What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll require a machine that has the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is essential for the development of flavor. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in an industrial machine.
If you plan to hire baristas with little experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to train. This is essential if you plan to run a drive through coffee shop.
Simple to Use
As you could have guessed from the name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control for optimal extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also has test strips that help you measure the water's hardness and an AquaClean filtration system to reduce the buildup of scale.
It's a great option for home baristas because it provides a balance between manual and automatic operation. You can take a shot of coffee like professional baristas (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows 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 dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use easy and easy.
Although this model is designed for home use however, it has some advanced features which set it apart from espresso machines that are used by professionals. It has two boilers that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be maintained at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy states that this way, the espresso is extracted with the correct pressure (which can range between 4 bars and 14-16 bar at the end) and minimizes 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 an earlier recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for an espresso machine that can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the internal workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a professional espresso machine that is frequently used because frequent use could lead to wear and tear on parts. The espresso machine we tested for example, can be opened to replace the brew group container and drip tray for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
It is important to keep the interior of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Over time grounds, 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 will prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water, optimum extraction pressure, and a great flavor.
Using a specialized group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product can help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with a blind filter, and forcing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can increase the overall cleanliness of espresso machines and maintenance.
For regular espresso drinkers, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much more simple. These reusable brushes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes to efficiently clean various components of the machine, such as valves, ports, and gaskets. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel and have a small holder that can be filled and refillable whenever required. Some tools come with an in-built reservoir for storing the cleaning solution after it has been being used.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness especially when utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that clog and impair water flow and decrease the overall taste of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system using these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners for getting rid of mineral buildup.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. For instance, if wish to adjust the temperature of your water and brew size to suit specific drinks, you might prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. On the other side, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and want a convenient way to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker might be the ideal choice.
Maintenance Ease
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine is dependent on the type. Some machines require more manual work while others are less demanding. The best way to determine this is by looking at the degree 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 control. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement of the operator, however it still requires the operator grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and create espresso and espresso-based drinks with a single push of the button.
When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you should consider the number of customers that your company is likely to serve during peak times. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you intend to serve 120 drinks from 8-10 AM, then you will need a semi-automatic espresso machine capable of handling the volume of orders.
You'll need to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling every month at least with a mixture of vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descale, your machine could develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
Many of the most sophisticated espresso machines available come with a dual boiler system that has one boiler for brewing and another for steaming. home espresso machine allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at distinct temperatures, which means you can continue to steam drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly beneficial for busy cafes who have to serve a variety of varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you may see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle, and programmable user preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you use the most often. These features can save time and money, especially in a high-volume setting where consistency is essential. There is also the possibility that the machine has an integrated or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frozen steaming milk.
Repairs are simple
Maintenance-free and durability are important factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are built to withstand high usage and are typically constructed using durable materials that last for years. They are more likely to have warranties and other safeguards against damage. Home espresso machines 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 in order to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also essential to select a machine which utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.
There are several different types of professional espresso machines, including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each type has its own pros and cons however, they all make delicious coffee.
It can be a challenge for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, because they have to create the pressure themselves with their arms and hands. These machines aren't as common and are more difficult to find replacement parts for in the case of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide an ideal compromise between human-controlled control and mechanised consistency. The barista still has to grind and grind the beans, but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines, but they also have the capability to dispense steam and hot water at the push of one button. This can save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
It is essential that your staff knows how to operate the espresso machine, no matter the model you choose. This will increase your coffee's quality and 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 long run by ensuring your customers get consistently high-quality espresso.