What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important for developing flavor and aroma. espresso and filter coffee machine is also an attribute that many coffee experts search for in a professional espresso machine.
If you are planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll require an equipment that you can quickly learn. This is especially crucial when you're planning to operate a drive-thru coffee shop.
Simple to Use
This professional espresso machine, as you could have guessed from its name is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction, and a manual steam wand for creating microfoam, ideal for making coffee art. It also has test strips that help you measure the water's hardness, and an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce scale.
It is a great choice for home baristas because it offers a balance between the manual and automated operation. You can pull a shot of coffee like 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 steam wand manual makes it simple to create frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The machine also features an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use easy and simple.
It's important to note that even though this model is designed to be used 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 steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be maintained at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy states that this way the espresso is extracted with the right pressure (which can 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 leads to more consistent shots and a faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also look for an espresso machine that can be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is especially crucial when it comes to a machine that is frequently used, since frequent use can cause parts to wear out. For example, the espresso machine we tested could be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
A professional espresso machine has many chambers and passageways inside that are essential to keep them clean. Over time, grounds, coffee oils and water mineral deposits can accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning can eliminate these toxins and ensure steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specially designed cleaning brush with bristles that are designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn stains. Regular use of a cleaner can also help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. Additionally, some espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Backflushing is easier if you use the right tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
A reusable tool to clean the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso drinkers. These brushes are reusable and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed to clean all components of the machine including gaskets, valves and ports. They are typically made from stainless steel, and come with a small holder for the cleaning solution that is easy to refill or fill up whenever required. Some tools even feature a small, built-in reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when it is not in use.
Descaling solutions can significantly 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 taste of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak components of the system. They are more effective at eliminating mineral buildup than citric acids.
When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, take into account the features that are most important for you and your business. For example, 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 want to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient manner, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker could be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine depends largely on the type. Some machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. The best way to determine this is to examine the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista some control, but they do not offer much control. A fully automatic machine is less hands-on, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is completely automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks with one button press.
If you're considering purchasing a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, be sure to take into account the number of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide which size commercial espresso machine to buy. If you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic espresso system capable of handling the volume of orders.
You'll need to decide when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling every month at least using a mix of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descale, your machine could develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler with one boiler used to make espresso and another one to steam. The steam wand can be heated separately from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is especially useful for busy cafes who have to serve a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features that you can see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you use the most often. These features will save you time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. You may also find that the machine comes with an integrated or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle for dispense hot or frozen steaming milk.
Ease of Repair
When it comes to a commercial espresso machine, reliability and repair ease are important factors. Commercial machines are built to withstand the rigors of use and are often made with durable materials that last for years. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically made of cheaper materials and are prone to break more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also need to be UL-listed and have a NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce a large volume of drinks. Select a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemical leaching into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines, such as semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each one has its own advantages, but they all produce delicious coffee.
It can be a challenge for baristas to master the manual espresso machine as they must make the pressure themselves using their hands and arms. They are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good option for those who wish to keep control of their machines, but still maintain the same quality. The barista still has to grind and tamp down the beans however the pump regulates the water pressure and temperature in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also can dispense steam and hot water at the touch of a button. This can save energy and time, and increase production capacity.
It is important that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the type you select. This will increase your coffee's quality and efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to learn how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots, but this investment will pay dividends in the end by ensuring your customers get a consistently great cup of espresso.