What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important to develop aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you plan on hiring baristas with no experience, you'll require a machine that's easy to operate and easy to train new employees on. This is essential if you plan to run an open-air coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you might have guessed from the name the professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction as well as the manual steam wand that is used to create microfoam, perfect for making coffee art. It also includes a test strip that helps you determine the hardness of water and an AquaClean filtration system to reduce scale.
It is a great choice for baristas at home because it provides a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull a shot of coffee like professional baristas (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in grinder permits you to play around with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process, while the manual steam wand allows you to make frosty milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. It also comes with a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use simple and simple.
It is important to note that although this model is designed to be used at home however, it comes with some advanced features that distinguish it from other professional espresso machines. It has two boilers which permit the brewing function and steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy explains that this way, the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which can vary between 4 bars and 14-16 bar at the end) and minimizes 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 results in more consistent shots, as well as a quicker recovery time between each espresso cup.
It is also recommended to find machines that can be opened to perform regular 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 likely to be frequently used, as the constant usage can cause parts to wear out. For example the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
It is essential to keep the inside of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Coffee oils, used coffee grounds and water minerals can build up over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these contaminants and ensure a constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specialized cleaning brush that has bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning solutions can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using blind filters and pushing water back through the system to clean the group head, shower screen, and valves. Backflushing is more efficient if you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
For espresso drinkers who are frequent, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make regular maintenance much simpler. These brushes can be found in various sizes and shapes to efficiently clean various components of the machine, including ports, valves and gaskets. They are typically constructed of stainless steel and have a small holder that can be filled with water or replenished as needed. Some tools come with a small, built-in reservoir for storing the cleaning solution after it has been in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce espresso taste. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners in getting rid of mineral buildup.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the best espresso machine. If you want to control the temperature of your water as well as the the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings may be the best option. If you are a casual espresso-drinker and want to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a comfortable manner, a semiautomatic espresso maker or fully automated espresso maker may be the best option.
Maintenance Ease
The type of espresso machine you own will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others require less hands-on. You can tell by studying the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic fully automated and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista a bit of control but they do not offer much automation. A fully automatic machine requires less operator involvement, but still requires that the operator grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks from one button press.
When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine you must consider the number of customers your business expects to serve during peak hours. This will help you determine the size of an commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic machine with enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll also need to consider the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers suggest descale your coffee maker at least twice a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't descale regularly your machine, it may develop issues like clogging and altered flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second for steaming. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is especially useful for cafes with a lot of customers who require a variety of different types of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features you can find on a more advanced espresso machine are hot water dispensers as well as an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmable for the type and quantity of cappuccino or coffee you typically make. These features can save time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is key. There is also the possibility that the machine has an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty steaming milk.
Repair Ease
The durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are constructed from sturdy materials. These machines are more likely to come with warranties as well as other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home, on the other hand are usually constructed with lesser-quality materials and can fail more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as have a NSF seal in order to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines which produce a lot of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automated. Each type of machine has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are built to brew great coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure with their own hand and arm, which can be a challenge to master. They are also less frequent, which means they can be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great alternative for those looking to keep control of their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista still has to grind and grind the beans, however the pump regulates the water pressure and temperature 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 the button. This helps save time and energy and allows for a greater capacity of production.
It is crucial that your staff knows how to operate the espresso machine, irrespective of what type you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee and increase its effectiveness. It might take a while for new staff members to master 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.