What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that can be controlled the pre-infusion, which is essential to develop aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in an industrial machine.
If you plan on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll require a machine that is easy to use and easy to train new employees on. This is especially important when you're planning to operate a drive-thru cafe.
User-Friendliness
As you might have guessed from the name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction, and an automatic steam wand for creating microfoam, ideal to create coffee art. It even includes a test strip that helps you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
For home baristas this machine offers a great balance between manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro making an espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process, while the manual steam wand allows you to make foamy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. The machine also features a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use easy 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, that allow the brewing process and steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy says that by doing this the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can range 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 means more consistent shots and faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also recommended to look for machines that can be opened to carry out routine maintenance and repairs, because espresso enthusiasts often get interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that will be used frequently because frequent use could result in wear and tear on components. For instance, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is easy
It is essential to keep the interior of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may build up over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow and the highest extraction pressure and a good taste.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which entails blocking the portafilter using a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Utilizing the correct tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can improve the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance.
For espresso drinkers who are frequent, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much more simple. These brushes are reusable and come in various shapes and sizes to effectively clean various components of the machine, like valves, ports, and gaskets. The brushes are typically made of stainless steel, and include a small holder that can be easily filled or refillable whenever needed. Coffeee 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 use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce the flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush their system with these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners for getting rid of mineral buildup.
When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, take into account the features that are most important to you and your business. For example, if you would like to alter the temperature of your water and brew size for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more adjustable settings. If you're an avid espresso drinker who wants to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient way, a semiautomatic espresso maker or fully automated espresso maker could be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintaining your espresso machine is dependent on the model. Some machines require lots of hands-on work while others are more hands-off. It is evident by studying the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automated and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista a bit of control but they do not offer much control. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement from the operator, but still requires the operator grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is completely automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks with a single button press.
If you're buying a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, be sure to consider the number of customers your company anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you determine the size of commercial espresso machine to buy. If you are planning to serve 120 drinks between 8-10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic machine that can handle the amount of orders.
You'll have to decide the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale your coffee machine at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descale, your machine could develop issues such as clogging or a change in flavor.
The most modern espresso machines feature a dual boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at different temperatures, allowing you to continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for busy cafes that require a variety of different types of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features you may discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine include a hot water dispenser, an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that are programmable to the type and amount of cappuccino or coffee you typically make. These features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is essential. You can also find a coffee grinder built in the machine or attached to it, as well as the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are easy
Durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are built to withstand high use and are often made with durable materials that last for a long time. They are more likely to have warranties and other safeguards against damage. Espresso machines for home use, on the other hand are typically constructed from less expensive materials and could break down more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines require UL-listed and come with an NSF seal to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines which produce a large volume of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines, which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automated. Each one has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure using their own hands and arms, which can be a challenge to master. These machines are also less frequent, which means they can be more difficult to locate parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good alternative for those looking to keep control of their machines, but still maintain consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp the coffee beans, however, the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing hot water and steam at the push of one button. This helps save energy and time, and allow for a greater capacity of production.
It is crucial that your staff members know how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of what type you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to learn how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots, but this investment will pay dividends in the end by providing your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.