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. PID temperature control is also an option that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine.
If you plan on hiring baristas with no experience, you'll need a machine that's easy to operate and easy to train new staff members on. This is particularly important for those who want to run a drive-thru coffee shop.
User-Friendliness
This professional espresso machine, as you could have guessed from its name, is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction as well as a manual steam wand for creating microfoam, ideal for creating coffee art. It even comes with a test strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent scale buildup.
It's a great option for baristas at home because it provides a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can make shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you to experiment with the size of the grind to fine-tune your process. In addition the steam wand that you can use manually can be used to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and easy.
Although this model is designed to be used at home however, it has some advanced features which set it apart from professional espresso machines. It has two boilers that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be maintained at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this ensures 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 chance 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 a quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for a machine which can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the internal workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a machine that will be frequently used, as the constant usage can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested for instance, can be opened to replace the brew group basket and drip tray for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is easy
It is important to keep the inside of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may build up over time, impacting the quality of the final espresso cup and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water and optimum extraction pressure and good flavor.
A special cleaning brush that has bristles designed to penetrate crevices will assist remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning solutions can aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter by using blind filters, and forcing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Backflushing is more efficient if you use the right tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso drinkers. These brushes are reusable and come in various shapes and sizes that can effectively clean the various parts of the machine, such as valves, ports, and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel, and come with tiny holders for the cleaning solution, which is simple to fill or refill when needed. Some tools even feature a small, built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution when not being used.
Descaling solutions can dramatically improve espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which block water flow and decrease the taste of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak areas of the system. They are more effective at removing mineral buildup than citric acids.
Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your business when choosing the best espresso machine. For instance, if you want to be able to customize your water temperature and brew size for specific beverages, you may prefer a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings. If you're an avid espresso-drinker and want to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient way, a semi-automatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker might be the best option.
Ease of Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine largely on the model. Certain machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. The best way to determine this is to examine the level of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista control but not much automation. Fully automated machines require less involvement from the operator, but still requires that the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can create espresso and espresso-based drinks by pressing a single click of a button.
If you're considering purchasing a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the number of customers your company anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic machine that can keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll have to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale your coffee maker at least twice a week using vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it could be affected by issues like clogging or altered flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines available have a dual boiler system with one boiler used to brew and another for steaming. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at separate temperatures, which means you can continue to steam drinks while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly beneficial for busy cafes who have to serve a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine include hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that are programmable to the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you typically make. These can save time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is crucial. There is also the possibility that the machine has a built-in or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frozen steaming milk.
Repairs are easy
Maintenance-free and durability are important factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are made of durable materials. These machines are more likely to come with warranties and other protections from damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed from cheaper materials and can break down more easily.
Additionally, go right here must be 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 both employees and customers. This is particularly relevant for espresso machines that create a high volume of drinks. Choose a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional coffee machines, including semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each type has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure with their own hand and arm, which can be difficult to master. These machines are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for should something go wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good balance between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista has to grind and tamp the beans however, the pump regulates water pressure and temperature to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models however they are also able to deliver hot and steam at the push of a button. This saves energy and time, and allow for greater production capacity.
Regardless of which type of espresso machine you select it is crucial to train your staff to use it properly. This will increase the quality of your coffee and increase its efficiency. It may take some time for new staff members to learn how grind, tamp, and extract shots properly, but the investment will pay off over time by providing your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.