What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that can be controlled the pre-infusion process, which is crucial to develop aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you plan to hire baristas with little experience, you'll need an equipment that you can quickly train. This is especially crucial for those who want to run a drive-thru cafe.
Easy of Use
As you may have guessed from its name the professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and the manual steam wand that is used to create microfoam, perfect for creating coffee art. It also comes with an experiment strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to reduce scale buildup.
For home baristas, it offers an excellent balance between manual and automatic operation, so you can feel like a pro pulling a shot of espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in grinder permits you to play around with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process while the steam wand manual allows you to make frosty milk for your lattes and cappuccinos. The machine comes with an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
While this model is intended for home use however, it has some advanced features which set it apart from professional espresso machines. For instance, it has two boilers that allow for the steam and brewing functions to be heated independently, so that each function can be maintained at precisely the temperature that you would like to. McCarthy says that by doing this, the espresso is extracted with the correct pressure (which can range from 4 bars to 14-16 bar at the end) and minimizes 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 an earlier recovery time between each espresso cup.
It is also important to look for a machine which can be opened to perform routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important for a professional machine that is likely to be frequently used, as the constant use can cause components to wear out. For instance, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is easy
It is crucial to keep the interior of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Over time grounds, coffee oils and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. cheap espresso machine can stop these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water and the highest extraction pressure and a good taste.
Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that can reach into crevices, you can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also help dissolve and break down coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require regular 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. Utilizing the correct tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can enhance overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.
For regular espresso drinkers, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These brushes are reusable and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to efficiently clean the various parts of the machine, including ports, valves and gaskets. The brushes are typically constructed of stainless steel and have tiny holders that can be easily filled or refillable as needed. Some tools even feature an in-built reservoir to store the cleaning solution when it is not in use.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines as well as their ease of use, especially when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of 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 components of the system. They are more effective at getting rid of mineral buildup than citric acid.
Think about the features that matter most to you and your company when selecting the ideal espresso machine. If you'd like to control your water temperature and quantity of brew for specific drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings could be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're a casual espresso drinker and want a convenient way to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machine might be the ideal choice.
Easy Maintenance
The kind of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Certain machines require more manual labor and others are more demanding. The way to determine is by looking at the level of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista control, but not a great deal of automation. Fully automated machines are less hands-on but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and make espresso drinks and other espresso-based drinks with a single push of a button.
If you're purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to factor in the number of customers your company anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8-10 AM, then you will need a semi-automatic espresso machine capable of handling the volume of orders.
It is also important to think about how often you need to descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee machine at least once a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descale, your machine could develop issues such as clogging or a change in flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler, with one boiler to make espresso and another one for steaming. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at different temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are brewing. This is particularly useful for cafes that are busy and require a variety of different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you can find on a more advanced espresso machine are hot water dispensers and an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmed for the type and quantity of coffee or cappuccino that you are most likely to make. These features can help you save time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. You may also find that the machine has a built-in or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty steaming milk.
Repairs are easy
Maintenance-free and durability are key factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand high use and are usually constructed of durable materials that can last for years. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home on the other hand are typically constructed from cheaper materials and may fail more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially true for espresso machines that make an enormous amount of drinks. It is also essential to select a machine that utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are various types of professional coffee machines, such as semi-automatic and fully automated. Each type has its own pros and cons, but they all produce delicious coffee.
It can be difficult for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, since they must create the pressure by themselves using their arms and hands. These machines are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great compromise for those who want to control their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista must still grind and grind the beans, but the pump regulates the water pressure and temperature in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also can dispense hot water and steam at the push of a button. This can help save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
No matter what type of espresso machine you select it is essential to train your staff to properly use it. This will increase the quality of your coffee as well as its efficiency. It may take some time for new staff to understand how grind, tamp and extract shots properly however, the investment will pay off in time as you provide your customers with an consistently high-quality cup of espresso.