15 Funny People Who Are Secretly Working In Professional Espresso Machine
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that can control pre-infusion, which is important for developing flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts look for PID temperature control in an industrial machine.
If you plan to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll require an equipment that you can quickly learn. This is particularly important if you're looking to run a drive-thru cafe.
Easy to Use
This professional espresso machine, as you may have guessed from its name is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control for optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent scale buildup.
For home baristas, it offers an excellent combination of manual and automatic operation, so you'll feel like a pro making an espresso (though there is a bit of learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process while the steam wand manual allows you to create frosty milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. The machine also has an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use simple and simple.
Although this model is designed for home use however, it has some advanced features that distinguish it from espresso machines used by professionals. For instance, it has dual boilers that permit the steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy explains that this ensures the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which varies from 4 bars at the beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is finished) while minimizing the chance 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 quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It is also recommended to choose machines that can be opened to carry out regular maintenance and repairs, because espresso enthusiasts often get interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially important for an espresso machine that is used regularly, as frequent use can cause wear and tear on parts. For instance the espresso machine we tested could be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
It is important to keep the inside of a professional espresso machine clean. Over time grounds, coffee oils and water mineral deposits may accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these contaminants and ensure a steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
A special cleaning brush that has bristles designed to penetrate crevices will assist remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning solutions can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using blind filters and pushing water back through the system to clean the shower head, group head, screen, and valves. Backflushing is more efficient when you use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
For regular espresso drinkers, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make routine maintenance much simpler. These reusable brushes come in different shapes and sizes and are designed to clean all parts of the machine like gaskets, valves and ports. They are typically made from stainless steel and include a small holder for the cleaning solution, that is easy to refill or fill as needed. Some tools come with an in-built reservoir to store the cleaning solution when not in use.
Descaling solutions improve the performance of espresso machines as well as their ease of use, especially when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce the taste of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak components of the system. They are more effective at eliminating the buildup of minerals than citric acids.
Consider the features that matter most to you and your company when selecting the ideal espresso machine. If you want to control the temperature of your water and quantity of brew for specific drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings may be the best choice. If you are a casual espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a convenient way, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker may be the best choice.
Maintenance Ease
The ease of maintaining your espresso machine is dependent on the type. Certain machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort; others are more hands-off. The best way to determine this is to examine the level of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines fall into three categories: semi-automatic fully automated, and super-automatic. espresso coffee machine -automatic machine gives the barista the control, but does not provide much automation. A fully automatic machine requires less operator involvement, but still requires that the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and make espresso and espresso-based beverages with just a single press of a button.
If you are considering 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 decide which size commercial espresso machine to buy. If you intend to serve 120 drinks between 8-10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic machine that can handle the volume of orders.
You'll also have to think about the frequency you should remove the scale from your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descale your coffee maker at least twice every week with vinegar and warm water. If you don't descale regularly, your machine could develop issues such as clogging or a change in flavor.
A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines feature a dual boiler system. One boiler is for brewing, and the other to steam. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head, allowing you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is especially beneficial for busy cafes that need to serve lots of different types of coffee and cappuccino.
Other features you may see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot-water dispenser as well as an automatic rinsing process, and programmable user preferences for the kind of cappuccino and coffee you are most likely to make. These features can save time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is key. You may also find that the machine comes with a built-in or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle for dispense hot or frosty steaming milk.

Repairs are easy
Maintenance-free and durability are important factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy usage and are constructed of sturdy materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed from cheaper materials and are prone to break more quickly.
Many commercial espresso machines also require UL-listed and come with an NSF seal in order 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 make a high volume of drinks. It is also important to select a machine which uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are a variety of professional espresso machines, including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each machine type has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, however, all are designed to brew delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure using their own hand and arm which can be a challenge to master. These machines are also less frequent, which means they can be more difficult to locate parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great option for those who wish to maintain control over their machines while still maintaining consistency. The barista still has to grind and crush the beans, but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water in order to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however they also have the capability to deliver hot and steam at the push of one button. This helps save energy and time and allows to increase the production capacity.
Whatever type of espresso machine you choose it is crucial to instruct your staff on how to use it properly. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and increase its effectiveness. It could take some time 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 ensuring your customers get consistently excellent cups of espresso.