What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll require a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion. This is important for the development of flavor. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in an industrial machine.
If you're planning on hiring baristas without much experience, you'll need an equipment that is simple to use and easy to train new employees on. This is especially crucial for those who want to run an drive-thru coffee shop.
User-Friendliness
As you could have guessed from its name, this 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 as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam for making coffee art. It also comes with a test strip that helps you measure the water's hardness, and an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home this machine offers a great balance between automatic and manual operation, so you can feel like a pro making a shot of espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in grinder permits you to experiment with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process while the manual steam wand allows you to make foamy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The machine also has a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper that makes cleaning up after each use quick and easy.
Although this model is designed to be used at home however, it has some advanced features that set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. It has two boilers, which permit the brewing function and the steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy says that by doing this, the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can vary between 4 bars and 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 leads to more consistent shots as well as faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It's also recommended to choose machines that can be opened up to perform routine maintenance and repairs, because espresso enthusiasts often get fascinated by the inner workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that is used regularly, as frequent use can result in wear and tear on the parts. The espresso machine we tested for example, can be opened up to replace the brew group container and drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and passageways inside which is why it is crucial to keep them clean. Over time, grounds used for coffee, coffee oils and water mineral deposits may accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these toxins and guarantee a steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
Using Coffeee specialized group head cleaning brush that has bristles that can reach into crevices, you can help remove stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product can aid in breaking down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Backflushing is easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
For espresso drinkers who are frequent, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much more simple. These brushes are reusable and come in different sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean various parts of the machine like gaskets, valves, and ports. They are typically made from stainless steel and come with tiny holders for the cleaning solution that is easy to refill or fill up as required. Some tools include an internal reservoir that can be used to keep the cleaning solution in storage when not being used.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which block and hinder water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at getting rid of mineral buildup.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your business when selecting the ideal espresso machine. For instance, if you wish to adjust the temperature of your water and brew size to suit specific beverages, you may prefer a manual espresso maker with more flexible settings. If you're an avid espresso-drinker and want to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a comfortable way, a semi-automatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker could be the best option.
Ease of Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you own will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require lots of hands-on work while others are more hands-off. The best way to determine this is to examine the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic fully automatic and super-automatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista the control, but does not provide 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 can make espresso drinks and other espresso-based drinks with just a single press of one button.
If you're buying semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you determine the size of commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you intend to serve 120 drinks daily from 8-10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic machine capable of handling the volume of orders.
You'll have to decide the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it could cause issues like clogging or altered flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available have a dual boiler system, with one boiler to brew and another to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at different temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly useful for busy cafes who have to serve a variety of varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you may find in more advanced espresso machines include a hot-water dispenser as well as an automatic rinsing process, and programmable user preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you are most likely to make. These can save time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is key. You can 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
Durability and ease of maintenance are important factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand the rigors of use and are usually constructed using durable materials that last for years. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines however, are typically made with less expensive materials and could fail more easily.
Additionally the majority of espresso machines used in commercial establishments have to be UL listed and have an NSF seal to ensure that they meet the requirements of the health department and building codes. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a high volume of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional coffee machines, including semi-automatic and fully automated. Each type of machine has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, but all are built to make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure using their hands and arms, which can be difficult to master. These machines aren't as common and are more difficult to locate replacement parts for in the case of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide an ideal balance between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista still has to grind and grind the beans, but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing hot water and steam at the push of the button. This can save energy and time and allows for greater production capacity.
It is important that your staff members know how to operate the espresso machine, regardless of the type you select. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as its effectiveness. It could take some time for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots, but this investment will pay dividends in the long run by ensuring your customers get consistently high-quality espresso.