What's The Reason You're Failing At Professional Espresso Machine
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine with the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is essential for developing flavor. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that's easy to use and easy to train new staff members on. This is especially crucial for those who want to run an drive-thru coffee shop.
Simple to Use
This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam, perfect for making coffee art. It also comes with an instrument to help you measure water hardness, and an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home, it offers an excellent combination of manual and automatic operation, so you'll feel like a pro when making a shot of espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in grinder allows you to play around with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process while the steam wand manual makes it simple to create frosty milk for your lattes and cappuccinos. The machine also features a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use easy and convenient.
While this model is intended to be used at home however, it has some advanced features which set it apart from espresso machines used by professionals. It has two boilers which permit the brewing function and steam function to be heated independently. This lets each function be maintained at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which can vary from 4 bars at beginning and 14-16 bars when completed) 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 results in more consistent shots, as well as faster recovery between each espresso cup.
You should also look for an espresso machine that can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is especially crucial for a professional espresso machine that is used regularly because frequent use could result in wear and tear on the parts. The espresso machine we tested, for example, can be opened to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Cleaning Made Easy
It is important to keep the interior of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may accumulate over time, impacting the quality of the final cup of espresso and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water and the highest extraction pressure and good flavor.
A specialized cleaning brush with bristles designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning products can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require regular backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter using a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Backflushing is easier if you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
A reusable tool to clean the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso users. These reusable brushes are available in different shapes and sizes to effectively clean different components of the machine, such as valves, ports, and gaskets. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel and come with tiny holders that can be filled with water or refillable whenever required. Some tools have built-in reservoirs to keep the cleaning solution in storage when not in use.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness especially when used in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale, which hinder water flow and diminish the 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.
When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, think about the features that are most important for you and your business. If you're looking to control the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings might be the best option. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for an avid espresso drinker but would like to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automatic espresso machine may be ideal.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine depends largely on the type. Some machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. You can tell by looking at the degree 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. 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 can make espresso and espresso-based beverages with just a single press of one button.
When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must take into consideration the number of customers your business is expected to serve during peak times. This will help you decide which size commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic machine with enough capacity to keep up with the flow of orders.
You'll also need to consider the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once a month using a combination of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it could develop issues such as clogging or altered flavor.
A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is for making coffee, and the second for steaming. The steam wand can be heated separately from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is especially useful for cafes that are busy and need to serve a wide range of different kinds of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features that you can see 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 use the most often. These features can help you save time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is important. There is also a coffee grinder built into the machine or attached to it, as well as an nozzle to dispensing hot or frothed milk.
Repairs are simple
Durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are constructed of durable materials. They are more likely to come with warranties as well as other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed from cheaper materials and can break down more easily.
In addition, many commercial espresso machines are UL-listed and have an NSF seal to be in compliance with health department and building standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce a large volume of drinks. It is also essential to select a machine which utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional coffee machines such as semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.
It isn't easy for a barista to master the manual espresso machine as they must create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines aren't as common and are more difficult to find replacement parts for in the event of malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso machines offer a good compromise between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp the coffee beans, however, the pump regulates water pressure and temperature to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however they are also able to dispense hot and steam at the touch of one button. This helps save energy and time and allows for a greater capacity of production.
Regardless of which type of espresso machine you choose, it is important to train your staff to properly use it. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff to understand how grind, tamp and extract shots correctly However, the investment will pay off in time, as you can offer your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.