What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important for developing aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is also an option that coffee experts are looking for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you are planning to hire baristas with no experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to learn. This is important if you plan to run an open-air coffee shop.
Easy of Use
This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction, and the manual steam wand that is used to create microfoam, perfect to create coffee art. It also has a test strip that helps you measure the water's hardness, and an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate scale.
It's a great option for home baristas since it provides a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can make shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process, while the manual steam wand allows you to make frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The machine has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use simple and convenient.
It is important to note that although this model is primarily designed to be used at home, it has some advanced features that set it apart from other professional espresso machines. It has two boilers that allow the brewing process and steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be kept at the precise temperature desired. McCarthy explains that this helps ensure that the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which varies from 4 bars at beginning and 14-16 bars when completed) while minimizing the chance 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 leads to more consistent shots and a quicker recovery time between each espresso cup.
It is also important to look for machines 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 a machine that will be frequently used, as the constant usage can cause parts to wear out. For instance the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Simple
A professional espresso machine has many internal passages and chambers, making it important to keep them clean. Over time, grounds used for coffee, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits can accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these contaminants and ensure a constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specially designed cleaning brush with bristles designed to get into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning products can help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter by using a blind filter and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's guidelines 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 easier. These reusable brushes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to effectively clean various components of the machine, such as ports, valves, and gaskets. The brushes are typically constructed of stainless steel and include an holder that is small enough to be filled with water or refilled when needed. Some tools have an internal reservoir that can be used to keep the cleaning solution in storage when not being used.
Descaling solutions improve the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness, especially when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and impair water flow and reduce the overall taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners for eliminating mineral buildup.
Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your business when choosing the best espresso machine. For instance, if you would like to customize your water temperature and brew volume for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. If you're an avid espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a comfortable way, a semi-automatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker may be the best option.
Maintenance Ease
The kind of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require more manual labor and others are more demanding. The way to determine is to examine the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista some control but they do not offer much control. 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 create espresso and espresso-based drinks with just a single press of one button.
When you purchase a semiautomatic, or fully automated professional espresso machine you must take into consideration the number of customers your business expects to serve during peak times. This will help you decide what size of a commercial espresso machine to purchase. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine with enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll need to determine the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers suggest descale your coffee maker at least twice a week using vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it might develop issues such as obstruction or altered flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available feature a dual boiler, with one boiler to make espresso and another one for steaming. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for cafes that are busy and need to serve many different 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, especially in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. It is possible that the machine has an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty steamed milk.
Repair Ease
The durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are usually constructed of durable materials that can last for a long time. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines for home use are typically constructed of less expensive materials and can break down more easily.
Additionally to that, many commercial espresso machines have to be UL listed and have an NSF seal to meet standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that create a high volume of drinks. Select a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are several different types of professional espresso machines including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated. Each type of machine has its particular advantages and disadvantages however, all are designed to brew delicious coffee.
It isn't easy for a barista to master the manual espresso machine because they have to create the pressure by themselves using their hand and arm. They are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to find parts for should something go wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good alternative for those looking to keep control of their machines, while ensuring consistency. The barista must grind and tamp the coffee beans, however, the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also can dispense steam and hot water at the push of one button. machine espresso saves energy and time, and allow to increase the production capacity.
Regardless of which kind of espresso machine you choose it is essential to train your staff to properly use it. This will increase the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots however, this investment will pay off in the long run by ensuring your customers get a consistently great cup of espresso.