What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine with the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is crucial for the development of flavor. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to use and quick to train new employees on. This is crucial if you plan to run a drive-through coffee shop.
Easy of Use
This professional espresso machine as you could have guessed from its name is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also features digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also includes test strips that help you determine the hardness of water, and an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate scale.
For baristas who are at home It offers a fantastic combination of manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro when pulling a shot of espresso (though there is a bit of an learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with the grind size to adjust the grind size. In addition the manual steam wand is a simple way to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a removable, 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 that set it apart from espresso machines that are used by professionals. For instance, it comes with dual boilers that permit steam and brewing functions to be heated independently, so that each function can be maintained at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy states that this way espresso is extracted at the right 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 as well as quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also consider machines that is able to be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the internal workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial when it comes to a machine that will be used often, as frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. For example, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and internal passageways, making it crucial to keep them clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may accumulate over time, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can stop these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and the highest extraction pressure and good flavor.
Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that can reach into crevices, you can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular cleaning products can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter by a blind filter and forcing water back through the system in order to clean the shower head, group head, screen, and valves. Using the proper 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 will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These brushes are reusable and come in different sizes and shapes to efficiently clean the various parts of the machine, such as valves, ports and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel and have an holder that is small enough to be easily filled or refilled whenever needed. Some tools even have a small, built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution when it is not being used.
Descaling solutions can dramatically improve espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that hinder water flow and diminish the flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush their system with these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating mineral buildup.
When espresso coffee machine home are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, consider the features that are most important to you and your business. If you want to control the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific beverages such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings could be the best choice. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for an occasional espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automatic espresso machine may be ideal.
Ease of Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require lots of hands-on work; others are more hands-off. You can tell by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automated and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista some control but not much automation. A fully automatic machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is completely automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks from a single button press.
If you're considering purchasing a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, be sure to consider the number of customers your company anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you determine which size commercial espresso machine to buy. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic machine that can keep up with the flow of orders.
You'll need to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers suggest descale your coffee machine at least once a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it could cause issues like obstruction or altered flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available come with a dual boiler system that has one boiler for brewing and another for steaming. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is particularly useful for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve a wide range of different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you may see in more sophisticated espresso machines are 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 features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is important. There is also coffee grinders built into the machine or attached to it, and the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are simple
The durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand high usage and are typically constructed with durable materials that last for a long time. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed of less expensive materials and may break down more easily.
In addition, many commercial espresso machines have to be UL listed and carry an NSF seal to ensure that they meet standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines which produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automatic. Each type has its own pros and cons but they all make delicious coffee.
It isn't easy for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, as they must create the pressure by themselves using their arms and hands. They are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great option for those who wish to maintain control over their machines while still maintaining consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp the beans but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also can dispense hot water and steam at the push of a button. This can save energy and time, and allow for a greater capacity of production.
It is essential that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, regardless of what type you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It may take a while for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots but it will pay off in the long run by ensuring your customers get consistently excellent cups of espresso.