What to Look For in coffee and espresso maker 'll require a machine that has the capability to regulate the pre-infusion. This is important for developing flavor. PID temperature control is also an option that coffee experts are looking for in a professional espresso machine.
If you're planning to hire baristas with little experience, you'll need a machine you can quickly train. This is especially crucial if you're looking to run an drive-thru coffee shop.
Ease of Use
This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed by its name is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam, perfect for making coffee art. It also comes with a test strip to help you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale.
It's a great option for baristas at home because it is able to provide a balance of the manual and automated operation. You can make shots of coffee as professional baristas (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with the size of the grind 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 a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use simple and easy.
Although this model is designed for home use, there are some advanced features that set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. For example, it has dual boilers that permit the steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function is kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy states that by doing this the espresso is extracted with 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 between each cup of espresso.
You should also consider machines that can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the internal workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important for a professional espresso machine that will be used frequently since frequent use may result in wear and tear on components. For example the espresso machine we tested could be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
A professional espresso machine has numerous 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 can eliminate these contaminants and ensure a constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
A special cleaning brush that has bristles designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning solution can aid in breaking down and dissolve coffee ground particles, oils, and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using blind filters and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Utilizing the correct tools and following the instructions of the manufacturer for backflushing can improve overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.
For frequent espresso users, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much simpler. These reusable brushes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and are designed to clean various parts of the machine like gaskets, valves and ports. They are usually made of stainless steel, and come with a small holder for the cleaning solution which is easy to refill or fill as required. Some tools even feature an in-built reservoir for storing the cleaning solution after it has been being used.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that clog and impair water flow and reduce the overall taste of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak components of the system. They are more effective in eliminating the buildup of minerals than citric acids.
Think about the features that are most important to you and your business when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. For instance, if you would like to adjust the temperature of your water and brew size to suit certain beverages, you might prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more adjustable settings. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for a casual espresso drinker and want a convenient way to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso maker might be the ideal choice.
Ease of Maintenance
The ease of maintaining your espresso machine depends largely on the type. Certain machines require more manual labor and others are more demanding. The way to tell is by looking at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic fully automated and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista some control, but not much automation. A fully automatic machine is less hands-on but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso drinks and other espresso-based drinks by pressing a single click of a button.
If you are considering purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine you must consider the number of customers that your business expects to serve during peak times. This will help you determine which size commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll want to buy a semi-automatic machine that can keep up with the volume of orders.
You'll also have to think about the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee machine at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly descale your machine, it may develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for making espresso, while the other is to steam. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is particularly beneficial for cafes with a lot of customers who have to serve a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features that you will find on a more advanced espresso machine are hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmable for the type and quantity of coffee or cappuccino that you make most often. These features can save time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. You can also find a coffee grinder built into the machine or attached to it, and a nozzle for dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repairs are simple
When it is time to choose a commercial espresso machine, durability and ease of repair are crucial aspects. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand heavy use and are constructed from sturdy materials. They are more likely to come with warranties and other safeguards against damage. Home espresso machines are usually made of cheaper materials and are prone to break more easily.
In addition to that, many commercial espresso machines must be UL listed and have an NSF seal to ensure that they meet standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that make large quantities of drinks. It is also essential to select a machine which 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 automatic. Each one has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
It can be difficult for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, since they must create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great option for those who wish to maintain control over their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista has to still grind and tamp down the beans but the pump regulates the water pressure and temperature so as to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models however they also have the ability to deliver steam and hot water at the push of one button. This helps save energy and time, and allow for a greater capacity of production.
It is important that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, no matter what type you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It may take a while for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots but it will pay off in the long run by delivering your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.