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 look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you're planning on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll require 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.
Easy to Use
As you may have guessed from its name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also features an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction, as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with an experiment strip to help you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to help reduce scale buildup.
For home baristas, it offers an excellent balance between automatic and manual operation, so you'll feel like a pro making a shot of 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. Meanwhile, the manual steam wand is a straightforward method to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine also features a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use simple and easy.
It's important to note that even though this model is intended for home use but it also has advanced features that differentiate it from other espresso machines that are designed for professional use. It has two boilers, which allow the brewing function and the steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be kept at the precise temperature you want. McCarthy explains that by doing this espresso is extracted with the correct pressure (which could 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 results in more consistent shots and a faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also a good idea to find an espresso machine 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 for a professional machine that is likely to be frequently used, as the constant use can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, can be opened to replace the brew group container and drip tray for quick and easy cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
It is important to keep the inside of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Over time grounds, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits may accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can stop the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow, optimum extraction pressure, and a great flavor.
Using a specialized group head cleaning brush that has bristles that can reach into crevices, you can help remove stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning solution can help break down and dissolve coffee ground particles, oils, and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can improve the overall cleanliness of espresso machines and maintenance.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso users. These reusable brushes come in different sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean all parts of the machine, including gaskets, valves, and ports. They are usually made of stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution that is easy to refill or fill up whenever needed. Some tools have a built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution while not being used.
Descaling similar resource site can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce 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.
Consider the features that are most important to you and your company when choosing the best espresso machine. If you're looking to control your water temperature and quantity of brew for specific drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings might be the best option. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but want a convenient way to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automatic espresso machine may be ideal.
Maintenance Ease
The kind of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Some machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort; others are more hands-off. You can tell this by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista some control but they do not offer much automation. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement from the operator, but still requires the operator to grind and tamp the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can create espresso and espresso-based drinks by pressing a single click of a button.
When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine you should consider the number of customers your company is likely to serve during peak times. This will help you determine the size of an commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. For instance, if you plan 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.
It is also important to think about the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least twice a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it could cause issues like blocking or a change in flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available have a dual boiler system with one boiler used for brewing and another for steaming. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at distinct temperatures, which means you can continue to steam drinks while your shots are brewing. This is especially useful for cafes that are busy and require a variety of kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you can find on a more advanced espresso machine include hot water dispensers as well as 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 high-volume settings where consistency is key. There is also the possibility that the machine has an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frothed steaming milk.
Repairs are simple
The durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are constructed of sturdy materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines for home use are typically constructed from cheaper materials and may break down more quickly.
Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as have a NSF seal to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly relevant for espresso machines that create large quantities of drinks. It is also essential to select a machine which makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each one has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.
It isn't easy for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, since they must create the pressure by themselves using their hands and arms. These machines aren't as popular and are more difficult to locate replacement parts for in the event of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good compromise for those who want to control their machines while still maintaining consistency. The barista must still grind and grind the beans, but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are like semi-automatic ones however, they are also able to dispensate steam and hot water at the touch of the button. This can save energy and time, and increase production capacity.
It is crucial that your staff understand how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of what type you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff members to learn how grind, tamp, and extract shots properly However, the investment will pay off over time as you provide your customers with an consistently high-quality cup of espresso.