What to Look For in Coffeee 'll want a machine which can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important for establishing flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in the best machines.
If you're planning to hire baristas with no experience, you'll need a machine that's easy to operate and easy to train new employees on. This is particularly important if you're looking to run a drive-thru cafe.
Easy of Use
This professional espresso machine as you could have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control for optimal extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also has a test strip that helps you determine the hardness of water, and an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce scale.
It is an excellent choice for home baristas because it provides a balance between manual and automatic operation. You can make a shot of coffee like a professional (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in grinder allows you to experiment with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process, while the steam wand manual makes it simple to create frosty milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. The machine also has a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use easy and convenient.
It is important to note that although this model is intended for home use but it also has advanced features that differentiate it from other professional espresso machines. For instance, it has dual boilers that permit steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy states that by doing this espresso is extracted using the right pressure (which can range between 4 bars and 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces 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 leads to more consistent shots, and a quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It's also an excellent idea to look for a machine that can be opened to perform regular maintenance and repairs, since espresso drinkers are often interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a professional espresso machine that is frequently used since frequent use may result in wear and tear on the parts. The espresso machine we tested for instance, is able to be opened up to replace the brew group basket and drip tray for fast and efficient cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has many chambers and passageways inside that are essential to keep them clean. Over time grounds used for coffee, coffee oils and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins and guarantee a steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specially designed cleaning brush that has bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require regular backflushing, which entails blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the shower head, group head screen, and valves. Using the right tools and following the instructions of the manufacturer for backflushing can improve overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.
A reusable tool to clean the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso drinkers. These reusable brushes are available in various shapes and sizes to effectively clean various components of the machine, including valves, ports, and gaskets. They are typically made from stainless steel and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution that is easy to fill or refill whenever needed. Some tools even have an in-built reservoir to store the cleaning solution when not in use.
Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness, especially when they are employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that clog and reduce water flow, and reduce the overall taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush their system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating mineral buildup.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your business when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. For example, if you want to be able to customize your water temperature and brew size to suit specific drinks, you might prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more flexible settings. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but need a convenient method to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automated espresso maker could be the best choice.
Ease of Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you own will determine how easy it is to maintain. Some machines require lots of hands-on work; others are more hands-off. The way to determine is by looking at the level of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines offer barista the control, but does not provide an excessive amount of 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 can make espresso and espresso-based beverages by pressing a single click of a button.
If you're purchasing a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, be sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide what size of a commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll also have to think about how often you'll need to descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling every month at least using a combination of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it might be affected by issues like obstruction or altered flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines feature a dual boiler system. One boiler is for brewing, and the other to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at different temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being made. This is particularly useful for cafes that are busy and need to serve a wide range of different varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features you may find on a more advanced espresso machine are hot water dispensers and an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmed for the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you are most likely to make. These can save time and money, especially in a high-volume setting where consistency is key. There is also the possibility that the machine has a built-in or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frozen steaming milk.
Repair is easy
When it is a commercial espresso machine, reliability and repair ease are important factors. Commercial machines are built to withstand heavy use and are often made using durable materials that last for a long time. These machines are more likely to come with warranties and other safeguards against damage. Espresso machines for home use on the other hand are usually constructed with less expensive materials and could be more susceptible to breaking down.
In addition to that, many commercial espresso machines must be UL listed and have an NSF seal to ensure that they meet health department and building standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that make an enormous amount of drinks. Choose a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemicals leaching into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines like semi-automatic or fully automated. Each type of machine has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are designed to make delicious coffee.
It can be a challenge for a barista to master the manual espresso machine as they must make the pressure themselves using their hand and arm. These machines are also not as common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good compromise for those who want to maintain control over their machines, while ensuring consistency. The barista must grind and tamp the coffee beans, but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models, but they also have the capability to deliver steam and hot water at the push of a button. This can save time and energy and allows to increase the production capacity.
Regardless of which type of espresso machine you choose it is crucial to train your staff to use it properly. This will enhance your coffee's quality and effectiveness. It may take a while for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots, but this investment will pay off in the long run by delivering your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.