What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine with the ability to control the pre-infusion. This is crucial to develop flavor. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you're planning on hiring baristas without much experience, you'll need a machine that's easy to use and quick to train new staff members on. This is crucial for those who plan to operate a drive through coffee shop.
Ease of Use
As you could have guessed from the name the professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam for creating coffee art. It even comes with an experiment strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home It offers a fantastic balance between automatic and manual operation, allowing you to feel like a pro when making a shot of espresso (though there is a bit of an learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the grind size to fine-tune your process. In addition, the steam wand manual can be used to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
Although this model is designed to be used at home, there are some advanced features that set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. It has two boilers which permit the brewing function and the steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be maintained at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy states that by doing this espresso is extracted with 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 results in more consistent shots and a quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for machines that can be opened to perform routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is especially crucial for a professional espresso machine that is used regularly since frequent use may result in wear and tear on the parts. For instance, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Simple
It is crucial to keep the interior of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, used coffee grounds, and water minerals can build up over time, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water, optimum extraction pressure, and good flavor.
A specially designed cleaning brush with bristles that are designed to penetrate crevices will assist remove stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaner can also help break down and dissolve coffee ground particles, oils, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter by using a blind filter and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Backflushing is much easier using the correct tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
Coffeee for cleaning 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 ports, valves, and gaskets. These brushes are usually constructed of stainless steel and come with an holder that is small enough to be filled and replenished whenever needed. Some tools come with an integrated reservoir to store the cleaning solution when not being used.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness, especially when they are employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale, which block and reduce water flow, and reduce the overall taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners for 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 size for specific drinks, you might prefer a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but would like to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machine could be the best choice.
Maintenance Ease
The type of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require more manual labor and others are more demanding. You can tell this by taking a look at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic fully automated, and super-automatic. A semi-automatic machine gives 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. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso and espresso-based beverages with just a single press of the button.
If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you decide the size of an commercial espresso machine you should purchase. If you are planning to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic espresso system that can handle the volume of orders.
You'll have to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once a month with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descale your machine, it could experience problems like clogging and a different flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available have a dual boiler system that has one boiler to make espresso and another one to steam. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly useful for busy cafes that require a variety of different types of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features you may get on a higher-end espresso machine are a hot water dispenser, an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmable for the type and amount of cappuccino or coffee you typically make. They can save you time and money, especially in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. There is also coffee grinders built into the machine or connected to it, as well as the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty milk.
Repairs are simple
Durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are usually constructed with durable materials that last for a long time. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home however are typically constructed from cheaper materials and may be more susceptible to breaking down.
Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. Select a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemical leaching into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines like semi-automatic or fully automatic. Each type of machine has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, but all are built to brew great coffee.
It can be difficult for baristas to master the manual espresso machine as they must create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines aren't as popular and are more difficult to find replacement parts for in the event of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide a good compromise between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista must still grind and grind the beans, but the pump controls the pressure and temperature of the water so as to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing hot water and steam at the touch of a button. This can help save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
It is crucial that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the type you select. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as its efficiency. It may take a while for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots but it will pay dividends in the end by delivering your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.