What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine which can be controlled the pre-infusion, which is essential for developing flavor and aroma. PID temperature control is an attribute that many coffee experts search for in a professional espresso machine.
If you are planning to hire baristas with little experience, you will need a machine that is easy to train. This is particularly important if you're looking to run a drive-thru coffee shop.
Easy to Use
This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed from its name, is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction as well as the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It also includes an instrument to help you measure water hardness, and an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the scale.
For home baristas this machine offers a great combination of manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro making a shot of espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with the size of the grind to adjust the grind size. Meanwhile, the manual steam wand is a straightforward method to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine also features an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use quick and convenient.
Although this model is designed for home use but it comes with some sophisticated features that distinguish it from espresso machines used by professionals. It has two boilers which allow the brewing function and steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this ensures the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at the beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is finished) 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 as well as faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also look for machines that can be opened to perform routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a machine that will be frequently used, as the constant usage can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested, for example, can be opened up to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Cleaning is easy
It is essential to keep the inside of a professional espresso machine clean. Over time coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits can accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning can prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow, optimum extraction pressure, and a good taste.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaner can help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with blind filters and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Backflushing is more efficient when you use the appropriate tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
For espresso drinkers who are frequent, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make routine maintenance much more simple. These reusable brushes are available in various shapes and sizes that can effectively clean different components of the machine, like ports, valves, and gaskets. The brushes are typically made of stainless steel and come with tiny holders that can be easily filled or replenished as required. Some tools even have an integrated reservoir to store the cleaning solution when it is not being used.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness particularly when they are employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce the taste of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush their system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners in getting rid of mineral buildup.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your company when selecting the ideal espresso machine. If you want to control the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings might be the best choice. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but would like to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker could be the best choice.
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 are more hands-off. You can tell this by taking a look at the level of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista some control, but not much automation. A fully automatic machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso drinks and other espresso-based drinks with just a single press of the button.
If you're purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you determine what size commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine that can keep up with the flow of orders.
You'll also have to think about how often you need to descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once a month using a combination of vinegar and warm water. If you don't descale regularly your machine, it may develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second to steam. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for busy cafes that require a variety of different types of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features that you will find on a more advanced espresso machine are a hot water dispenser as well as an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmable for the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you make most often. These features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is essential. best budget espresso machine may also find coffee grinders built into the machine or attached to it, and a nozzle for dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repair Ease
Durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are constructed of robust materials. They are more likely to come with warranties and other protections from damage. Espresso machines for home use on the other hand are typically constructed from cheaper materials and may break down more easily.
In addition the majority of espresso machines used in commercial establishments must be UL listed and have an NSF seal to ensure that they meet standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce an enormous amount of drinks. It is also essential to choose a machine that utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are various types of professional coffee machines including semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each type has its own pros and cons, but they all produce delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure using their own hands and arms, which can be a challenge to master. These machines aren't as popular and are more difficult to find replacement parts for in the event of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great compromise for those who want to control their machines, while ensuring consistency. The barista has to grind and tamp the beans however, the pump regulates water pressure and temperature to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however they also have the ability to dispense steam and hot water at the push of a button. This can save energy and time, and allow to increase the production capacity.
No matter what type of espresso machine you pick it is essential to teach your staff how to use it correctly. This will improve the quality of your coffee and increase its effectiveness. It may take some time for new staff to learn how grind, tamp and extract shots properly however, the investment will pay off in time by providing your customers consistently excellent cups of espresso.