuit and generator load allow for it.
Machine, grinder and cups while underway
Secure the machine and grinder to the counter. Cups stored on top of the machine, portafilters and milk jugs need a safe place when the yacht is moving.
Moisture above the machine and filter access
Machines give off heat and steam, so allow ventilation around them and keep cupboards above clear of moisture-sensitive items. Leave room to reach the water filter, drain and service panels.
Machines, grinders and water treatment as one package
We are an independent marine equipment supplier based in Wallingford, Connecticut, with a supply chain across Europe, Asia and the United States. We review your service style, location, water and power, then suggest suitable machines, grinders and water treatment with clear options. We source the correct electrical version, consolidate the order with any other pantry or galley equipment and ship it to the shipyard, marina, agent or warehouse you choose. We coordinate installation questions and commissioning with your installer and help with spare parts later.
See our process for how a project runs, or browse every brand on the brands page.
Who will use the machine, and where it will stand
Tell us where the machine will go, who will use it, the yacht's power supply and your timeline through the quote form. For a replacement, a photo of the current machine and its label helps.
"La Cimbali" is a trademark of its respective owner. VST Marine is an independent supplier of marine equipment; this page is not an official La Cimbali website.
