What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that has the capability to regulate the pre-infusion. This is important for the development of flavor. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you plan to hire baristas with no experience, you'll need a machine you can quickly train. This is important if you plan to run a drive-through coffee shop.
Easy to Use
As you could have guessed from the name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction, as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam. It even includes a test strip to help you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to reduce scale buildup.
It's a great option for home baristas since it is able to provide a balance of manual and automatic operation. You can pull a shot of coffee like a professional (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you experiment with the grind size to adjust the grind size. Meanwhile, the steam wand manual is a straightforward method to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. It also comes with an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use quick and easy.
While this model is intended for use at home but it comes with some sophisticated features that set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. It has two boilers, which allow the brewing function and steam function to be heated independently. This lets each function be kept at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this ensures the espresso is extracted at the proper pressure (which varies from 4 bars at beginning to 14-16 bars when completed) while minimizing the risk of over-extraction.
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 means more consistent shots as well as faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It's also a good idea to look for machines that is able to be opened to perform regular maintenance and repairs, because espresso lovers are frequently interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially important for a machine that is likely to be used often, as frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. For instance, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
A professional espresso machine has numerous internal passages and chambers, making it crucial to keep them clean. Over time, coffee oils, used grounds, and water mineral deposits may accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning can eliminate these toxins and ensure steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter by using blind filters and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Backflushing is much easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
A reusable tool for cleaning the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These brushes are reusable and come in different sizes and shapes and are designed to clean different parts of the machine, including ports, valves and gaskets. They are usually made of stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution, which is simple to refill or fill up whenever required. Some tools even feature an integrated reservoir to store the cleaning solution after it has been in use.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness especially when employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce the taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system using these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating mineral buildup.
Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your business when choosing the best espresso machine. For instance, if would like to customize your water temperature and brew volume for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for a casual espresso drinker and want a convenient way to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automatic espresso machine may be ideal.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintaining your espresso machine is dependent on the type. mini espresso machine require more manual work, while others are less demanding. The best way to determine this is by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista the control, but does not provide much automation. A fully automated machine is less hands-on, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, preparing espresso drinks and espresso-based drinks using a single button press.
If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide what size commercial espresso machine to buy. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic machine with enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll need to determine the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once a month using a mix of warm water and vinegar. If you don't descale regularly, your machine could develop issues such as clogging or a change in flavor.
The most modern espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is for making coffee, and the second to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at different temperatures, so you can continue to steam drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly beneficial for busy cafes who require a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features that you can find in more advanced espresso machines include a hot water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you use the most often. These features can help you save time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. You may also find coffee grinders built into the machine or connected to it, and an nozzle to dispensing hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are simple
The durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are constructed from sturdy materials. They are more likely to come with warranties and other safeguards against damage. Home espresso machines are usually made of cheaper materials and can break down more quickly.
Additionally the majority of espresso machines used in commercial establishments have to be UL listed and have an NSF seal to meet health department and building standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that produce a large volume of drinks. Choose a machine that is made of stainless steel or FDA-approved components to avoid chemical leaching into the coffee.
There are several different types of professional espresso machines, including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each machine type has its particular advantages and disadvantages however, all are designed to brew delicious coffee.
It can be difficult for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, because they have to create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines are also less frequent, which means they can be more difficult to locate parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a good option for those who wish to control their machines, while ensuring consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp down the beans but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are like semi-automatic ones however they are also able to deliver hot and steam at the push of a button. This can save time and energy and allows to increase the production capacity.
Regardless of which kind of espresso machine you pick, it is important to teach your staff how to properly use it. This will improve the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It might take a while for new staff to understand how to grind, tamp and extract shots properly however, the investment will pay off over time as you provide your customers with an consistently high-quality cup of espresso.