If you're launching a mobile coffee cart, trailer, or small cafe, you know the most critical decision is your espresso machine. I see questions about it constantly: "What machine can handle a rush?" "What works with a generator?" "What's reliable?"
As a specialty coffee consultant, I've worked on a lot of equipment. But for my own mobile cart setup for nearly 3 years, I've been using one machine exclusively: the Ascaso Baby T Plus.
When I was starting out, I needed a true workhorse that could handle back-to-back rushes at events without missing a beat. Honestly, this machine has been a tank. For anyone considering it, here are my real-world takeaways after hundreds of hours of service.

A True Workhorse: Consistency & Power

This is a commercial-grade machine in a surprisingly compact body. The temperature stability is rock-solid, which is crucial for consistent shot quality. Even during a 4-hour non-stop service, I've never had it struggle to keep up with both pulling shots and steaming milk.
The steam power is fantastic (and I’m used to working on high-end commercial machines). The volumetrics—which let you program your shot by water volume for consistency—are also fantastic and easy to adjust in their app.


Built for Mobile (The Right Way)

A machine's specs on paper don't always translate to the real world. Here's what makes the Baby T Plus ideal for a mobile setup:

• Power Efficiency: Its power draw is very efficient for a machine with this level of performance. This is a huge consideration when you're running on a generator or a battery system.
• Water Flexibility: It works easily with either its built-in water tank or a direct water line connection. Some machines require a complicated (and expensive) retrofit to do this, but the Baby T can switch back and forth easily as needed. This flexibility is a massive advantage for mobile operators who might be at a market one day (using a tank) and a private event the next (hooked up to a water line).
• Footprint: While not the lightest machine out there, its footprint is very manageable for the limited counter space on a cart.

Field-Tested Durability

After 2.5 years of being loaded into a vehicle, moved around, set up, and torn down for countless events, it has held up incredibly well. It’s a solid piece of equipment that you can rely on when you're out in the field, which gives you incredible peace of mind. Ascaso has also doubled the usual 1-year parts and labor warranty to a full 2 years! This is fantastic news, especially since Espresso Parts is known for giving above-and-beyond service in after sales support (I know, I've experienced it). 

My Recommendation & A Discount for You

As a coffee consultant, I've worked with Espresso Parts to source equipment for a while now, and they've always been great. Because I genuinely stand by this machine and recommend it so often, I reached out to them and set up an affiliate partnership.
The best part is that this includes a discount for the Smith Espresso community.
Full Transparency: If you use my link below to purchase, you'll get 10% off your order, and I'll receive a small commission from Espresso Parts at no extra cost to you. 

Get 10% Off at Espresso Parts

Link: Click Here 
Discount Code: smithespresso
(Note: This code should work on most other items on their site as well!)

If you're in the market for a high-performance, reliable machine for your mobile setup, I honestly can't recommend the Baby T Plus enough. I hope this detailed review helps your decision-making process.
Have questions about it? I'm happy to answer any specific questions about my workflow, power setup, or maintenance for this machine. Just drop them in the comments below!

If you're new to ATL or just want to find a new favorite shop, here are a few good ones we either recommend (we've been to just about all of them) plus a few mainstays that needed to be mentioned. Got a question about a shop? Drop a comment or shoot us a message and we're happy to chat. As the founder of the St. Pete Coffee Tour, Brendan knows a thing or two about finding great coffee shops. We hope this list (updated occasionally) helps you find them too. 

​A recent discussion in a popular mobile coffee business owners group sparked a great question: Is Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa Mix any good? The short answer is a resounding yes. But the real question is, how do you efficiently prepare it for a large event without sacrificing quality?

As a coffee business consultant and a Bunn dealer, I'm always looking for ways to help my clients maximize their efficiency and deliver top-notch products. So, when I see a question like this, I know there's an opportunity to share a game-changing tip that could save you time and boost your profits.
Forget whisking small batches on the stovetop or dealing with lukewarm water from an airpot. There's a much better way.

The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Batching Method
This method utilizes equipment you likely already have in your coffee setup. Here’s what you'll need:

• Bunn ICB Platinum DV Brewer: This workhorse of a brewer is perfect for more than just coffee. Its precise water dispensing and programmable recipes make it ideal for this hot chocolate hack.
  
• 2.5 Gallon Cambro Server: A standard in the catering and events industry for a reason. It's insulated, durable, and the perfect vessel for our hot chocolate.
  
• Ghirardelli Premium Hot Cocoa Mix (2lb bag): The star of the show. This mix dissolves beautifully and delivers a rich, chocolatey flavor that customers love.
  
• Third Wave Water Carboy Mixer: This is my secret weapon for a perfectly blended, lump-free hot chocolate every time.
  

Why This Method Works

• Efficiency: This process is incredibly fast and requires minimal hands-on time, freeing you up to serve customers and manage other aspects of your event.
• Consistency: By using a commercial brewer, you're guaranteeing a consistent temperature and water volume, which means a consistently delicious product.
• Quality: The Ghirardelli mix combined with this preparation method results in a premium hot chocolate that will have your customers coming back for more.

Take Your Business to the Next Level
As a coffee business consultant, I specialize in helping owners like you streamline their operations, improve their product quality, and increase their profitability. If you're looking for more tips and tricks like this, or if you're interested in learning more about how the right tools and training can transform your business, I'd love to chat. 
Contact me for more information 
As an authorized Bunn dealer, I can also help you get the best equipment for your needs.
Don't just make hot chocolate; make it an experience. With this simple hack, you can serve a high-quality product at scale, leaving a lasting impression on your customers.