What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that can control the pre-infusion, which is essential to develop aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is a feature that coffee experts are looking for in a professional espresso machine.
If you're planning on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that's easy to operate and easy to train new staff members on. This is especially important for those who want to run an drive-thru coffee shop.
Ease of Use
As you may have guessed from the name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a digital temperature control for optimal extraction, as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip that helps you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent scale buildup.
For home baristas, it offers an excellent balance between manual and automatic operation, so you can feel like a pro when making an espresso (though there is a bit of learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you experiment with the grind size to tweak your process. Meanwhile the manual steam wand can be used to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine comes with an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
Although this model is designed for home use, there are some advanced features that distinguish it from espresso machines that are used by professionals. For example, it has dual boilers that allow the brewing and steam functions to be heated independently, so that each function can be kept at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which varies from 4 bars at beginning to 14-16 bars when completed) while minimizing the risk 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 means more consistent shots and a faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also consider machines that can be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important when it comes to a machine that will be frequently used, as the constant use can cause components to wear out. For example, the espresso machine we tested could be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
A professional espresso machine has a lot of internal passages and chambers which is why it is crucial to keep them clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may build up over time, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and a great flavor.
A specially designed cleaning brush that has bristles designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Additionally, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter by a blind filter and forcing water back through the system in order to clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Backflushing is much easier using the correct tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
For espresso drinkers who are frequent, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These reusable brushes are available in various shapes and sizes and are designed to clean different parts of the machine, including gaskets, valves and ports. They are typically made of stainless steel and come with tiny holders for the cleaning solution, which is simple to fill or refill whenever needed. Some tools even have an in-built reservoir to store the cleaning solution after it has been in use.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness especially when used in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which block water flow and decrease the flavor of espresso. 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.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. If you're looking to be in control of the temperature of your water and the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks and beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings may be the best choice. If you are a casual espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a convenient way, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker could be the best option.
Maintenance Ease
The kind of espresso machine you own will determine how easy it is to maintain. Some machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others require less hands-on. The way to tell is to look at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic fully automated, and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista control, but not a great deal of 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, making espresso drinks and espresso-based drinks using one button press.
If you're purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the number of customers your company anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you determine which size commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you are planning to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, then you will need a semi-automatic espresso machine that can handle the volume of orders.
You'll have to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling every month at least with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it could be affected by issues like blocking or a change in flavor.
The most modern espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at different temperatures, allowing you to continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly useful for cafes that are busy and require a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features that you will discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine are hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that are programmable for the type and quantity of cappuccino or coffee you are most likely to make. These features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is important. You can also find a coffee grinder integrated into the machine or connected to it, and the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty milk.
Repairs are easy
When it is time to choose a commercial espresso machine, reliability and repair ease are crucial factors. Commercial machines are designed to withstand the rigors of usage and are typically constructed with durable materials that last for years. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed from cheaper materials and can break down more quickly.
In addition to that, many commercial espresso machines are UL-listed and carry an NSF seal to be in compliance with health department and building standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly relevant for espresso machines that produce a large volume of drinks. It is also crucial to choose a machine that utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated. Each one has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.
It can be a challenge for a barista to master the manual espresso machine because they have to create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines are also not as frequent, which means they can be more difficult to locate parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines offer a good compromise between human-controlled control and mechanised consistency. The barista must grind and tamp the coffee 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 have the capability to dispense steam and hot water at the touch of a button. This can save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
It is important that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, no matter what type you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as its effectiveness. It may take some time for new staff to understand how to grind, tamp and extract shots properly however, the investment will pay off in time, as you can offer your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.