What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion, which is essential for establishing aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you plan to hire baristas with little experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to train. This is important for those who plan to operate a drive through coffee shop.
Ease of Use
This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction as well as the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip to help you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to reduce scale buildup.
For baristas who are at home, it offers an excellent balance between manual and automatic operation, so you'll feel like a pro making an espresso (though there is 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 frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The machine comes with a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
It is important to note that although this model is primarily designed for use at home however, it comes with some advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines that are designed for professional use. For instance, it has dual boilers that allow the brewing and steam functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy explains that this ensures the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at beginning and 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.
You should also look for a machine which is able to be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is particularly important for a professional machine that is likely to be frequently used, since frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. For instance the espresso machine we tested could be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
A professional espresso machine has many chambers and internal passageways that are crucial to keep them clean. Coffee oils, used coffee grounds and water minerals may accumulate over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and the highest extraction pressure and a great flavor.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush with bristles that can reach into crevices, you can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter by using a blind filter, and forcing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Backflushing is more efficient when you use the appropriate tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
A reusable tool for cleaning the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso users. These brushes can be found in different shapes and sizes that can effectively clean different components of the machine, including ports, valves, and gaskets. They are usually made of stainless steel and include 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 when not being used.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines as well as their ease of use, especially when they are employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce the flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners for getting rid of mineral buildup.
Take into consideration the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the best espresso machine. If you want to be in control of the temperature of your water and the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings might be the best choice. If you're an avid espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a comfortable manner, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker could be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The kind of espresso machine you own will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. You can tell this by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines offer barista the control, but does not provide a great deal of automation. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement from the operator, but still requires that the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and make espresso and espresso-based beverages with just a single press of the button.
When you purchase a semiautomatic, or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must consider the number of customers that your business is expected to serve during peak hours. This will help you determine what size of a commercial espresso machine you should purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks from 8-10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic espresso system capable of handling the volume of orders.
You'll also need to consider how often you'll need to clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descale your coffee machine at least once every week with vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descale your machine, it may develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
espresso machines for home Coffeee of the most advanced espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler, with one boiler to make espresso and another one for steaming. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly useful for busy cafes that require a variety of different varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features that you can find in more advanced espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser as well as an automatic rinsing process and programmable user preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you are most likely to make. These features will save you time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. You may also find that the machine has an integrated or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle to dispense hot or frothed steamed milk.
Repairs are easy
The durability and ease of maintenance are important factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand heavy usage and are made of durable materials. These machines are more likely to have warranties as well as other protections against damage. Espresso machines for home use on the other hand are usually constructed with cheaper materials and may break down more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially true for espresso machines which produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also crucial to choose a machine that utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines including semi-automatic and fully automated. Each model has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, but all are designed to brew great coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure with their hands and arms which can be a challenge to master. They are also less frequent, which means they can be more difficult to locate parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide a good compromise between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista must still grind and tamp down the beans however the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however, they also have the capability to dispense steam and hot water at the push of the button. This can save time and energy and allows for greater production capacity.
It is important that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the model you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It could take some time 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.