Don't Buy Into These "Trends" About Professional Espresso Machine
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 a feature that coffee experts are looking for in a professional espresso machine.
If you're planning to hire baristas with little experience, you'll require a machine that is easy to train. This is crucial when you are planning to operate an open-air coffee shop.
Easy of Use
This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a digital temperature control for optimal extraction as well as the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip to help you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to reduce the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home this machine offers a great balance between manual and automatic operation, so you'll feel like a pro making an espresso (though there is a bit of a learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the size of the grind to tweak your process. Meanwhile, the steam wand manual can be used to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine has an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use easy and easy.
While this model is intended to be used at home but it comes with some sophisticated features which set it apart from espresso machines that are used by professionals. For instance, it has dual boilers that allow steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, so each function is kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy says that this way the espresso is extracted using the right pressure (which could vary between 4 bars and 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 results in more consistent shots, and an earlier recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also an excellent idea to choose machines that can be opened up to perform regular maintenance and repairs, since espresso drinkers are often interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is especially important for a professional espresso machine that is used regularly because frequent use could result in wear and tear on parts. The espresso machine we tested, for example, can be opened to replace the brew group container and drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
It is crucial to keep the inside of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Coffee oils, used coffee grounds and water minerals may build up over time, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water, optimum extraction pressure, and a good taste.
A specially designed cleaning brush with bristles designed to get into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product can aid in breaking down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Backflushing is much easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso users. These brushes are reusable and come in various shapes and sizes to effectively clean different components of the machine, including valves, ports, and gaskets. These brushes are usually constructed of stainless steel and include tiny holders that can be easily filled or refillable whenever required. Some tools come with an integrated reservoir to store the cleaning solution when it is not in use.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness especially when employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that block and hinder 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 at getting rid of mineral buildup than citric acid.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. For instance, if you want to be able to alter the temperature of your water and brew size to suit specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more flexible settings. On the other hand, if you're a casual espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso machine may be ideal.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine depends largely on the model. Certain machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. You can tell this by studying the degree of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated, and superautomatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista the control, but does not provide an excessive amount of automation. Fully automated machines require less operator involvement, but still requires the operator grind and tamp the shot. A super-automatic machine is completely automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks from one button press.
When you purchase a semiautomatic, or fully automated professional espresso machine you must take into consideration the number of customers your company is likely to serve during peak hours. This will help you decide which size commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you intend to serve 120 drinks between 8-10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic machine that can handle the volume of orders.
You'll need to determine the frequency at which you should descale your machine. Coffeee suggest descale your coffee maker at least once a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it could develop issues such as blocking or a change in flavor.
A lot of the most advanced espresso machines on the market have a dual boiler system, with one boiler to brew and another to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at different temperatures, which means you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being made. This is especially useful for cafes that are busy and need to serve a wide range of different types of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you may discover in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and programmable user preferences for the kind of cappuccino and coffee you are most likely to make. These features can save time and money, especially 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 to dispense hot or frozen steaming milk.
Ease of Repair
The durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are made of durable materials. They are more likely to have warranties as well as other protections against damage. Espresso machines for home use are typically constructed of less expensive materials and are prone to break more quickly.
In addition the majority of espresso machines used in commercial establishments are UL-listed and carry an NSF seal to be in compliance with health department and building standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. Choose a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are various types of professional coffee machines, such as semi-automatic and fully automated. Each has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure with their hands and arms which can be difficult to master. These machines aren't as popular and can be difficult to find replacement parts for in the event of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines provide an excellent compromise between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista has to still grind and tamp down the beans but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models however they are also able to deliver steam and hot water at the push of a button. This helps save energy and time, and allow for greater production capacity.
Whatever type of espresso machine you select it is essential to teach your staff how to use it correctly. This will increase the quality of your coffee and increase its effectiveness. It might take a while for new staff members to learn how grind, tamp and extract the right shots However, the investment will pay off over time, as you can offer your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.