What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that has the ability to control pre-infusion, which is important for establishing flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you plan to hire baristas who have no experience, you will need a machine you can quickly learn. This is particularly important when you're planning to operate a drive-thru coffee shop.
Easy of Use
This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed from its name is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam, perfect for creating coffee art. It even includes a test strip that helps you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to prevent scale buildup.
It is a great choice for baristas at home because it provides a balance between manual and automatic operation. You can pull shots of coffee as professional baristas (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in grinder permits you to experiment with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process, while the steam wand manual allows you to make foamy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The machine also has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after each use quick and easy.
It's worth mentioning that while this model is intended for use at home but it also has advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines for professional use. It has two boilers which permit the brewing function and the steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be kept at the precise temperature that is desired. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the proper pressure (which varies from 4 bars at the 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.
It's also a good idea to find a machine that can be opened to perform routine maintenance and repairs since espresso drinkers are often interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a machine that is likely to be used often, as frequent use can cause components to wear out. The espresso machine we tested for instance, is able to be opened up to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for fast and efficient cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and internal passageways that are essential to keep them clean. Over time, grounds used for coffee, coffee oils and water mineral deposits can accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning can stop these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow, optimum extraction pressure, and a good taste.
Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that can reach into crevices, you can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning products can aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter using a blind filter, and forcing water through the system 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.
A reusable tool for cleaning the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These brushes can be found in various shapes and sizes to effectively clean various components of the machine, like valves, ports and gaskets. These brushes are usually constructed of stainless steel and have tiny holders that can be filled with water or replenished whenever needed. Some tools come with an integrated reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when not being used.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce espresso taste. Users can either soak parts or backflush their system with these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at getting rid of mineral buildup.
When deciding on the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your company. If you'd like to control the temperature of your water as well as the quantity of brew for specific drinks, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings might be the best choice. If you're a casual espresso drinker and would like to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient manner, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker might be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintaining your espresso machine largely on the model. Certain machines require a lot of hands-on work; others are more hands-off. It is evident by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automatic, and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista the control, but does not provide a great deal of automation. Fully automated machines require less operator involvement, but still requires the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and create espresso and espresso-based drinks with just a single press of the button.
If you're purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the number of customers your business anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you determine what size commercial espresso machine to buy. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll want to buy a semi-automatic machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the flow of orders.
You'll have to decide how often you should descale your machine. espresso coffee machine uk suggest descale your coffee maker at least twice every week with warm water and vinegar. 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 come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is for making coffee, and the second to steam. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head, allowing you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly beneficial for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve many different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Some of the other features you can get on a higher-end espresso machine are hot water dispensers and an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmable to the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you are most likely to make. These features can save time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is essential. It is possible that the machine comes with a built-in or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle to dispense hot or frozen steamed milk.
Repair Ease
Maintenance-free and durability are crucial when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are constructed of sturdy materials. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines for home use however are typically constructed from lesser-quality materials and can be more susceptible to breaking down.
Many commercial espresso machines need to be UL-listed and come with an NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially true for espresso machines which produce a lot of drinks. Choose a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated. Each type of machine has its particular advantages and disadvantages however, all are designed to make delicious coffee.
It can be a challenge for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, since they must create the pressure by themselves using their hand and arm. These machines aren't as popular and may be harder to locate replacement parts for in the event of an issue.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide an ideal compromise between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista has to still grind and grind the beans, but the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however, they also have the capability to deliver hot and steam at the push of a button. This helps save time and energy and allows to increase the production capacity.
It is important that your staff members know how to use the espresso machine, no matter the model you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It may take some time for new staff to learn how to grind, tamp and extract shots correctly However, the investment will pay off in time, as you can offer your customers consistently excellent cups of espresso.