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. PID temperature control is also a feature that coffee experts are looking for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need an equipment that is simple to use and easy to train new staff members on. This is important for those who plan to operate a drive through coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you could have guessed from its name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans right into the portafilter, digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction, and the manual steam wand that is used to create microfoam for creating coffee art. It also comes with test strips that help you determine the hardness of water and an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce the scale.
It's a great option for home baristas since it offers a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you to experiment with the grind size to adjust the grind size. Additionally the steam wand that you can use manually is a straightforward method to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also features a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use easy and convenient.
It is important to note that although this model is primarily designed to be used at home but it also has advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines for professional use. It has dual boilers, which allow the brewing function and steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be maintained at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this helps ensure that the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at the beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is 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 results in more consistent shots and a quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for an espresso machine that 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 crucial for a machine that is frequently used, since frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. For instance, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is easy
It is crucial to keep the inside of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals can build up over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and the 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 good taste.
A special cleaning brush that has bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn stains. Regular use of a cleaner can help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. Additionally, some espresso machines require regular backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter with blind filters and pushing water back through the system in order to clean the shower head, group head, screen and valves. Using the proper tools and following the instructions of the manufacturer for backflushing can enhance the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso drinkers. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean various components of the machine including ports, valves and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel and include a small holder for the cleaning solution, which is simple to refill or fill up as required. Some tools even feature an integrated reservoir to store the cleaning solution after it has been being used.
Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that block and reduce water flow, and reduce the overall taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners in getting rid of mineral buildup.
When choosing the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important for you and your business. For instance, if you want to be able to customize your water temperature and brew volume for certain beverages, you might prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more flexible settings. On the other side, if you're a casual espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso maker might be the ideal choice.
Easy Maintenance
The kind of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Certain machines require more manual work, while others are less demanding. You can tell this by taking a look at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic fully automatic, and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista some control but they do not offer much automation. A fully automated machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks from one button press.
If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you decide the size of an commercial espresso machine to 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 with enough capacity to keep up with the volume of orders.
You'll have to decide when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers suggest descale your coffee maker at least once a week using vinegar and warm water. If you don't descale regularly, your machine could develop issues such as clogging or a change in flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines available have a dual boiler system that has one boiler to make espresso and another one to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at distinct temperatures, allowing you to continue to steam drinks while your shots are being made. link web page is particularly beneficial for cafes that are busy and require a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features you may get on a higher-end espresso machine include 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. They can save you time and money, especially in a high-volume setting where consistency is crucial. You may also find that the machine has a built-in or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle for dispense hot or frosty steamed milk.
Repair Ease
When it comes to a commercial espresso machine the durability and ease of maintenance are crucial aspects. Commercial espresso machines are designed 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. Home espresso machines are usually constructed of less expensive materials and are prone to break more quickly.
Many commercial espresso machines require UL-listed and have a NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines which produce a significant amount of drinks. Choose a machine that is constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemical leaching into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automated. Each type has its own advantages, but they all produce delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure using their own hands and arms, which can be a challenge to master. They are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide a good balance between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp 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 models. However they also can dispense hot water and steam at the push of one button. This can save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
No matter what type of espresso machine you choose it is essential to instruct your staff on how to use it properly. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as its effectiveness. It could take some time for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots, but this investment will pay dividends in the end by delivering your customers with consistently high-quality espresso.