What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion. This is essential to develop flavor. PID temperature control is an option that many coffee experts search for in a professional espresso machine.
If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need an equipment that is simple to use and quick to instruct new staff members on. This is crucial if you plan to run an open-air coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you could have guessed from the name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a digital temperature control for optimal extraction and the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It also comes with an instrument to help you measure the water's hardness as well as an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce the scale.
For baristas who are at home this machine offers a great balance between manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro making a shot of espresso (though there is a an 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 lattes and cappuccinos. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use simple and easy.
It's worth mentioning that while this model is designed for use at home, it has some advanced features that distinguish it from other professional espresso machines. It has two boilers that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can vary from 4 bars at the beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is 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 results in more consistent shots, as well as faster recovery between each cup of espresso.
You should also look for machines that can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that will be used frequently since frequent use may result in wear and tear on parts. For instance the espresso machine we tested could be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Simple
It is crucial to keep the inside of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Over time coffee oils, used grounds, and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and good flavor.
A specially designed cleaning brush that has bristles designed to penetrate crevices will assist remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning products can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require regular backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter using a blind filter, and forcing water through the system to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can increase the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso users. These brushes are reusable and are available in various sizes and shapes and are designed to clean various components of the machine including ports, valves and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution, which is easy to fill or refill as required. Some tools come with an integrated reservoir to store the cleaning solution when it is not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce espresso taste. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system using these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating mineral buildup.
When deciding on the best espresso machine, take into account the features that are most important to you and your business. For instance, if want to be able to alter the temperature of your water and brew volume for certain beverages, you might prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more adjustable settings. On the other side, if you're a casual espresso drinker and would like to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso machine may be ideal.
Maintenance Ease
The type of espresso machine you own will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. The way to determine is to look at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista a bit of control but they do not offer much automation. Fully automated machines require less involvement from the operator, but still requires that the operator grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can create espresso and espresso-based drinks by pressing a single click of one button.
When you purchase a semiautomatic, or fully automated professional espresso machine you should consider the number of customers your business is expected to serve during peak hours. This will help you decide the size of an commercial espresso machine to purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll want 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 the coffee machine at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly descale your machine, it could experience problems like clogging and a different flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines available have a dual boiler system that has 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 the shots are being made. This is particularly useful for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve lots of different types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you might see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot-water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you make most frequently. These features will save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is important. There is also the possibility that the machine comes with an integrated or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle for dispense hot or frosty steamed milk.
Repair Ease
Durability and ease of maintenance are important factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand heavy use and are made of robust materials. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines for home use are typically made of cheaper materials and may break down more quickly.
Many commercial espresso machines need to be UL-listed and have a NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. Coffeee 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. Choose a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved components to avoid chemicals leaching into coffee.
There are a variety of professional coffee machines, such as semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each type has its own advantages, but they all produce delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure using their own hand and arm, which can be difficult to master. These machines are also not as common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good compromise for those who want to maintain control over their machines, but still maintain the same quality. The barista must still grind and grind the beans, however the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing hot water and steam at the push of one button. This saves time and energy and allows for a greater capacity of production.
It is crucial that your staff members know how to operate the espresso machine, regardless of the model you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff to understand how grind, tamp and extract shots correctly however, the investment will pay off in time by providing your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.