What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that has the ability to regulate the pre-infusion. This is essential for developing flavor. PID temperature control is an option that many coffee experts look for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you're planning to hire baristas with no experience, you'll require an equipment that you can quickly learn. This is especially important if you're looking to run a drive-thru coffee shop.
Simple to Use
As you might have guessed from its name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans right into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam for making coffee art. It even comes with a test strip to help you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home, it offers an excellent balance between manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro when making an espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in grinder allows you to experiment with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process while the steam wand manual allows you to make foamy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. espresso coffee machines Coffeee has a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
It is important to note that although this model is intended for home use however, it comes with some advanced features that set it apart from other professional espresso machines. It has two boilers, that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be kept at the precise temperature you want. McCarthy explains that this helps ensure that the espresso is extracted at the proper pressure (which varies from 4 bars at beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is completed) while minimizing the risk 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 an earlier recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also a good idea to look for a machine that is able to be opened to carry out routine maintenance and repairs since espresso drinkers are often fascinated by the inner workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for a machine that is frequently used, since frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. For example 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 passageways inside, making it important to keep them clean. Over time, coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits can accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can stop the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent flow of water and optimum extraction pressure and a good taste.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush that has bristles that penetrate into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product can help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter using blind filters and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Backflushing is much easier using the correct tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso users. These brushes are reusable and come in various shapes and sizes that can effectively clean various components of the machine, including valves, ports and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution, which is easy to refill or fill when required. Some tools come with built-in reservoirs to keep the cleaning solution when not in use.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness particularly when they are employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that block 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 eliminating mineral buildup.
Think about the features that matter most to you and your business when selecting the ideal espresso machine. If you want to control the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific beverages such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings could be the best choice. On the other side, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso maker may be ideal.
Easy Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you own will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require lots of hands-on work; others are more hands-off. The best way to determine this is to look at the level of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista a bit of control but not much automation. A fully automatic machine requires less operator involvement, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can create espresso and espresso-based drinks by pressing a single click of one button.
If you're buying semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the number of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide what size of a commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll need to buy a semi-automatic machine that can keep up with the volume of orders.
You'll need to determine 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 regularly descal your machine, it might develop issues such as blocking or a change in flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is for making coffee, and the second for steaming. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is particularly beneficial for cafes with a lot of customers who require a variety of kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine include hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmable for the type and quantity of coffee or cappuccino that you typically make. These features can save time and money, especially 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 for dispense hot or frosty steaming milk.
Repairs are easy
When it is commercial espresso machines, the durability and ease of maintenance are important factors. Commercial machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are usually constructed with durable materials that last for a long time. These machines are more likely to come with warranties and other protections from damage. Espresso machines at home are typically made of cheaper materials and may break down more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as have a NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that produce a high volume of drinks. Select a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemicals leaching into coffee.
There are a variety of professional coffee machines, like semi-automatic or fully automated. Each has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure with their own hands and arms which can be difficult to master. These machines aren't as popular and may be harder to find replacement parts for in the event of an issue.
Semi-automatic espresso machines offer a good compromise between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista has to still grind and grind the beans, but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water so as to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models, but they are also able to deliver hot and steam at the touch of one button. This can save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
It is important that your staff members know how to use the espresso machine, regardless of the model you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee and increase 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 off in the long run by delivering your customers with consistently high-quality espresso.