What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that can control pre-infusion, which is important for establishing flavor and aroma. PID temperature control is a feature that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine.
If you plan on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll need an equipment that is simple to use and easy to train new staff members on. This is particularly important for those who want to run an drive-thru coffee shop.
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As you may have guessed from its name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also features digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip to help you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to reduce scale buildup.
It's a great option for home baristas because it is able to provide a balance of automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you to experiment with the size of the grind to tweak your process. Additionally, the manual steam wand is a straightforward method to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. It also comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use quick and convenient.
It's worth mentioning that while this model is primarily designed to be used at home, it has some advanced features that distinguish it from other espresso machines for professional use. For example, it has dual boilers that permit steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at precisely the temperature that you would like to. McCarthy says that this way espresso is extracted using the right pressure (which can range 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 quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also consider machines that 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 will be used frequently because frequent use could cause wear and tear on the parts. 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 a breeze
A professional espresso machine has a lot of chambers and internal passageways, 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 as well as the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow, optimum extraction pressure, and good flavor.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush that has bristles that penetrate into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Additionally, some espresso machines require regular backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter with blind filters and pushing water back through the system to effectively clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Using the proper tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can improve the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These brushes can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes that can effectively clean various components of the machine, like valves, ports, and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution, that is easy to fill or refill as required. Some tools even have a small, built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution after it has been in use.
Descaling solutions can dramatically improve espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which block and reduce water flow, and reduce the overall taste of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak components of the system. They are more effective in eliminating mineral buildup than citric acid.
Think about the features that are most important to you and your company when selecting the ideal espresso machine. For example, if you want to be able to adjust the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. If you're a casual espresso-drinker and want to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a convenient manner, a semiautomatic espresso maker or fully automated espresso maker might be the best choice.
Ease of Maintenance
The ease of maintaining your espresso machine depends largely on the type. Certain machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. You can tell by taking a look at the level of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated, and superautomatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista control but not an excessive amount of automation. A fully automatic machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and make espresso drinks and other espresso-based drinks by pressing a single click of the button.
If you're buying semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to factor in the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you decide what size of a commercial espresso machine you should purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks daily from 8 to 10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic espresso system that can handle the amount of orders.
You'll also need to consider how often you'll need to descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least twice every week with vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descale your machine, it could experience issues like clogging and altered flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines available feature a dual boiler that has one boiler to brew and another for steaming. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is especially beneficial for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve a wide range of different varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you may discover in more sophisticated espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you make most frequently. These features can save you time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. It is possible that the machine comes with an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle for dispense hot or frothed steaming milk.
Repairs are easy
When it is time to choose commercial espresso machines, durability and ease of repair are crucial aspects. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are constructed of robust materials. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed from cheaper materials and can break down more quickly.
Additionally the majority of espresso machines used in commercial establishments must be UL listed and carry an NSF seal to meet standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also important to select a machine that makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.
There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines, including semi-automatic, manual and fully automated. Each type has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.
It isn't easy for baristas to master the manual espresso machine because they have to create the pressure by themselves using their hand and arm. They are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good alternative for those looking to keep control of their machines while still maintaining the same quality. The barista still has to grind and tamp the beans however, the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water to prevent 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 a button. This helps save energy and time, and allow to increase the production capacity.
It is essential that your staff knows how to operate the espresso machine, no matter the model you choose. This will increase your coffee's quality and efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to learn how to grind, tamp and extract shots properly however, the investment will pay off over time as you provide your customers with a consistently good cup of espresso.