Five People You Should Know In The Professional Espresso Machine Industry
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine which can be controlled the pre-infusion, which is essential to develop aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is an option that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine.
If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll require an equipment that is simple to operate and easy to train new employees on. This is particularly important for those who want to run an drive-thru coffee shop.
User-Friendliness
As you may have guessed from the name the professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also features an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction, as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also includes a test strip that helps you measure water hardness as well as an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the scale.
For baristas who are at home, 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 a learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to experiment with the size of the grind to tweak your process. In addition, the steam wand manual can be used to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use simple and convenient.
Although this model is designed for use at home but it comes with some sophisticated features that set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. It has dual boilers, which allow the brewing function and steam function to be heated independently. This lets each function be maintained at the exact temperature desired. 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 chance 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 as well as faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also important to look for an espresso machine that can be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is especially crucial for a machine that is likely to be frequently used, as the constant use can cause components 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 convenient cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
It is important to keep the inside of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Over time, grounds used for coffee, coffee oils and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and good flavor.
A specially designed cleaning brush with bristles that are designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning products can aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter by using blind filters and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Backflushing is easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
A reusable tool to clean the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso users. These brushes are reusable and come in various sizes and shapes to efficiently clean the various parts of the machine, like ports, valves, and gaskets. They are usually made of stainless steel and include tiny holders for the cleaning solution, which is simple to refill or fill as needed. Some tools come with an in-built reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when not being used.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness, especially when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that hinder water flow and diminish espresso taste. These products can be used to backflush or soak parts of the system. They are more effective in eliminating mineral buildup than citric acids.
Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your company when selecting the ideal espresso machine. For instance, if wish to adjust the temperature of your water and brew volume for 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 an occasional espresso drinker and would like to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic 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 a lot of hands-on work while others require less hands-on. It is evident by studying the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated, and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista control, but not a great deal of automation. Fully automated machines are less hands-on, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully 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 determine the size of commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. If you intend to serve 120 drinks from 8 to 10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic machine that can handle the amount of orders.
You'll need to determine when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it could cause issues like blocking or a change in flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is for making espresso, while the other is to steam. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is especially beneficial for cafes with a lot of customers who require a variety of different varieties of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you may discover in more sophisticated espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the type of cappuccino and coffee you are most likely to make. These features can help you save time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. It is possible that the machine has an integrated or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle for dispense hot or frozen steamed milk.
Repairs are simple
When it is time to choose commercial espresso machines, durability and ease of repair are crucial aspects. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand heavy use and are made of durable materials. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed from cheaper materials and are prone to break more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal in order to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a large volume of drinks. It is also important to choose a machine that uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.
There are several different types of professional espresso machines, including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each one has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.
It isn't easy for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, because they have to create the pressure by themselves using their hand and arm. These machines are less common and may be harder to locate replacement parts in the event of malfunction.
Coffeee -automatic espresso machines offer a good compromise between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista has to grind and tamp the beans, but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are like semi-automatic ones however they are also able to dispensate steam and hot water at the touch of the button. This can save energy and time, and allow to increase the production capacity.
It is important that your staff understand how to operate the espresso machine, irrespective of the model you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It may take some time for new staff to understand how to grind, tamp and extract shots correctly, but the investment will pay off in time, as you can offer your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.