What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll require a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion. This is crucial for the development of flavor. PID temperature control is a feature that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine .
If you plan to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to train. This is important for those who plan to operate a drive-through coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you might have guessed from its name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction and the manual steam wand that is used to create microfoam, perfect to create coffee art. It also comes with an instrument to help you determine the hardness of water and an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home, it offers an excellent combination of manual and automatic operation, so you'll feel like a pro making a shot of espresso (though there is a bit of learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the size of the grind to fine-tune your process. Additionally, the steam wand that you can use manually is a simple way to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine also features an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use quick and convenient.
It is important to note that although this model is designed 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 dual boilers, which permit the brewing function and the steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the proper pressure (which varies from 4 bars at beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is finished) while minimizing the chance 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 leads to more consistent shots, as well as an earlier recovery time between each espresso cup.
It's also a good idea to look for a machine that can be opened up to perform routine maintenance and repairs, since espresso drinkers are often interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine that is used regularly because frequent use could result in wear and tear on components. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, can be opened up to replace the brew group container and drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
It is crucial to keep the interior of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used, and water minerals can build up over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins and ensure constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specially designed cleaning brush that has bristles designed to get into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can help dissolve and break down coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require regular backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and forcing water back through the system in order to clean the shower head, group head screen and valves. Using the proper tools and following the instructions of the manufacturer for backflushing can enhance the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance.
A reusable tool for cleaning the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean all parts of the machine like ports, valves and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel, and come with tiny holders for the cleaning solution that is easy to refill or fill up when required. Some tools include a built-in reservoir to keep the cleaning solution in storage when not in use.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness, especially when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and reduce 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 for eliminating mineral buildup.
When deciding on the best espresso machine, consider the features that are most important to you and your company. If you want to control the temperature of your water and quantity of brew for specific drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings could be the best option. If you are a casual espresso drinker who wants to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a comfortable way, a semi-automatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker could be the best option.
Maintenance Ease
The ease of maintaining your espresso machine is dependent on the type. Certain machines require lots of hands-on work while others are more hands-off. It is evident by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic fully automatic, and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista some control but they do not offer much control. Fully automated machines require less operator involvement, but still requires the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are completely automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks from one button press.
When you purchase a semiautomatic, or fully automated professional espresso machine you should consider the number of customers that your business expects to serve during peak times. This will help you determine what size commercial espresso machine to buy. If you are planning to serve 120 drinks between 8-10 AM, then you'll need a semi-automatic espresso machine capable of handling the volume of orders.
It is also important to think about the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. If you don't descale regularly, your machine could develop issues like clogging and altered flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines on the market have a dual boiler system, with one boiler to make espresso and another one to steam. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head, allowing you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is particularly useful for busy cafes that need to serve lots of different types of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you may discover in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot-water dispenser as well as an automatic rinsing process and programmable user preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you are most likely to make. They can save you time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is essential. You may also find coffee grinders built in the machine or attached to it, as well as a nozzle for dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repairs are simple
When it is commercial espresso machines durability and ease of repair are key factors. Commercial machines are built to withstand the rigors of use and are often made using durable materials that last for a long time. These machines are more likely to come with warranties and other safeguards against damage. Home espresso machines, on the other hand are usually constructed with lesser-quality materials and can break down more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also need to be UL-listed and come with an NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for both employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a large volume of drinks. Choose a machine that is made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemicals leaching into coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines, such as semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each type of machine has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are built to brew delicious coffee.
It can be difficult for baristas to master the manual espresso machine because they have to make the pressure themselves using their hand and arm. These machines aren't as common and may be harder to locate replacement parts in the event of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good compromise between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista must grind and tamp the beans, but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semiautomatic models. However, they can also dispense steam and hot water at the touch of one button. This can help save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
It is important that your staff understand how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the model you choose. This will enhance your coffee's quality and efficiency. It may take some time for new staff to learn how grind, tamp, and extract shots correctly, but the investment will pay off over time, as you can offer your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.