10 Of The Top Facebook Pages Of All-Time About Professional Espresso Machine
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine which can be controlled the pre-infusion, which is essential for developing flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you plan to hire baristas with no experience, you will need a machine that is easy to train. This is particularly important for those who want to run a drive-thru coffee shop.
Simple to Use

This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed from its name is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction and a manual steam wand to create microfoam. It even includes an experiment strip to help you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to reduce scale buildup.
It's a great option for home baristas since it is able to provide a balance of manual and automatic operation. You can make a shot of coffee like a professional (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you experiment with the grind size to fine-tune your process. Meanwhile, the steam wand that you can use manually is a straightforward method to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine comes with an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and easy.
It's worth mentioning that while this model is intended for home use, it has some advanced features that distinguish it from other espresso machines that are designed for professional use. It has two boilers that allow the brewing process and steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be kept at the exact temperature that is desired. professional espresso machine coffeee.uk explains that this ensures the espresso is extracted at the proper pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at beginning and 14-16 bars when finished) while minimizing the risk 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 means more consistent shots and a faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also recommended to look for machines that can be opened to carry out regular maintenance and repairs, because espresso lovers are frequently interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a professional espresso machine that is frequently used since frequent use may cause wear and tear on parts. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, can be opened to replace the brew group basket and drip tray for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is easy
A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and internal passageways that are important to keep them 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 and the highest extraction pressure and good flavor.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush that has bristles that penetrate into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaner can also help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to effectively clean the shower head, group head screen and valves. Backflushing is much easier if you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
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 sizes and shapes to efficiently clean various components of the machine, like valves, ports, and gaskets. The brushes are typically made of stainless steel and include an holder that is small enough to be easily filled or replenished as needed. Some tools even have a small, built-in reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when not being used.
Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce the flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at getting rid of mineral buildup.
When choosing the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important for you and your business. If you'd like to control the temperature of your water as well as the the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings might be the best choice. If you're an avid espresso drinker and would like to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient way, a semi-automatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker could be the best option.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine largely on the type. Certain machines require more manual work, while others are less demanding. The best way to determine this is to examine the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista some control but they do not offer much automation. Fully automated machines are less hands-on, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and create espresso and espresso-based drinks with a single push of the button.
If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the amount of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide which size commercial espresso machine to buy. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll need to buy a semi-automatic machine with enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll also need to consider the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once per month using a mix of vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it could be affected by issues like clogging or altered flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler that has one boiler for brewing and another to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at distinct temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are brewing. This is especially useful for busy cafes that require a variety of different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.
Some of the other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine are hot water dispensers as well as an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmable for the type and quantity of coffee or cappuccino that you typically make. These features can save time and money, especially in a high-volume setting where consistency is key. There is also a coffee grinder integrated into the machine or connected to it, as well as a nozzle for dispensing hot or frosty milk.
Repair Ease
Maintenance-free and durability are crucial when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are made of durable materials. They are more likely to have warranties and other protections from damage. Espresso machines for home use on the other hand are typically constructed from lesser-quality materials and can fail more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also need to be UL-listed and come with an NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. Choose a machine that is made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines such as semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all are designed to brew great coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure using their own hand and arm which can be a challenge to master. They are also less common, so they may be more difficult to locate parts for should something go wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide an ideal compromise between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista still has to grind and grind the beans, but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however they also have the capability to deliver steam and hot water at the push of a button. This helps save energy and time and allows for a greater capacity of production.
No matter what type of espresso machine you select it is crucial to train your staff to use it properly. This will enhance your coffee's quality and efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to learn how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots however, this investment will pay dividends in the long run by providing your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.