What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine with the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is essential to develop flavor. PID temperature control is an attribute that many coffee experts search for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you're planning to hire baristas with little experience, you'll require a machine you can quickly learn. This is particularly important if you're looking to run a drive-thru cafe.
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This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed from its name, is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam, perfect to create coffee art. It also includes a test strip that helps you measure water hardness and an AquaClean filtration system to reduce the scale.
It is a great choice for home baristas since it is able to provide a balance of manual and automatic operation. You can make shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you experiment with the size of the grind to tweak your process. Meanwhile, the steam wand that you can use manually can be used to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. It also comes with an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after each use quick and convenient.
While this model is intended to be used at home, there are some advanced features that set it apart from espresso machines that are used by professionals. It has two boilers, that allow the brewing process and steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be kept at the precise temperature desired. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is 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 results in more consistent shots and faster recovery between each cup of espresso.
You should also consider a machine which is able to be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the internal workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial for an espresso machine that is used regularly because frequent use could cause wear and tear on parts. For example, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
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 may build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and optimum 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 solutions can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the group head, shower screen 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 reusable tool for cleaning the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso drinkers. These brushes are reusable and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to efficiently clean various components of the machine, like ports, valves, and gaskets. They are typically made from stainless steel and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution that is easy to fill or refill when needed. Some tools come with an integrated reservoir for storing the cleaning solution after it has been in use.
Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that clog and hinder water flow and reduce the overall taste of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system with these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating mineral buildup.
When deciding on the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your company. For instance, if would like to alter the temperature of your water and brew volume for certain beverages, you might prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more flexible settings. If you are a casual espresso drinker who wants to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient way, a semi-automatic espresso maker or fully automated espresso maker could be the best choice.
Maintenance Ease
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine is dependent on the type. Certain machines require more manual labor while others are less demanding. The way to determine is to examine the level of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automatic, and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista some control, but not much control. A fully automatic machine requires less operator involvement, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is completely automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks from just a single press.
If you're buying a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the number of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you intend to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic espresso system that can handle the volume of orders.
You'll need to decide when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month using a combination of vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it might develop issues such as obstruction or altered flavor.
The most modern espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for brewing, and the other for steaming. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at separate temperatures, which means you can continue to steam drinks while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve a wide range of different varieties of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features that you can find in more advanced espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and programmable user preferences for the type of cappuccino and coffee you use the most often. These can save time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. There is also coffee grinders built into the machine or connected to it, and a nozzle for dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repair is easy
When it is time to choose a commercial espresso machine reliability and repair ease are crucial factors. Commercial machines are built to withstand high usage and are typically constructed with durable materials that last for years. They are more likely to have warranties and other safeguards against damage. Home espresso machines are usually made of cheaper materials and are prone to break more quickly.
Many commercial espresso machines need to be UL-listed and have a NSF seal to comply with health and building 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 large quantities of drinks. Select a machine made 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 has its own advantages, but they all produce delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure with their own hand and arm which can be difficult to master. These machines aren't as common and can be difficult to find replacement parts for in the event of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a good option for those who wish to keep control of their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista still has to grind and tamp down the beans but the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines 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 to increase the production capacity.
Regardless of which type of espresso machine you select it is crucial to train your staff to use it properly. This will increase your coffee's quality and effectiveness. 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 delivering your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.