Selling a commercial coffee machine and grinder
- Topic
- Retail and catering
- Reading time
- 3 minutes
- Last reviewed
On this page
Before offering a commercial coffee machine, check who owns it. Equipment supplied through a coffee contract, rental or finance arrangement may not belong to the café. Then build separate records for the machine and grinder, even if you intend to sell them together.
The grinder's condition and included parts do not prove anything about the espresso machine's boiler. Keep each item's evidence distinct.
Check the commercial arrangement first
Use the catering equipment ownership register to match the physical machine to purchase invoices and supplier agreements. Look for serial numbers, return obligations and any written release. Keep the machine out of firm sale instructions while authority remains unresolved.
Ask the supplier about equipment that looks secondary, including water-treatment units, counters or branded accessories. The site may have received more than one item under the same arrangement.
Assemble a coffee-equipment file
Record the machine's full model, serial number, documented group configuration, electrical requirements and water connection information. Add installation and service documents, known faults and the date of the last recorded work.
For the grinder, record its own model and serial reference, hopper, lids, dosing components and available maintenance evidence. Avoid estimating burr life from appearance or a claimed daily coffee volume.
Use an accessory reconciliation list:
| Item | Count or identity | Included status |
|---|---|---|
| Portafilters and baskets | Count by actual type | Included, retained or missing |
| Grinder and hopper | Separate equipment reference | Same lot or separate lot |
| Water treatment | Unit identity and ownership | Included only if confirmed |
| Drip tray and other removable parts | Count and condition | Matched to machine |
| Instructions and service records | Document references | Copy supplied, with sensitive data removed |
The small-accessory guide helps keep those items together as other equipment leaves.
Treat pressure-system records separately from servicing
HSE's pressure-equipment introduction includes steam coffee machines among relevant equipment examples. Its Great Britain guidance distinguishes statutory examination from routine maintenance. One does not replace the other.
For qualifying equipment, HSE's PSSR guidance explains the need for a written scheme and examination before use. Ask a competent pressure-systems adviser which requirements apply to the actual machine and obtain the records held for it. Do not describe every coffee maker as having the same regulatory status.
Put the written scheme, examination reports and outstanding findings in a separate section of the sale file where applicable. An engineer's routine service invoice is not automatically an examination report. An old examination also does not approve a new installation or settle the buyer's future duties.
Record demonstrated functions without promising café output
If a demonstration is suitable, agree who will operate the machine and what can be observed. Record the date and specific functions shown. A short run does not establish a guaranteed number of drinks per hour or eliminate the need for the buyer's inspection.
For electrical information and disconnection records, use the catering electrical guide. Water, drainage and pressure-system preparation also need appropriate competence. A delivery carrier should not be expected to decide how those systems are made ready.
Send UK Auction Group the ownership confirmation, equipment file and accessory list. Flag missing pressure-system records or unresolved supplier arrangements before discussing the lot. A buyer can investigate an honest gap; they cannot assess records that the description wrongly implies exist.
Sources
This guide gives general information. Equipment-specific, legal, tax and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser or competent specialist. The guides do not promise sale prices, fees or results.