What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion, which is essential to develop flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you plan on hiring baristas with no experience, you'll need an equipment that is simple to use and quick to instruct new staff members on. This is essential if you plan to run a drive through coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you could have guessed from the name the professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans right into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam, perfect to create coffee art. It also comes with an experiment strip to help you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home this machine offers a great combination of manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro when pulling a shot of espresso (though there is a bit of learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you experiment with the size of the grind to fine-tune your process. Additionally the steam wand that you can use manually is a straightforward method to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also features a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use easy and easy.
It's important to note that even though this model is primarily designed for home use, it has some advanced features that distinguish it from other professional espresso machines. It has dual boilers, which permit the brewing function and the steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be kept at the precise temperature you want. McCarthy explains that by doing this espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can vary from 4 bars to 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces the chance 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, as well as a quicker recovery time between each espresso cup.
It's also an excellent idea to find machines that is able to be opened to perform routine maintenance and repairs, because espresso lovers are frequently interested in the workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for a professional machine that will be used often, as frequent use can cause components to wear out. For example, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has numerous internal passages and chambers, making it crucial to keep them clean. Over time, coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will prevent 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 use of a cleaner can aid in breaking down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require regular backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter by blind filters and pushing water back through the system to clean the group head, shower screen, and valves. Backflushing is much easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
A reusable tool for cleaning the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso users. These brushes can be found in various sizes and shapes to efficiently clean the various parts of the machine, like valves, ports, and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel, and include a small holder that can be filled with water or replenished whenever required. Some tools include an internal reservoir that can be used to store the cleaning solution while not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce the taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush their system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at getting rid of mineral buildup.
Think about the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. If you'd like to control the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings may be the best option. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for an avid espresso drinker but would like to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker might be the ideal choice.
Ease of Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you own will determine how easy it is to maintain. Certain machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others are more hands-off. The way to determine is to look at 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 an excessive amount of automation. Fully automated machines require less operator involvement, but still requires the operator grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso and espresso-based beverages by pressing a single click of the button.
If you are considering purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine you must take into consideration the number of customers that your business expects to serve during peak times. This will help you determine what size of a commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. If best coffee espresso machine plan to serve 120 drinks between 8-10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic machine that can handle the amount of orders.
You'll also have to think about the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least twice every week with vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it might cause issues like blocking or a change in flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second for steaming. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is particularly useful for cafes with a lot of customers who require a variety of kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features that you can see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle and programmable user preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you are most likely to make. These features will save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is important. You may also find a coffee grinder built in the machine or attached to it, as well as a nozzle for dispensing hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are simple
When it is time to choose a commercial espresso machine, the durability and ease of maintenance are crucial factors. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand heavy use and are constructed from sturdy materials. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed from cheaper materials and may break down more quickly.
Additionally to that, many commercial espresso machines must be UL listed and have an NSF seal to be in compliance with the requirements of the health department and building codes. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially true for espresso machines that produce large quantities of drinks. It is also important to select a machine that uses 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 type has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure with their hands and arms which can be a challenge to master. These machines aren't as common and can be difficult to locate replacement parts in the case of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great option for those who wish to maintain control over their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista still has to grind and tamp the beans, however, the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also can dispense steam and hot water at the touch of one button. This will save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
It is crucial that your staff knows how to operate the espresso machine, irrespective of the type you select. This will increase your coffee's quality and effectiveness. It might take a while for new staff members to learn how grind, tamp and extract shots correctly However, the investment will pay off in time by providing your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.