What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine with the ability to regulate the pre-infusion. This is essential for the development of flavor. Many coffee experts also search 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 easy to train new employees on. This is important for those who plan to operate a drive through coffee shop.
Easy of Use
This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed by its name is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with an experiment strip to help you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to reduce the buildup of scale.
For home baristas It offers a fantastic balance between automatic and manual operation, so you can feel like a pro pulling a shot of espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you to experiment with the size of the grind to fine-tune your process. Additionally, the steam wand manual can be used to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
Although this model is designed for use at home, there are some advanced features that distinguish it from professional espresso machines. For instance, it has two boilers that allow for the brewing and steam functions to be heated independently, so that each function can be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy says that this way espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can vary between 4 bars and 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces 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 means more consistent shots as well as quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also look for an espresso machine that can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that is frequently used since frequent use may cause wear and tear on components. The espresso machine we tested for instance, can be opened to replace the brew group container and drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
It is essential to keep the interior of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Over time, grounds used for coffee, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these contaminants and ensure a steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specially designed cleaning brush that has bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn stains. Regular use of a cleaning product can aid in breaking down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter by using blind filters, 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 instructions of the manufacturer for backflushing can increase the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance.
For espresso drinkers who are frequent, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These brushes are reusable and come in different shapes and sizes and are designed to clean various components of the machine including ports, valves and gaskets. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel, and come with a small holder that can be filled and refillable when required. Some tools come with a built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution while not in use.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines as well as their ease of use particularly when they are employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale, which block and impair water flow and decrease the overall taste of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak components of the system. They are more effective at eliminating the buildup of minerals than citric acids.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your company when selecting the ideal espresso machine. For example, if you want to be able to customize your water temperature and brew volume for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more flexible settings. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for an occasional espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker might be the ideal choice.
Easy Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Some machines require more manual labor and others are more demanding. You can tell by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automated and super-automatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista control but not a great deal of automation. Fully automated machines require 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 with one button press.
If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide what size of a commercial espresso machine you should purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks between 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 remove the scale from your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least once a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it may be affected by issues like blocking or a change in flavor.
A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second to steam. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly beneficial for cafes that are busy and have to serve a variety of kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features that you will get on a higher-end espresso machine are hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmable to the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you typically make. These features will save you time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. You may also find a coffee grinder built into the machine or connected to it, as well as an nozzle to dispensing hot or frosty milk.
Repair is easy
Maintenance-free and durability are important factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are usually constructed of durable materials that can last for years. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home, on the other hand, are typically made with cheaper materials and may break down more easily.
espresso machine with grinder must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal in order to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is particularly relevant for espresso machines that produce large quantities of drinks. It is also essential to choose a machine that utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines including semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each machine type has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are designed to brew great coffee.
It can be a challenge for baristas to master the manual espresso machine since they must create the pressure by themselves using their arms and hands. These machines are also not as common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for should something go wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines offer an excellent balance between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista must grind and tamp the beans but the pump controls water pressure and temperature to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however, they also have the ability to dispense hot and steam at the push of the button. This helps save energy and time and allows for greater production capacity.
It is crucial that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, regardless of the model you choose. This will enhance your coffee's quality and effectiveness. It may take a while for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots but it will pay off in the long run by providing your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.