What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine which can control pre-infusion, which is important for developing aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you are planning to hire baristas with no experience, you'll need a machine you can quickly learn. This is particularly important when you're planning to operate an drive-thru coffee shop.
Simple to Use
This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed by its name is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter, digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and the manual steam wand that is used for creating microfoam, ideal for creating coffee art. 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 a fantastic combination of manual and automatic operation, so you'll feel like a pro when making a shot of espresso (though there is a bit of a learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process while the manual steam wand allows you to create frosty milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. The machine comes with a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and easy.
While this model is intended for use at home however, it has some advanced features which set it apart from 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 precise temperature that is desired. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the proper pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at beginning to 14-16 bars when 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 leads to more consistent shots and a quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for a machine which is able to be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that will be used frequently because frequent use could result in wear and tear on components. For instance the espresso machine we tested could be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Simple
A professional espresso machine has many chambers and passageways inside that are crucial to keep them clean. Over time, grounds, coffee oils and water mineral deposits may 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 guarantee a constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush that has bristles that reach crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Utilizing the correct tools and following the manufacturer's guidelines for backflushing can increase overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.
For espresso drinkers who are frequent, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These brushes are reusable and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed to clean different parts of the machine like gaskets, valves and ports. They are typically made of stainless steel, and include tiny holders that can be easily filled or refilled as required. Some tools have an internal reservoir that can be used to keep the cleaning solution when not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce espresso taste. These products can be used to backflush or soak areas of the system. They are more effective in eliminating mineral buildup than citric acids.
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 quantity of brew for specific drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings might be the best option. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for an avid espresso drinker but want a convenient way to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso machine could be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you own will determine how easy it is to maintain. Some machines require more manual work while others are less demanding. The way to tell is by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines allow 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 the operator to grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are completely automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks with a single button press.
If you're purchasing a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the number of customers your business 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 from 8-10 AM, then you'll need a semi-automatic espresso machine that can handle the amount of orders.
You'll need to decide when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once a month using a combination of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it might cause issues like blocking or a change in flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler with one boiler used for brewing and another for steaming. The steam wand is 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 have to serve a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features that you can see in more sophisticated espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you are most likely to make. These can save time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is essential. You can also find coffee grinders built into the machine or connected to it, and a nozzle for dispensing hot or frosty milk.
Repair Ease
When it comes to a commercial espresso machine durability and ease of repair are key factors. Commercial machines are designed to withstand high use and are usually constructed of durable materials that can last for a long time. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines for home use are typically constructed from cheaper materials and may break down more easily.
Additionally to coffee and espresso maker , many commercial espresso machines are UL-listed and have an NSF seal to ensure that they meet standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. It is also important to select a machine that uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.
There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines, including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each has its own pros and cons but they all make delicious coffee.
It can be a challenge for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, since they must create the pressure by themselves using their arms and hands. These machines are less common and may be harder to find replacement parts for in the case of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great option for those who wish to control their machines, but still maintain the same quality. The barista must still grind and grind the beans, however the pump regulates the water pressure and temperature so as to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are like semi-automatic ones however they are also able to dispensate hot and steam at the touch of one button. This can save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
Regardless of which type of espresso machine you pick, it is important to train your staff to use it correctly. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff to learn how grind, tamp and extract shots correctly, but the investment will pay off in time by providing your customers consistently excellent cups of espresso.