What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that has the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is important for developing flavor. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you plan to hire baristas with no experience, you'll require an equipment that you can quickly learn. This is essential for those who plan to operate an open-air coffee shop.
Ease of Use
As you may have guessed from the name the espresso machine is professional and 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 a manual steam wand to create microfoam for making coffee art. It even comes with a test strip that helps you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent scale buildup.
For home baristas this machine offers a great combination of manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro making an espresso (though there is a an learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with the grind size to fine-tune your process. Additionally, the steam wand manual is a straightforward method to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. It also comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after each use easy and convenient.
While this model is intended for home use however, it has some advanced features which set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. For instance, it has two boilers that allow for the steam and brewing functions to be heated independently, so that each function can be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy explains that this helps ensure that the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which varies from 4 bars at the beginning and 14-16 bars when completed) 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 results in more consistent shots and a faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It's also recommended to choose machines that can be opened to perform regular maintenance and repairs, because espresso lovers are frequently interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is especially important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that will be used frequently, as frequent use can lead to wear and tear on parts. For instance, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
It is crucial to keep the inside of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may accumulate over time, impacting the quality of the final espresso cup and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent the accumulation of these contaminants 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 cleaning products can help dissolve and break down coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Additionally, some espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using a blind filter and forcing water back through the system in order to clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can increase overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.
For regular espresso drinkers, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make routine maintenance much simpler. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean various parts of the machine like gaskets, valves, and ports. They are usually made of stainless steel, and come with tiny holders for the cleaning solution that is easy to refill or fill when required. Some tools include built-in reservoirs to store the cleaning solution while not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which block and impair water flow and reduce the overall taste of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak areas of the system. They are more effective at getting rid of the buildup of minerals than citric acids.
When deciding on the best espresso machine, consider the features that are most important for you and your business. If you'd like to be in control of 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. If you are a casual espresso drinker who wants to enjoy great coffee at home in a comfortable manner, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker may be the best choice.
Maintenance Ease
The kind of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Some machines require lots of hands-on work while others are more hands-off. The way to determine is to examine the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista some control but they do not offer much control. A fully automatic machine requires less operator involvement, but still requires the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso drinks and other espresso-based drinks with just a single press of the button.
If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the number of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide what size of a commercial espresso machine to purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll want to buy a semi-automatic machine that can keep up with the flow of orders.
You'll need to decide the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee machine at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it might cause issues like clogging or altered flavor.
Many of the more 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 different temperatures, allowing you to continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly beneficial for cafes that are busy and have to serve a variety of kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you might 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 make most frequently. These features can save time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is crucial. There is also a coffee grinder built into the machine or attached to it, as well as the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are simple
When it comes to a commercial espresso machine the durability and ease of maintenance are important factors. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are made of durable materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines for home use on the other hand, are typically made with lesser-quality materials and can break down more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also need to be UL-listed and come with an NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that make a high volume of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated. Each one has its own pros and cons however, they all make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure with their hands and arms which can be a challenge to master. They are also less common, so they may be more difficult to locate parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent compromise between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista has to still grind and crush the beans, but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also can dispense hot water and steam at the push of a button. This can save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
It is important that your staff members know how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the model you choose. This will enhance your coffee's quality and effectiveness. It could take some time for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots however, this investment will pay dividends in the end by delivering your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.