What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion process, which is crucial to develop flavor and aroma. PID temperature control is an option that many coffee experts search for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you plan on hiring baristas with no experience, you'll require a machine that is easy to use and easy to train new employees on. This is crucial for those who plan to operate a drive-through coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you could have guessed from the name the professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam for creating coffee art. It even includes an experiment strip to help you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to help reduce the buildup of scale.
It is an excellent choice for baristas at home because it is able to provide a balance of manual and automatic operation. You can make a shot of coffee like professional baristas (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you to play around with the grind size to tweak your process. Meanwhile the steam wand that you can use manually is a straightforward method to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use simple and easy.
It's worth mentioning that while this model is primarily designed for use at home, it has some advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines for professional use. For instance, 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 ensures the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at the beginning to 14-16 bars when finished) while minimizing the chance of over-extraction.
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.
You should also look for a machine which is able to be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a professional machine that is likely to be frequently used, as the constant usage can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, can be opened up to replace the brew group basket and drip tray for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has numerous internal passages and chambers, making it crucial to keep them clean. Over time grounds, coffee oils and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these contaminants and ensure a steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that can reach into crevices, you can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product can help break down and dissolve coffee ground particles, oils, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using a blind filter, and forcing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Backflushing is easier using the correct tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
For frequent espresso users, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much simpler. These reusable brushes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean various components of the machine including ports, valves and gaskets. They are typically made from stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution, which is easy to fill or refill when required. Some tools even have a small, built-in reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when it is not in use.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that block and hinder water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak components of the system. They are more effective in getting rid of the buildup of minerals than citric acids.
Think about the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the best espresso machine. If you're looking to be in control of the temperature of your water and the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings may be the best choice. On the other side, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automatic espresso machine may be ideal.
Maintenance Ease
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine is dependent on the type. Certain machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others require less hands-on. It is evident by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic fully automated and super-automatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista control but not a great deal of automation. A fully automated machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso drinks and espresso-based drinks using just a single press.
If you are considering purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you should consider the number of customers your company is likely to serve during peak hours. This will help you determine the size of commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine with enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll need to determine how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once a month using a mix of vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it might cause issues like obstruction or altered flavor.
Many of the more advanced espresso machines available come with a dual boiler system with one boiler used to make espresso and another one for steaming. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head, allowing you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is particularly useful for cafes that are busy and require a variety of varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
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 cappuccino or coffee you typically make. These features can save you time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. You may also find that the machine has an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle for dispense hot or frosty steamed milk.
Ease of Repair
When it is time to choose commercial espresso machines, reliability and repair ease are crucial factors. 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 for home use on the other hand, are typically made with cheaper materials and may be more susceptible to breaking down.
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 help ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines that produce an enormous amount of drinks. Select a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemicals leaching into coffee.
There are several different types of professional espresso machines including semi-automatic, manual and fully automated. Each model has its particular advantages and disadvantages however, all are designed to brew great coffee.
It can be difficult for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, as they must create the pressure themselves with their arms and hands. They are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a good compromise for those who want to control their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista has to grind and tamp the beans but the pump controls water pressure and temperature to prevent over-extraction.
Fully- espresso machine with frother are like semi-automatic ones however, they also have the ability to dispensate hot and steam at the touch of the button. This can help save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
It is important that your staff understand how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of what type you choose. This will increase the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots however, this investment will pay off in the long run by ensuring your customers get consistently excellent cups of espresso.