What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll require a machine that has the ability to regulate the pre-infusion. This is crucial to develop flavor. PID temperature control is an option that many coffee experts search for in a professional espresso machine.
If you plan to hire baristas with no experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to train. This is especially important when you're planning to operate a drive-thru coffee shop.
Ease of Use
As you could have guessed from the name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans right into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction and a manual steam wand for creating microfoam, ideal for making coffee art. It even comes with a test strip that helps you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to help reduce scale buildup.
It is an excellent choice for home baristas because it offers a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull shots of coffee as professional baristas (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you to play around with the size of the grind to adjust the grind size. Additionally the steam wand that you can use manually can be used to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use quick and simple.
While this model is intended to be used at home but it comes with some sophisticated features that distinguish it from espresso machines that are used by professionals. It has two boilers that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated independently. This lets each function be maintained at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this helps ensure that the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which can vary from 4 bars at beginning and 14-16 bars when finished) while minimizing the risk of over-extraction.
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 faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also a good idea to choose machines that is able to be opened to carry out routine maintenance and repairs because espresso enthusiasts often get fascinated by the inner workings of their equipment. This is especially crucial when it comes to a machine that is frequently used, since frequent use can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested, for example, can be opened to replace the brew group container and drip tray for fast and efficient cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
It is crucial to keep the interior of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may accumulate over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can eliminate these toxins and guarantee a steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specially designed cleaning brush with bristles designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn stains. Regular use of a cleaning product can help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter with blind filters, and forcing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Backflushing is easier if you use the right tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
For frequent espresso users, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make regular maintenance much simpler. These brushes are reusable and come in different sizes and shapes to efficiently clean different components of the machine, like ports, valves, and gaskets. The brushes are typically made of stainless steel, and have an holder that is small enough to be filled with water or refillable as needed. Some tools even have an in-built reservoir to store the cleaning solution when not in use.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness, especially when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale, which block water flow and decrease the flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush their system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners in eliminating mineral buildup.
Think about the features that matter most to you and your business when selecting the ideal espresso machine. For instance, if want to be able to customize your water temperature and brew size to suit specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. If you're a casual espresso drinker who wants to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient manner, a semiautomatic espresso maker or fully automated espresso maker may be the best option.
Easy Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others require less hands-on. The way to tell is by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automated and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines offer barista control, but not much automation. A fully automated machine is less hands-on, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, preparing espresso drinks and espresso-based drinks using one button press.
When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must take into consideration the number of customers your business expects to serve during peak times. This will help you decide the size of an commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll need to buy a semi-automatic machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the volume of orders.
You'll also need to consider the frequency you should descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling every month at least using a combination of vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it might cause issues like obstruction or altered flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines feature a dual boiler system. One boiler is used for making espresso, while the other is to steam. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. 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 can discover in more sophisticated espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle, and programmable user preferences for the type of cappuccino and coffee you are most likely to make. These features will save you time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. You can also find a coffee grinder built into the machine or connected to it, and the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are simple
Maintenance-free and durability are important factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are often made with durable materials that last for years. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed of less expensive materials and are prone to break more quickly.
Many commercial espresso machines also require UL-listed and have a NSF seal in order to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines, which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automated. Each machine type has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, but all are built to brew great coffee.
It can be a challenge for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, because they have to create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines aren't as common and can be difficult to find replacement parts for in the case of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great compromise for those who want to control their machines, but still maintain the same quality. The barista still has to grind and tamp the coffee beans, but the pump regulates water pressure and temperature to avoid over-extraction.
Fully- Coffeee are similar to semi-automatic machines, but they are also able to deliver hot and steam at the push of one button. This can save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
It is essential that your staff understand how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the model you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It may take some time for new staff to understand how to grind, tamp and extract shots correctly However, the investment will pay off in time, as you can offer your customers consistently excellent cups of espresso.