What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that can be controlled the pre-infusion, which is essential for establishing flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in an industrial machine.
If espresso maker plan to hire baristas with little experience, you will need an equipment that you can quickly train. This is important when you are planning to operate a drive-through coffee shop.
Simple to Use
As you might have guessed from the name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with an instrument to help you measure water hardness, and an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce the buildup of scale.
It's a great option for baristas at home because it is able to provide a balance of automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull a shot of espresso like professional baristas (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you experiment with the size of the grind to tweak your process. Meanwhile, the steam wand that you can use manually is a simple way to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
While this model is intended for home use, there are some advanced features that set it apart from espresso machines that are used by professionals. For example, it has dual boilers that permit steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, so each function can be kept at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy states that this way, the espresso is extracted with the right pressure (which can 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 and a faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also a good idea to choose an espresso machine that is able to be opened to perform regular maintenance and repairs, since espresso drinkers are often interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is especially important for a machine that is frequently used, as the constant usage can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested for example, can be opened up to replace the brew group basket and drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
It is important to keep the inside of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, used coffee grounds, and water minerals can accumulate over time, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can stop these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and the highest extraction pressure and a good taste.
A special cleaning brush with bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning solutions can help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter by using a blind filter and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Utilizing the correct tools and following the instructions of the manufacturer for backflushing can increase the overall cleanliness of espresso machines and maintenance.
A reusable tool to clean the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso users. These reusable brushes are available in various shapes and sizes and are designed to clean various parts of the machine like gaskets, valves, and ports. The brushes are typically made of stainless steel and have an holder that is small enough to be filled and refilled when needed. Some tools come with an integrated reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when it is not in use.
Descaling solutions can dramatically improve espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which block and reduce water flow, and reduce 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 in eliminating mineral buildup.
When deciding on the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your business. If you're looking to be in control of the temperature of your water as well as the brew volume for specific beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings could be the best option. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for a casual espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automatic espresso machine might be the ideal choice.
Ease of Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine depends largely on the model. Some machines require more manual work, while others are less demanding. It is evident by taking a look at the level of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated, and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista a bit of control but they do not offer much automation. Fully automated machines are 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 a single button press.
If you're purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to factor in the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you decide which size commercial espresso machine to buy. If you plan to serve 120 drinks daily from 8 to 10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic espresso system that can handle the volume of orders.
You'll also need to consider the frequency you should remove the scale from your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once per month with a mixture of 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 sophisticated espresso machines available feature a dual boiler, with one boiler to make espresso and another one for steaming. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at distinct temperatures, allowing you to continue to steam drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly useful for cafes that are busy and require a variety of varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you might discover in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and programmable user preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you are most likely to make. These features can save time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is essential. You may also find a coffee grinder built into the machine or connected to it, and an nozzle to dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repairs are simple
When it is commercial espresso machines, durability and ease of repair are crucial aspects. Commercial machines are built to withstand the rigors of use and are often made with durable materials that last for years. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections 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 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 is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that create a high volume of drinks. Choose a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are several different types of professional espresso machines which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automatic. Each machine type has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all are built to brew delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure with their hands and arms, which can be difficult to master. These machines are less common and can be difficult to find replacement parts for in the case of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide an excellent balance between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista has to still grind and tamp down the beans but the pump controls the water pressure and temperature so as to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines, but they are also able to dispensate hot and steam at the push of the button. This can help save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
Regardless of which type of espresso machine you select it is essential to instruct your staff on how to use it properly. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as its effectiveness. It might take a while for new staff members to learn how grind, tamp and extract the right shots however, the investment will pay off over time, as you can offer your customers consistently excellent cups of espresso.