15 Best Pinterest Boards Of All Time About Professional Espresso Machine
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll want a machine that has the ability to control pre-infusion, which is important for developing aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is also an attribute that coffee experts are looking for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you plan on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll require a machine that's easy to use and quick to train new employees on. This is crucial for those who plan to operate a drive through coffee shop.
Easy of Use
As you might have guessed from its name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction and a manual steam wand to create microfoam for making coffee art. It also includes an instrument to help you measure water hardness as well as an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the buildup of scale.
It is an excellent choice for home baristas because it is able to provide a balance of manual and automatic operation. You can make a shot of espresso like professional baristas (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the grind size to fine-tune your process. Meanwhile the manual steam wand is a simple way to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also has an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use simple and convenient.
Although this model is designed for home use but it comes with some sophisticated features which set it apart from professional espresso machine s. It has two boilers which permit the brewing function and the steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy explains that this way, the espresso is extracted using the right pressure (which can range 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 an earlier recovery time between each cup of espresso.
You should also look for an espresso machine that can be opened to perform routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that is frequently used, as frequent use can cause wear and tear on parts. For example, the espresso machine we tested could be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has a lot of chambers and internal passageways, making it crucial to keep them clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used, and water minerals can accumulate over time, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these toxins and guarantee a constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
Utilizing a group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular cleaning products can help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's guidelines for backflushing can increase overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.
For frequent espresso users, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much more simple. These reusable brushes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and are designed to clean all components of the machine including gaskets, valves and ports. These brushes are usually constructed of stainless steel and include a small holder that can be filled with water or refillable when needed. Some tools come with an integrated reservoir to store the cleaning solution after it has been being used.
Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that clog and hinder water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners in getting rid of mineral buildup.
When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your company. If you'd like to be in control of the temperature of your water and the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks and 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 need a convenient method to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker could be the best choice.
Easy Maintenance
The type of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Certain machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others require less hands-on. You can tell this by taking a look at the level of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated, and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista control but not a great deal of automation. A fully automatic 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 create espresso and espresso-based drinks with just a single press of the button.
If you are considering purchasing 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 times. This will help you determine which size commercial espresso machine to buy. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll want to buy a semi-automatic machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders.
It is also important to think about the frequency you should descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee machine at least once a week using vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descale your machine, it may develop issues like clogging and altered flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines feature a dual boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second for steaming. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve a wide range of different varieties of coffee and cappuccino.

Other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine include a hot water dispenser as well as an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmed for the type and quantity 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 a coffee grinder integrated into the machine or connected to it, and an nozzle to dispensing hot or frozen milk.
Repairs are simple
Durability and ease of maintenance are important factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand the rigors of use and are often made with durable materials that last for a long time. These machines are more likely to come with warranties and other safeguards against damage. Home espresso machines however, are typically made with cheaper materials and may fail more easily.
Many commercial espresso machines also require UL-listed and have a NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines including semi-automatic and fully automated. Each model has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, however, all are designed to make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure using their own hands and arms which can be a challenge to master. They are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for should something go wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great option for those who wish to keep control of their machines, but still maintain consistency. The barista must still grind and crush the beans, but the pump controls the pressure and temperature of the water so as to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are like semi-automatic ones however, they also have the ability to dispense steam and hot water at the push of one button. This will save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
Regardless of which kind of espresso machine you select it is crucial to train your staff to use it properly. This will increase the quality of your coffee and increase its efficiency. It may 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 end by providing your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.