The Hustle
August 19, 2026
How Starbucks Revolutionized Coffee with Super-Automatic Machines
TL;DR
Starbucks solved its coffee production bottleneck by adopting custom-built Mastrena super-automatic espresso machines that can pull shots and steam milk at the touch of a button, enabling the speed necessary to become a global powerhouse.
Key Takeaways
- 1Starbucks uses the Mastrena 2 espresso machine, which debuted in 2019 and was custom-built by a Swiss coffee machine manufacturer specifically for Starbucks
- 2The original Mastrena machine debuted in 2008, with a third generation (Mastrena 3) set to launch next year
- 3Super-automatic machines can pull espresso shots and steam milk at the touch of a button, eliminating manual steps like grinding, weighing, and steaming required by traditional machines
- 4The speed and consistency of super-automatic machines were critical to enabling Starbucks to produce cappuccinos and lattes quickly enough to scale into an international powerhouse
Notable Quotes
“If you order any espresso-based drink from Starbucks, chances are it was pulled using this espresso machine.”
— Host
“These super automatic machines were a big reason Starbucks got fast enough at making cappuccinos and lattes to become the international powerhouse it is.”
— Host
Chapters
1. Starbucks' Espresso Machine Evolution
Starbucks uses the Mastrena 2, debuted in 2019, which is the successor to the original Mastrena from 2008, with the Mastrena 3 launching next year
2. What Makes Super-Automatic Machines Different
Super-automatic machines pull shots and steam milk at the touch of a button, unlike traditional machines such as La Marzocco that require manual grinding, weighing, and steaming
3. The Impact on Starbucks' Growth
The speed and consistency enabled by super-automatic technology were key to Starbucks' ability to scale production and become an international powerhouse
Key People & Entities
- Starbucks
- International coffee chain
- Mastrena
- Custom espresso machine brand built for Starbucks by a Swiss manufacturer
Glossary
- Super Automatic
- An espresso machine that can pull shots and steam milk at the touch of a button, requiring minimal manual intervention compared to traditional machines
- Mastrena
- A custom-built espresso machine designed specifically for Starbucks by a Swiss coffee machine manufacturer