What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that can control the pre-infusion process, which is crucial to develop aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you plan on hiring baristas with no experience, you'll require an equipment that is simple to use and easy to train new staff members on. This is particularly important when you're planning to operate an drive-thru coffee shop.
Easy to Use
As you could have guessed from its name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction as well as a manual steam wand for creating microfoam, ideal for creating coffee art. It even comes with a test strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to reduce scale buildup.
It is a great choice for baristas at home because it provides a balance between manual and automatic operation. You can take a shot of espresso like professional baristas (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in grinder allows you to play around with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process, while the manual steam wand allows you to make frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use simple and convenient.
machines espresso machines mentioning that while this model is designed for home use however, it comes with some advanced features that distinguish it from other espresso machines for professional use. For instance, it has dual boilers that permit the brewing and steam functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy explains that by doing this, the espresso is extracted with the correct pressure (which could vary from 4 bars to 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces 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 means more consistent shots and faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also consider an espresso machine that is able to be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the internal workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important for an espresso machine that is frequently used, as frequent use can result in wear and tear on components. The espresso machine we tested for example, can be opened to replace the brew group basket and drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
It is essential to keep the interior of a professional espresso machine 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. Regular cleaning can eliminate these toxins and ensure constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
A special cleaning brush with bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning products can aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter with blind filters and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Utilizing the correct tools and following the manufacturer's guidelines for backflushing can increase the overall cleanliness of espresso machines and maintenance.
A reusable tool to clean the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso drinkers. These brushes are reusable and come in different shapes and sizes and are designed to clean different components of the machine including gaskets, valves and ports. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small enough to be filled with water or replenished when required. Some tools come with a built-in reservoir to keep the cleaning solution when not being used.
Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of operation, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that hinder water flow and diminish espresso taste. These products can be used to backflush or soak parts of the system. They are more effective in eliminating the buildup of minerals than citric acids.
Think about the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. For example, if you wish to alter the temperature of your water and brew size for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more adjustable settings. If you're an avid espresso-drinker and want to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a comfortable way, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker might be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine is dependent on the type. Some machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others are more hands-off. You can tell by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista control, but not much 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 one button.
When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine you must consider the number of customers that your business is expected to serve during peak hours. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine to purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine that can keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll need to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale your coffee maker at least twice every week with vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it may cause issues like clogging or altered flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is 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 your shots are brewing. This is especially beneficial for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve a wide range of different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features that you can find in more advanced espresso machines include a hot water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you make most frequently. These features will save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is crucial. There is also coffee grinders built into the machine or attached to it, as well as an nozzle to dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repairs are simple
When it comes to a commercial espresso machine durability and ease of repair are important aspects. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are constructed from sturdy materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed of less expensive materials and may break down more easily.
In addition to that, many commercial espresso machines are UL-listed and have an NSF seal to ensure that they meet standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. Select a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemicals leaching into coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines, which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automatic. Each type has its own pros and cons, but they all produce delicious coffee.
It isn't easy for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, as they must create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide an ideal balance between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista has to still grind and grind the beans, but the pump regulates 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 can also dispense hot water and steam at the touch of a button. This can save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
No matter what kind of espresso machine you choose, it is important to teach your staff how to use it properly. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as its efficiency. It may take a while for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots but it will pay dividends in the long run by ensuring your customers get consistently high-quality espresso.