Professional Espresso Machine: What's New? No One Is Talking About

What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine

You'll want a machine that has the ability to control the pre-infusion, which is essential to develop aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is also an option that coffee experts are looking for in an espresso machine that is professional.

If you're planning on hiring baristas without much experience, you'll need a machine that's easy to operate and easy to train new employees on. This is especially important for those who want to run a drive-thru coffee shop.

Simple to Use

This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed from its name is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction, and a manual steam wand to create microfoam for making coffee art. It also comes with an instrument to help you measure water hardness and an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the scale.

It's a great option for home baristas since it is able to provide a balance of the manual and automated operation. You can take shots of coffee as professional baristas (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you experiment with the size of the grind to adjust the grind size. Meanwhile, the manual steam wand is a straightforward method to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also features a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use simple and easy.

It's worth mentioning that while this model is primarily designed to be used at home, it has some advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines for professional use. It has dual boilers, that allow the brewing process and steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy explains that this helps ensure that the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can vary from 4 bars at beginning and 14-16 bars when finished) 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 leads to more consistent shots, and a quicker recovery time between each espresso cup.

You should also consider a machine which can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is especially crucial for an espresso machine that will be used frequently, as frequent use can result in wear and tear on the parts. 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 a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals can accumulate over time, impacting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these toxins and ensure steady flow of water and extraction pressure.

Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter by using a blind filter and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Backflushing is more efficient using the correct tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

For espresso drinkers who are frequent, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make routine maintenance much more simple. These reusable brushes are available in various shapes and sizes to effectively clean various components of the machine, such as valves, ports, and gaskets. They are usually made of stainless steel and come with a small holder for the cleaning solution that is easy to fill or refill when needed. Some tools have an internal reservoir that can be used to keep the cleaning solution when not in use.

Descaling solutions boost the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness especially when employed in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog water flow and reduce the taste of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at getting rid of mineral buildup.

When choosing the best espresso machine, consider the features that are most important for you and your business. If you're looking to control the temperature of your water as well as the quantity of brew for specific drinks, a  manual espresso machine  with more adjustable settings may be the best choice. If you're an avid espresso-drinker and want to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient manner, a semiautomatic espresso maker or fully automated espresso maker might be the best choice.

Easy Maintenance

The type of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort; others are more hands-off. You can tell this by studying the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided 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. A fully automatic machine is 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 with one button press.

When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must take into consideration the number of customers that your business expects to serve during peak hours. This will help you determine the size of commercial espresso machine to buy. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.

You'll need to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least twice every week with vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it could develop issues such as obstruction or altered flavor.

Many of the more advanced espresso machines available come with a dual boiler system, with one boiler to make espresso and another one to steam. The steam wand can be heated separately from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is especially useful for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve a wide range of different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.

Other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine include hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmable to the type and amount of cappuccino or coffee you make most often. These features can save time and money, especially in high-volume settings where consistency is key. It is possible that the machine has an integrated or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle for dispense hot or frothed steamed milk.

Repairs are simple

Maintenance-free and durability are important factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand the rigors of use and are often made using durable materials that last for a long time. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed of less expensive materials and may break down more quickly.

Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as have a NSF seal in order to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a high volume of drinks. Choose a machine that is made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemical leaching into the coffee.

There are various types of professional coffee machines like semi-automatic or fully automated. Each model has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are designed to brew delicious coffee.

A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure with their own hand and arm, which can be difficult to master. They are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.

Semi-automatic espresso machines offer a good balance between human control and mechanised 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, but they are also able to dispense hot and steam at the push of one button. This saves energy and time, and allow for a greater capacity of production.

It is essential that your staff knows how to operate the espresso machine, irrespective of the type you select. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It may take a while for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots however, this investment will pay dividends in the long run by delivering your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.