What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that can control the pre-infusion process, which is crucial to develop flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you're planning to hire baristas with no experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to use and quick to train new employees on. This is essential when you are planning to operate a drive through coffee shop.
Easy of Use
This professional espresso machine, as you may have guessed from its name, is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction, as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam. It even includes a test strip to help you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to reduce scale buildup.
It is a great choice for home baristas because it offers a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull a shot of espresso like a professional (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you to experiment with the grind size to tweak your process. Additionally the manual steam wand can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine also features an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use easy and convenient.
Although this model is designed for use at home but it comes with some sophisticated features that distinguish it from professional espresso machines. For instance, it comes with dual boilers that allow the brewing and steam functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be maintained at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy states that by doing this, the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can vary between 4 bars and 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 and faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for a machine which can be opened to perform regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the internal workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important when it comes to a machine that is likely to be used often, as frequent use can cause components to wear out. For instance the espresso machine we tested could be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Simple
A professional espresso machine has many chambers and passageways inside which is why it is important to keep them clean. Over time grounds used for coffee, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits may accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these toxins and guarantee a consistent water flow and extraction pressure.
Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning products can aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which entails blocking the portafilter by a blind filter and forcing water back through the system in order to clean the shower head, group head, screen, and valves. Backflushing is more efficient using the correct tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
For regular espresso drinkers, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make regular maintenance much easier. These brushes are reusable and come in various shapes and sizes that can effectively clean different components of the machine, such as ports, valves, and gaskets. They are typically made from stainless steel and come with a small holder for the cleaning solution which is easy to refill or fill up when needed. Some tools include a built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution while not being used.
Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce espresso taste. used espresso machines can be used to backflush or soak components of the system. They are more effective in eliminating mineral buildup than citric acid.
When deciding on the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your business. For example, if you want to be able to adjust the temperature of your water and brew size for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more adjustable settings. If you are a casual espresso drinker and would like to enjoy great coffee at home in a comfortable manner, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker might be the best option.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine is dependent on the model. Certain machines require more manual labor while others are less demanding. The way to determine is by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automatic, and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista some control, but not much control. A fully automatic machine requires less operator involvement, but still requires the operator grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is completely automated, making espresso drinks and espresso-based drinks using a single button press.
If you're purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to consider the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you determine what size commercial espresso machine to buy. If you plan to serve 120 drinks daily from 8-10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic espresso system that can handle the volume of orders.
You'll need to decide the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale your coffee maker at least twice a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it may develop issues such as obstruction or altered flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler, with one boiler to brew and another for steaming. The steam wand can be heated separately from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly useful for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve lots of different types of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features that you will discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine include hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that are programmable for the type and quantity of cappuccino or coffee you are most likely to make. These features can help you save time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. You may also find a coffee grinder built into the machine or attached to it, and the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frozen milk.
Ease of Repair
When it is a commercial espresso machine, durability and ease of repair are key factors. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are constructed of durable materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically made of cheaper materials and are prone to break more easily.
In addition to that, many commercial espresso machines are UL-listed and have an NSF seal to ensure that they meet health department and building standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines that produce large quantities of drinks. Choose a machine that is made of stainless steel or FDA-approved components to avoid chemical leaching into the coffee.
There are various types of professional coffee machines, including semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.
It can be a challenge for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, as they must create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines are less common and may be harder to locate replacement parts in the case of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great option for those who wish to keep control of their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista has to still grind and crush the beans, however the pump regulates the water pressure and temperature so as to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however they are also able to dispense steam and hot water at the touch of the button. This will save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
It is essential that your staff members know how to operate the espresso machine, irrespective of the type you select. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots however, this investment will pay dividends in the long run by delivering your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.