What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine which can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important for developing aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you're planning to hire baristas with little experience, you'll require a machine you can quickly learn. This is crucial when you are planning to operate an open-air coffee shop.
Simple to Use
As you might have guessed from its name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction, as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam. It even comes with an experiment strip to help you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to help reduce the buildup of scale.
It's a great option for home baristas because it offers a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull a shot of coffee like a professional (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process while the manual steam wand allows you to make frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It also comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use quick and convenient.
While this model is intended to be used at home, there are some advanced features which set it apart from professional espresso machines. For example, it has dual boilers that permit the brewing and steam functions to be heated independently, so that each function can be maintained at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy explains that this way, the espresso is extracted using the correct pressure (which could vary from 4 bars to 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 leads to more consistent shots as well as faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also an excellent idea to choose machines that is able to be opened to perform regular maintenance and repairs, since espresso drinkers are often interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially important when it comes to a machine that is frequently used, since frequent use can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, can be opened to replace the brew group container and drip tray for fast and efficient cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has a lot of internal passages and chambers, making it important to keep them clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used, and water minerals can accumulate over time, impacting the quality of the final cup of espresso and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can eliminate these contaminants and ensure a consistent water flow and extraction pressure.
Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require regular backflushing, which entails blocking the portafilter using a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to effectively clean the shower head, group head screen and valves. Backflushing is easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
A reusable tool for cleaning the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso drinkers. These brushes are reusable and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean all components of the machine including gaskets, valves and ports. The brushes are typically made of stainless steel, and come with a small holder that can be filled and refillable as needed. Some tools have a built-in reservoir to keep the cleaning solution when not in use.
Descaling solutions can dramatically improve espresso machine performance and ease of operation, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce the 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.
When deciding on the best espresso machine, consider the features that are most important to you and your business. For instance, if would like to adjust the temperature of your water and brew size for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more flexible settings. On the other side, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machine could be the best choice.
Ease of Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Certain machines require more manual labor and others are more demanding. The way to determine is to look at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided 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 require less operator involvement, but still requires the operator to grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso and espresso-based beverages by pressing a single click of the button.
When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must consider the number of customers your business is expected to serve during peak times. This will help you determine which size commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll have to decide the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers suggest descale your coffee machine at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't descale regularly your machine, it could experience problems like clogging and a different flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines on the market come with a dual boiler system that has one boiler to brew and another for steaming. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is particularly useful for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve a wide range of different kinds of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features that you will discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine are hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that are programmable for the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you make most often. These can save time and money, especially in a high-volume setting where consistency is key. You may also find a coffee grinder integrated into the machine or connected to it, as well as an nozzle to dispensing hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are simple
The durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are built to withstand high usage and are typically constructed with durable materials that last for years. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines, on the other hand, are typically made with cheaper materials and may break down more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines need to be UL-listed and have a NSF seal to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines that produce large quantities of drinks. Select a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. Each machine type 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 hands and arms, which can be a challenge to master. These machines are also not as common, so they may be more difficult to locate parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a good compromise for those who want to maintain control over their machines, but still maintain the same quality. The barista 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 like semi-automatic ones, but they also have the ability to deliver steam and hot water at the push of the button. This can save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
espresso home machine is important that your staff knows how to operate the espresso machine, irrespective of the type you select. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots but it will pay off in the long run by providing your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.