What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion, which is essential for developing aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you plan to hire baristas with no experience, you'll need an equipment that you can quickly train. This is crucial if you plan to run a drive through coffee shop.
Ease of Use
This professional espresso machine as you might have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also features an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It even includes a test strip that helps you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
For home baristas, it offers an excellent balance between manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro when making an espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you to experiment with the grind size to adjust the grind size. Meanwhile the manual steam wand is a simple way to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also has a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper that makes cleaning up after each use easy and convenient.
It's important to note that even though this model is primarily designed for home use but it also has advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines that are designed for professional use. For example, it has dual boilers that permit the steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy explains that by doing this espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can vary from 4 bars to 14-16 bar at the end) and minimizes the risk of overextraction.
In addition, the machine has a "proportional-integral-derivative" or PID control that monitors and stabilizes the boiler or thermoblock temperature more accurately than a simple electromechanical thermostatic switch. This results in more consistent shots, as well as an earlier recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for machines that is able to be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is especially important for a professional machine that is used often, as frequent use can cause parts to wear out. For example the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is easy
A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and passageways inside, making it important to keep them clean. Over time grounds, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits may accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow, optimum extraction pressure, and a great flavor.
Using a specialized group head cleaning brush with bristles that reach crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning solution can also help break down and dissolve coffee ground particles, oils, and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with blind filters and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Backflushing is more efficient when you use the appropriate tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
For frequent espresso users, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much simpler. These brushes are reusable and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean all parts of the machine, including ports, valves and gaskets. The brushes are typically constructed of stainless steel and have an holder that is small enough to be filled and refilled when required. Some tools come with an internal reservoir that can be used to keep the cleaning solution when not being used.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines as well as their ease of use particularly when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that hinder water flow and diminish the flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system using these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners for getting rid of mineral buildup.
When deciding on espresso makers , take into account the features that are most important to you and your company. If you'd like to be in control of your water temperature and quantity of brew for specific drinks and beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings might be the best option. On the other hand, if you're a casual espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso maker may be ideal.
Ease of Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require more manual work, while others are less demanding. The best way to determine this is to examine the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista control, but not an excessive amount of automation. Fully automated machines are less hands-on but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are completely automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks with a single button press.
When you purchase a semiautomatic, or fully automated professional espresso machine you must take into consideration the number of customers your business is expected to serve during peak times. This will help you determine what size commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll want to buy a semi-automatic machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
It is also important to think about how often you need to descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers suggest descale your coffee maker at least once a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it could be affected by issues like obstruction or altered flavor.
The most modern espresso machines feature a dual boiler system. One boiler is for making coffee, and the second to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at distinct temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are brewing. This is particularly useful for busy cafes that need to serve lots of different varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you may discover in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot-water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle, and programmable user preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you make most frequently. These features can save time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. You may also find that the machine comes with a built-in or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty steamed milk.
Repairs are easy
When it is a commercial espresso machine the durability and ease of maintenance are important factors. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand heavy use and are constructed from durable materials. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home, on the other hand are typically constructed from less expensive materials and could break down more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal in order to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for both employees and customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. It is also important to select a machine which uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated. Each has its own advantages, but they all produce delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure with their own hands and arms which can be difficult to master. These machines are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good compromise between human-controlled control and mechanized consistency. The barista has to still grind and tamp down the beans but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing hot water and steam at the touch of one button. This can help save energy and time, and increase production capacity.
It is essential that your staff knows how to operate the espresso machine, no matter what type you choose. This will improve your coffee's quality and effectiveness. It may take some time for new staff to learn how to grind, tamp and extract the right shots however, the investment will pay off over time as you provide your customers with an consistently high-quality cup of espresso.