What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll require a machine that has the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is crucial for developing flavor. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you are planning to hire baristas with no experience, you will need a machine you can quickly learn. This is crucial for those who plan to operate a drive through coffee shop.
Easy to Use
As you may have guessed from its name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip that helps you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to help reduce the buildup of scale.
It is an excellent choice for baristas at home because it provides a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can take shots of coffee as professional baristas (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you experiment with the grind size to adjust the grind size. In addition, the manual steam wand is a simple way to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine also has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after each use simple and easy.
It's important to note that even though this model is primarily designed for home use however, it comes with some advanced features that distinguish it from other professional espresso machines. It has two boilers, that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be maintained at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy states that this way espresso is extracted using the right pressure (which could vary from 4 bars to 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces the chance 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 leads to more consistent shots as well as faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for machines that can be opened to perform regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important when it comes to a machine that will be used often, as frequent use 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.
Cleaning Made Easy
It is important to keep the inside of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, used coffee grounds and water minerals can accumulate over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water and the highest extraction pressure and a great flavor.
A special cleaning brush with bristles that are designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using a blind filter, and forcing water through the system to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can improve overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso drinkers. These brushes are reusable and come in different sizes and shapes and are designed to clean different components of the machine including gaskets, valves, and ports. These brushes are usually constructed of stainless steel and come with tiny holders that can be filled with water or refilled whenever needed. Some tools even feature a small, built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution when it is not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce the taste of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system using these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners in eliminating mineral buildup.
Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your business when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. For instance, if you would like to customize your water temperature and brew volume for specific drinks, you might prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. On the other hand, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and want a convenient way to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso maker may be ideal.
Easy 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. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista a bit of control but they do not offer much control. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement from the operator, but still requires the operator grind and tamp the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks from one button press.
If you're buying semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to factor in the number of customers your company anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine to purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine that can keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll need to determine how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once a month with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. If machine espresso don't descale regularly your machine, it may develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
The most modern espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is for making espresso, while the other is to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at separate temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly useful for cafes with a lot of customers who have to serve a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine are a hot water dispenser as well as an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that are programmable to the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you typically make. These features can save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is crucial. You may also find a coffee grinder built in the machine or attached to it, and an nozzle to dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repair is easy
The durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are constructed of robust materials. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed from cheaper materials and may break down more quickly.
Additionally to that, many commercial espresso machines must be UL listed and carry an NSF seal to be in compliance with standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that make large quantities of drinks. Choose a machine that is constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved components to avoid chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines such as semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each machine type has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all are built to brew great coffee.
It can be a challenge for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, as they must create the pressure themselves with their arms and hands. These machines are less common and may be harder to locate replacement parts for in the case of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a good option for those who wish to maintain control over their machines, but still maintain consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp the beans but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also can dispense hot water and steam at the push of one button. This can help save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
No matter what kind of espresso machine you choose, it is important to teach your staff how to use it correctly. This will enhance your coffee's quality and effectiveness. It might take a while for new staff to learn how grind, tamp and extract shots properly, but the investment will pay off over time, as you can offer your customers an consistently high-quality cup of espresso.