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 search for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you plan to hire baristas with little experience, you will need an equipment that you can quickly train. This is particularly important when you're planning to operate a drive-thru cafe.
User-Friendliness
This professional espresso machine as you could have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction, as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also has a test strip that helps you measure water hardness, and an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce the scale.
For home baristas this machine offers a great balance between manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro making a shot of espresso (though there is a bit of a learning curve). The built-in grinder permits you to play around with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process while the manual steam wand allows you to make frosty milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use simple and convenient.
While this model is intended for home use but it comes with some sophisticated features that distinguish it from espresso machines used by professionals. For example, it has dual boilers that permit the steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be maintained at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy says that this way espresso is extracted at 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 leads to more consistent shots and an earlier recovery time between each espresso cup.
You should also consider an espresso machine that can be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that is frequently used since frequent use may result in wear and tear on the parts. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, is able to be opened up to replace the brew group container and drip tray for fast and efficient cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and passageways inside which is why it is essential to keep them clean. Over time, coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and the highest extraction pressure and a good taste.
A special cleaning brush with bristles that are designed to penetrate crevices will assist remove stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product can also help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which 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 much easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
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 and are designed to clean all parts of the machine like gaskets, valves and ports. They are typically made of stainless steel, and come with a small holder for the cleaning solution that is easy to refill or fill as required. Some tools have an internal reservoir that can be used to keep the cleaning solution in storage when not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce the flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system using these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners for eliminating mineral buildup.
Think about the features that matter most to you and your company when choosing the best espresso machine. For instance, if would like to alter the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific drinks, you might prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but want a convenient way to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso machine could be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require more manual work, while others are less demanding. It is evident by studying the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista some control but they do not offer much automation. A fully automatic machine requires less operator involvement, but still requires the operator grind and tamp the shot. Super-automatic machines are completely automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks with just a single press.
If you're buying a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the number of customers your business anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you determine the size of an 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 espresso machine that can keep up with the volume of orders.
You'll also need to consider the frequency you should remove the scale from your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee machine at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descale, your machine could develop issues like clogging and altered flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines feature a dual boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second to steam. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head, allowing you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is particularly beneficial for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve many different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Some of the other features you can find on a more advanced espresso machine include a hot water dispenser and an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmed for the type and quantity of cappuccino or coffee you are most likely to make. These features can save time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. There is also a coffee grinder built into the machine or connected to it, as well as an nozzle to dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repairs are simple
When it is a commercial espresso machine reliability and repair ease are important factors. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand heavy usage and are constructed from robust materials. These machines are more likely to come with warranties as well as other protections against damage. Home espresso machines, on the other hand are usually constructed with cheaper materials and may break down more easily.
Additionally to that, many commercial espresso machines have to be UL listed and carry an NSF seal to be in compliance with standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also essential to select a machine which makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines, including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each machine type has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, but all are designed to brew great coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure using their own hands and arms which can be difficult to master. These machines aren't as popular and can be difficult to locate replacement parts in the event of an issue.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are a good compromise between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista has to still grind and tamp down the beans but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully- espresso machine with frother are similar to semi-automatic models however they also have the ability to dispense steam and hot water at the touch of one button. This can save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
Whatever kind of espresso machine you select, it is important to instruct your staff on how to use it properly. This will increase the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots but it will pay dividends in the long run by providing your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.