What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that can control pre-infusion, which is important for establishing aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in an industrial machine.
If you plan on hiring baristas with no experience, you'll require a machine that's easy to use and easy to train new employees on. This is especially crucial when you're planning to operate a drive-thru coffee shop.
Ease of Use
This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed from its name is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans right into the portafilter, digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam to create coffee art. It even comes with a test strip that helps you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to help reduce the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home, it offers an excellent balance between automatic and manual operation, allowing you to feel like a pro when making an espresso (though there is a bit of an learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you experiment with the grind size to fine-tune your process. Additionally, the steam wand manual can be used to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also has an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use quick and simple.
Although this model is designed for home use but it comes with some sophisticated features which set it apart from espresso machines that are used by professionals. It has dual boilers, that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this way espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which could vary from 4 bars to 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 and a quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It's also recommended to look for an espresso machine that is able to be opened to perform routine maintenance and repairs, because espresso lovers are frequently fascinated by the inner workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that will be used frequently because frequent use could 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 is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has a lot of chambers and internal passageways, making it essential to keep them clean. Over time, coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning can stop the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow and the highest extraction pressure and a great flavor.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush with bristles that reach crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Additionally, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the shower head, group head, screen and valves. Backflushing is more efficient if you use the right tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
A reusable tool for cleaning the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso drinkers. These brushes can be found in various shapes and sizes that can effectively clean various components of the machine, including ports, valves and gaskets. They are typically made from stainless steel and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution which is simple to refill or fill up whenever required. Some tools come with built-in reservoirs to keep the cleaning solution when not being used.
Descaling solutions improve the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness especially when utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and impair water flow and reduce the overall taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners at getting rid of 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 would like to customize your water temperature and brew size to suit specific drinks, you might prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. If you are a casual espresso drinker who wants to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a convenient manner, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker could be the best option.
Easy Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you own will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require more manual work while others are less demanding. The way to determine is to look at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automated, and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista a bit of control but not much automation. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement of the operator, however it still requires the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and create espresso and espresso-based drinks by pressing a single click of the button.
If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine you should purchase. If espresso coffee machines Coffeee plan to serve 120 drinks from 8-10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic espresso system capable of handling the volume of orders.
You'll also need to consider how often you need to descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once a month using a mix of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it might develop issues such as blocking or a change in flavor.
Many of the most sophisticated espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler that has one boiler to make espresso and another one to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at distinct temperatures, allowing you to continue to steam drinks while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly useful for cafes that are busy and need to serve many different types of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features that you will find on a more advanced espresso machine include a hot water dispenser, an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that are programmable to the type and amount of cappuccino or coffee 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 integrated into the machine or connected to it, and a nozzle for dispensing hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are simple
Durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand heavy usage and are constructed of durable materials. They are more likely to come with warranties and other safeguards against damage. Espresso machines at home on the other hand, are typically made with cheaper materials and may fail more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also require UL-listed and have a NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially true for espresso machines that create an enormous amount of drinks. It is also essential to select a machine which uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional coffee machines like semi-automatic or fully automatic. Each one has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure using their hands and arms, which can be a challenge to master. These machines aren't as common and may be harder to find replacement parts for in the case of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines offer an ideal compromise between human-controlled control and mechanized consistency. The barista must still grind and grind the beans, but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure 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 save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
It is essential that your staff understand how to operate the espresso machine, irrespective of the model you choose. This will enhance your coffee's quality and effectiveness. It might take a while for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots but it will pay off in the long run by ensuring your customers get consistently excellent cups of espresso.