What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that can be controlled the pre-infusion process, which is crucial for establishing flavor and aroma. PID temperature control is also an attribute that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine.
If you're planning on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll require an equipment that is simple to operate and easy to train new staff members on. This is especially important for those who want to run a drive-thru cafe.
Easy of Use
This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed from its name is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It comes with 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 to create microfoam, perfect for creating coffee art. It also has a test strip that helps you measure water hardness, and an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate scale.
For home baristas, it offers an excellent combination of manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro when pulling a shot of espresso (though there is a bit of learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you experiment with the grind size to fine-tune your process. In addition, the manual steam wand is a straightforward method to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine comes with an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use simple and convenient.
espresso machine sale Coffeee is important to note that although this model is primarily designed to be used at home however, it comes with some advanced features that differentiate it from other professional espresso machines. 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 precise temperature you want. McCarthy states that by doing this, the espresso is extracted at 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 leads to more consistent shots and faster recovery between each espresso cup.
You should also look for a machine which can be opened to perform regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a professional espresso machine that is frequently used since frequent use may lead to wear and tear on the parts. 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
A professional espresso machine has many chambers and internal passageways which is why it is important to keep them clean. Over time, grounds, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these contaminants and ensure a constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush that has bristles that reach crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter by a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to effectively clean the shower head, group head, screen, and valves. Backflushing is easier using the correct tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
For frequent espresso users, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes to efficiently clean the various parts of the machine, including ports, valves, and gaskets. The brushes are typically made of stainless steel and come with an holder that is small enough to be filled and replenished when required. Some tools include built-in reservoirs to keep the cleaning solution when not in use.
Descaling solutions improve the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness, especially when they are used in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and hinder water flow and reduce the overall taste of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak areas of the system. They are more effective in eliminating mineral buildup than citric acid.
When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your business. For instance, if want to be able to adjust the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific drinks, you might prefer a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for an occasional espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker may be ideal.
Ease of Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine is dependent on the model. Certain machines require more manual labor and others are more demanding. You can tell by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated, and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista some control, but they do not offer much automation. Fully automated machines require less operator involvement, but still requires the operator grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks with one button press.
If you're buying semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to consider the number of customers your company anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you decide what size commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic machine with enough capacity to keep up with the volume of orders.
You'll have to decide the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't descale regularly your machine, it may develop issues such as clogging or a change in flavor.
A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is for brewing, and the other 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 require a variety of types 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 user-programmable preferences for the type of cappuccino and coffee you use the most often. They can save you time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. There is also the possibility that the machine comes with an integrated or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty steamed milk.
Ease of Repair
When it comes to commercial espresso machines durability and ease of repair are crucial aspects. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are constructed of robust materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines however, are typically made with cheaper materials and may fail more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal 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 produce a high volume of drinks. It is also important to select a machine which makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automatic. Each machine type has its particular advantages and disadvantages however, all are designed to brew great 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 find parts for should something go wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines offer a good compromise between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista has to still grind and crush the beans, but the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however they are also able to dispensate hot and steam at the push of one button. This can help save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
It is essential that your staff members know how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of what type you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as its efficiency. It may take a while for new staff members to learn how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots but it will pay dividends in the long run by ensuring your customers get a consistently great cup of espresso.