Professional Espresso Machine Isn't As Tough As You Think
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that has the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is important to develop flavor. PID temperature control is also an attribute that many coffee experts search for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you are planning to hire baristas with no experience, you'll require a machine that is easy to learn. This is essential if you plan to run an open-air coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you could have guessed from its name the professional espresso machine is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction and an automatic steam wand for creating microfoam, ideal to create coffee art. It also includes an instrument to help you measure water hardness and an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce scale.
It is an excellent choice for home baristas since it provides a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can make shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the grind size to tweak your process. In addition, the manual steam wand is a straightforward method to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also features an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use quick and easy.
While this model is intended for use at home, there are some advanced features which set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. For instance, it has two boilers that allow for the steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, so each function can be maintained at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy states that this way, the espresso is extracted with 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 between each espresso cup.
You should also consider machines that can be opened to perform regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial when it comes to a machine that is likely to be frequently used, as the constant use can cause parts to wear out. For example, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
It is crucial to keep the interior of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Over time coffee oils, used grounds, and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these toxins and guarantee a consistent water flow and extraction pressure.
Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that reach crevices can assist in removing 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 blind filters and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Backflushing is much easier if you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.
A tool that can be reused to clean the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These brushes can be found in different sizes and shapes to efficiently clean various components of the machine, such as ports, valves and gaskets. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel and come with a small holder that can be filled and refilled as required. Some tools have built-in reservoirs to store the cleaning solution while not in use.
Descaling solutions improve the performance of espresso machines as well as their ease of use especially when utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and impair water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system using these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating mineral buildup.
When choosing the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your business. If smeg espresso machine want to be in control of the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings could be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're an avid espresso drinker but need a convenient method to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker may be ideal.
Easy Maintenance
The kind of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require a lot of hands-on work; others are more hands-off. You can tell this by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic, fully automated and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista some control, but they do not offer much automation. A fully automated machine is 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 by pressing a single click of a button.
If you're buying a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the number of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you determine which size commercial espresso machine to purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic machine that can keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll have to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale your coffee machine at least once a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it may develop issues such as obstruction or altered flavor.
A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is for making espresso, while the other is to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at separate temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are brewing. This is especially useful for cafes with a lot of customers who require a variety of different types of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features that you can see in more sophisticated espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the kind of cappuccino and coffee you use the most often. These features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is crucial. You can also find a coffee grinder integrated in the machine or attached to it, and the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty milk.
Repair is easy
When it is time to choose commercial espresso machines reliability and repair ease are key aspects. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand heavy use and are made of sturdy materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines however, are typically made with less expensive materials and could be more susceptible to breaking down.
Many commercial espresso machines need to be UL-listed and have a NSF seal to meet building and health department 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. It is also essential to select a machine which uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines including semi-automatic and fully automated. Each one has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
It can be difficult for baristas to master the manual espresso machine because they have to create the pressure themselves with their arms and hands. They are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to locate parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso machines are an ideal compromise between human-controlled control and mechanised consistency. The barista still has to grind and grind the beans, but the pump controls the water pressure and temperature in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also can dispense steam and hot water at the push of one button. This will save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.
It is important that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, no matter what type you choose. This will enhance your coffee's quality and efficiency. It might take a while 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 ensuring your customers get consistently high-quality espresso.