What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine with the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is crucial for the development of flavor. PID temperature control is 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 require an equipment that is simple to use and quick to train new staff members on. This is especially important when you're planning to operate an drive-thru coffee shop.
User-Friendliness
This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed from its name, is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction, and the manual steam wand that is used for creating microfoam, ideal for creating coffee art. It also comes with test strips that help you measure water hardness as well as an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce the buildup of scale.
It is a great choice for home baristas since it is able to provide a balance of automatic and manually operated operation. You can make shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with the grind size to fine-tune your process. Additionally, the steam wand that you can use manually can be used to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use quick and simple.
While this model is intended to be used at home, there are some advanced features which set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. It has two boilers which permit the brewing function and steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy says that this way the espresso is extracted with the right pressure (which can vary between 4 bars and 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces the chance 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 an earlier recovery time between each espresso cup.
It's also an excellent idea to choose a machine that can be opened up to perform routine maintenance and repairs because espresso enthusiasts often get interested in the workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that is frequently used, as frequent use can lead to wear and tear on the parts. For example the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Ease of Cleaning
It is essential 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, impacting the quality of the final espresso cup and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can stop these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water, 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 cleaning products can help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require regular backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter with blind filters, and forcing water through the system to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Backflushing is much easier if you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
For regular espresso drinkers, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much easier. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes to efficiently clean various components of the machine, including valves, ports, and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel and have an holder that is small enough to be easily filled or refillable when needed. Some tools have a built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution while not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and reduce water flow, and reduce the overall taste of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush their system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners in eliminating mineral buildup.
Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your company when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. For instance, if want to be able to customize your water temperature and brew volume for certain beverages, you might prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more adjustable settings. If you're an avid espresso drinker who wants to enjoy great coffee at home in a comfortable way, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker may be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine largely on the type. Certain machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. You can tell by taking a 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 control, but not a great deal of automation. Fully automated machines require less involvement from the operator, but still requires the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso drinks and espresso-based drinks using one button press.
If you're purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the number of customers your company anticipates serving during peak hours. coffeee.uk will help you decide what size commercial espresso machine to buy. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine with enough capacity to keep up with the volume of orders.
It is also important to think about how often you'll need to descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling every month at least using a combination of warm water and vinegar. If you don't descale regularly, your machine could develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
The most modern espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for brewing, and the other to steam. This 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 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.
Other features that you can see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle, and programmable user preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you make most frequently. These features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is essential. You may also find that the machine comes with an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle to dispense hot or frosty steamed milk.
Repair Ease
When it is time to choose commercial espresso machines, reliability and repair ease are key aspects. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand heavy use and are constructed from robust materials. They are more likely to come with warranties as well as other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home, on the other hand, are typically made with less expensive materials and could fail more easily.
In addition to that, many commercial espresso machines have to be UL listed and carry an NSF seal to ensure that they meet standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. It is also important to select a machine that uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional coffee machines including semi-automatic and fully automated. Each machine type has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are designed to brew great coffee.
It can be a challenge for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, because they have to create the pressure by themselves using their hand and arm. They are also less frequent, which means they can be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a good option for those who wish to maintain control over their machines while still maintaining the same quality. The barista must grind and tamp the beans, but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models however they are also able to deliver hot and steam at the push of a button. This saves energy and time, and allow to increase the production capacity.
It is crucial that your staff understand how to use the espresso machine, no matter what type you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots, but this investment will pay off in the long run by ensuring your customers get consistently high-quality espresso.