What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion. This is crucial to develop flavor. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in an industrial machine.
If you're planning to hire baristas with little experience, you'll require a machine you can quickly train. This is especially important for those who want to run a drive-thru cafe.
Easy to Use
This professional espresso machine as you might have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It even includes an experiment strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
For home baristas this machine offers a great balance between manual and automatic operation, so you can feel like a pro when making an espresso (though there is a bit of an learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you to experiment with the grind size to tweak your process. Meanwhile, the steam wand manual is a simple way to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use simple and convenient.
It's worth mentioning that while this model is designed for home use, it has some advanced features that distinguish it from other professional espresso machines. For instance, it comes with dual boilers that permit steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be maintained at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy explains that by doing this espresso is extracted with the right pressure (which could vary from 4 bars to 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces 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 quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It's also recommended to look for a machine that is able to be opened to perform regular maintenance and repairs, because espresso enthusiasts often get fascinated by the inner workings of their equipment. This is especially important for a professional machine that will be used often, as frequent use can cause components to wear out. For instance the espresso machine we tested could be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
A professional espresso machine has a lot of chambers and internal passageways which is why it is important to keep them clean. Over time, coffee oils, used grounds, and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can stop these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water and the highest extraction pressure and a good taste.
A specialized cleaning brush that has bristles designed to get into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with blind filters and pushing water back through the system in order to clean the group head, shower screen, and valves. Backflushing is much easier if you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
For regular espresso drinkers, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much simpler. These reusable brushes are available in various shapes and sizes and are designed to clean various parts of the machine like ports, valves and gaskets. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel, and include tiny holders that can be filled with water or refillable when required. Some tools have a built-in reservoir to keep the cleaning solution in storage when not being used.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines and their ease of use especially when employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that clog and hinder water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system with these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners in getting rid of mineral buildup.
Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your company when choosing the best espresso machine. For example, if you want to be able to adjust the temperature of your water and brew size to suit certain beverages, you might prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. On the other hand, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and want a convenient way to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker might be the ideal choice.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine is dependent on the model. Some machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others require less hands-on. The best way to determine this is 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 much automation. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement of the operator, however it still requires the operator to grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks from a single button press.
If you are considering purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must take into consideration the number of customers your company is likely to serve during peak hours. This will help you decide what size of a commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the volume of orders.
You'll need to decide the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month using a mix of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it may be affected by issues like clogging or altered flavor.
Many of the most sophisticated espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler, with one boiler to brew and another for steaming. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at separate temperatures, which means you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly beneficial for cafes that are busy and have to serve a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you may discover in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot-water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle, and programmable user preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you make most frequently. These features can save you time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is important. You may also find that the machine comes with an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frothed steamed milk.
Repairs are easy
When it is time to choose a commercial espresso machine, durability and ease of repair are key aspects. Commercial machines are built to withstand heavy usage and are typically constructed with durable materials that last for years. They are more likely to have warranties as well as other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed from cheaper materials and are prone to break more quickly.
Many commercial espresso machines also need to be UL-listed and have a NSF seal in order to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly relevant for espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional coffee machines, including semi-automatic and fully automated. Each model has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are designed to brew great coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure with their own hands and arms, which can be difficult 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 machines offer a good balance between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp the beans, however, the pump regulates water pressure and temperature to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also can dispense steam and hot water at the touch of the button. This will save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
Whatever kind of espresso machine you pick it is crucial to instruct your staff on how to use it correctly. This will increase the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It may 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 long run by delivering your customers with consistently high-quality espresso.