What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important to develop aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is an option that many coffee experts search for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine you can quickly train. This is especially important when you're planning to operate a drive-thru coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you may have guessed from its name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also features digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction as well as the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It even comes with a test strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
It is a great choice for baristas at home because it provides a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process while the manual steam wand makes it simple to create frosty milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. The machine has an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and easy.
It's important to note that even though this model is intended to be used at home but it also has advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines that are designed for professional use. It has two boilers, which permit the brewing function and the steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be kept at the precise temperature you want. McCarthy explains that this way, the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which could 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 and a quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also consider a machine which is able to be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is particularly important for a professional espresso machine that is frequently used since frequent use may result in wear and tear on the parts. The espresso machine we tested for instance, is able to be opened up to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
It is essential to keep the interior of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals can build up over time, impacting the quality of the final cup of espresso and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can stop the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and a good taste.
Using a specialized group head cleaning brush with bristles that reach crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product 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 a blind filter and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Backflushing is more efficient when you use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso drinkers. These brushes can be found in different shapes and sizes that can effectively clean various components of the machine, such as valves, ports and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small enough to be filled and refillable when needed. Some tools even have an in-built reservoir to store the cleaning solution when not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that block and hinder water flow and decrease the overall taste of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating mineral buildup.
When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, take into account the features that are most important for you and your business. If you want to be in control of your water temperature and the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're an avid espresso drinker but want a convenient way to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso machine may be ideal.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine largely on the model. Some machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others require less hands-on. The best way to determine this is by looking at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista control but not a great deal of automation. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement of the operator, however it still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and make espresso and espresso-based beverages by pressing a single click of a button.
If you're buying semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide what size of a commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll need to buy a semi-automatic machine that can keep up with the volume of orders.
You'll also have to think about how often you'll need to descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling every month at least using a combination of warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descale your machine, it may develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is for brewing, and the other to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at distinct temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly useful for busy cafes that need to serve lots of different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine are a hot water dispenser and an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmed for the type and quantity of coffee or cappuccino that you make most often. These features can save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is important. It is possible that the machine comes with a built-in or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle for dispense hot or frosty steamed milk.
Repair Ease
When it comes to commercial espresso machines durability and ease of repair are important aspects. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy usage and are constructed from durable materials. They are more likely to have warranties and other protections from damage. Home espresso machines are usually made of cheaper materials and can break down more quickly.
Additionally to that, many commercial espresso machines have to be UL listed and have an NSF seal to meet the requirements of the health department and building codes. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. Coffeee is also essential to select a machine which uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.
There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines, which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automatic. Each type of machine has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are designed to brew great coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure with their hands and arms which can be a challenge to master. These machines are less common and are more difficult to locate replacement parts in the case of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good compromise for those who want to keep control of their machines, but still maintain consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp the beans, but the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also can dispense steam and hot water at the touch of one button. This can save energy and time, and increase production capacity.
It is important that your staff members know how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of what type you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots however, this investment will pay off in the long run by ensuring your customers get a consistently great cup of espresso.