What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine which can control the pre-infusion, which is essential for developing flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you will need a machine you can quickly learn. This is important if you plan to run a drive-through coffee shop.
User-Friendliness
This professional espresso machine as you could have guessed from its name, is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction, as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
It is an excellent choice for baristas at home because it is able to provide a balance of manual and automatic operation. You can take a shot of espresso like a professional (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with the grind size to fine-tune your process. In addition the manual steam wand can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
It's worth mentioning that while this model is intended for use at home however, it comes with some advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines for professional use. For instance, it has dual boilers that permit the steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy explains that this helps ensure that the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which can vary from 4 bars at beginning and 14-16 bars when finished) 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 faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It's also a good idea to look for machines that is able to be opened to carry out routine maintenance and repairs, because espresso lovers are frequently interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is especially important for a professional machine that is used often, as frequent use can cause components to wear out. The espresso machine we tested for instance, can be opened to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
It is essential to keep the inside of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Over time coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these toxins and guarantee a steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specially designed cleaning brush that has bristles designed to get into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaner can help break down and dissolve coffee ground particles, oils, and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter by using a blind filter, and forcing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Backflushing is easier if you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
For regular espresso drinkers, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much more simple. These brushes can be found in different shapes and sizes to effectively clean different components of the machine, including ports, valves, and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel, and come with a small holder for the cleaning solution, which is simple to fill or refill when needed. Some tools include a built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution while not in use.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness especially when used in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce espresso taste. 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.
When choosing the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your business. If you want to be in control of the temperature of your water and quantity of brew for specific drinks and beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings could be the best choice. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but would like to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso machine might be the ideal choice.
Ease of Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine depends largely on the type. Certain machines require a lot of hands-on work; others are more hands-off. The way to tell is to look at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines offer barista control, but not an excessive amount of automation. A fully automated machine is less hands-on but still requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and make espresso and espresso-based beverages with a single push of the button.
When you purchase a semiautomatic, or fully automated professional espresso machine, you should consider the number of customers your business expects to serve during peak times. This will help you determine which size commercial espresso machine to buy. If you are planning to serve 120 drinks from 8-10 AM, then you will need a semi-automatic espresso machine that can handle the amount of orders.
You'll also have to think about how often you need to remove the scale from your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month using a mix of warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it may develop issues such as clogging or altered flavor.
A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is for making coffee, and the second to steam. The steam wand can be heated separately from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly beneficial for cafes that are busy and have to serve a variety of varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you may find in more advanced 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. They can save you time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is key. You can also find a coffee grinder integrated in the machine or attached to it, and the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty milk.
Repair Ease
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 often made using durable materials that last for a long time. These machines are more likely to come with warranties and other protections from damage. Espresso machines for home use on the other hand, are typically made with lesser-quality materials and can fail more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also need to be UL-listed and come with an NSF seal in order to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially true for espresso machines which produce a significant amount of drinks. Choose a machine that is constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved components to avoid chemical leaching into the coffee.
There are various types of professional coffee machines such as semi-automatic and fully automated. Each one has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
It can be a challenge for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, because they have to create the pressure by themselves using their hands and arms. These machines aren't as common and can be difficult to locate replacement parts in the event of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are an ideal balance between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista must grind and tamp 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 semi-automatic models. However they also can dispense hot water and steam at the push of one button. This helps save time and energy and allows to increase the production capacity.
Whatever type of espresso machine you pick, it is important to instruct your staff on how to use it properly. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It could take some time for new staff to learn how grind, tamp and extract the right shots however, the investment will pay off over time by providing your customers consistently excellent cups of espresso.