11 Ways To Totally Defy Your Professional Espresso Machine
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine You'll need a machine that can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important for developing aroma and flavor. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in an industrial machine. If you plan to hire baristas with little experience, you'll require a machine you can quickly learn. This is especially crucial when you're planning to operate a drive-thru coffee shop. Easy of Use This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed from its name is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also features digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It even comes with a test strip that helps you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale. It's a great option for baristas at home because it provides a balance between manual and automatic operation. You can pull shots of coffee as a professional (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you experiment with the grind size to adjust the grind size. Meanwhile the steam wand that you can use manually is a straightforward method to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine has an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and easy. espressomachines mentioning that while this model is designed for home use however, it comes with some advanced features that set it apart from other espresso machines that are designed for professional use. It has dual boilers, which allow the brewing function and steam function to be heated independently. This lets each function be kept at the precise temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this ensures the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which varies from 4 bars at beginning and 14-16 bars when completed) 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 and a faster recovery time between each cup of espresso. It's also an excellent idea to find machines that is able to be opened to perform routine maintenance and repairs, because espresso enthusiasts often get interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially important for a professional espresso machine that is frequently used because frequent use could result in wear and tear on components. For example, the espresso machine we tested could be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning. Ease of Cleaning A professional espresso machine has many chambers and passageways inside, making it essential to keep them 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 constant flow of water and extraction pressure. A specialized cleaning brush with bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Additionally, some espresso machines require regular backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter by a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the group head, shower screen, and valves. Backflushing is easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer. A reusable tool to clean the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These reusable brushes come in different sizes and shapes and are designed to clean different parts of the machine like gaskets, valves and ports. They are typically made of stainless steel and have a small holder that can be easily filled or refillable as needed. Some tools even feature a small, built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution when it is not being used. Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that hinder water flow and diminish espresso taste. Users can either soak parts or backflush their system with these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners in eliminating mineral buildup. When choosing the best espresso machine, consider 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 quantity of brew for specific drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings could be the best choice. If you're an avid espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a convenient manner, a semiautomatic espresso maker or fully automated espresso maker could be the best choice. Easy Maintenance The kind of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Certain machines require lots of hands-on work while others require less hands-on. The best way to determine this is by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista control but not a great deal of 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 make espresso drinks and other espresso-based drinks with a single push of a 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 what size of a commercial espresso machine you should purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks daily from 8-10 AM, then you will need a semi-automatic espresso machine capable of handling the volume of orders. You'll need to determine when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once per month using a mix of warm water and vinegar. If you don't frequently descal your machine, it may cause issues like blocking or a change in flavor. A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines come with a dual boiler system. One boiler is for making espresso, while the other is for steaming. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at separate temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for cafes with a lot of customers who have to serve a variety of varieties of cappuccino and coffee. Some of the other features you may discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine include hot water dispensers and an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmable to the type and amount of cappuccino or coffee you typically make. They can save you time and money, especially in a high-volume setting where consistency is key. There is also coffee grinders built into the machine or attached to it, and the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frozen milk. Repairs are easy Durability and ease of maintenance are key factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are constructed from sturdy materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines however are usually constructed with lesser-quality materials and can be more susceptible to breaking down. Many commercial espresso machines also require UL-listed and have a NSF seal to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for both employees and customers. This is especially true for espresso machines which produce a significant amount of drinks. Choose a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemicals leaching into coffee. There are various types of professional coffee machines, like semi-automatic or fully automated. Each one has its own pros and cons however, they all make delicious coffee. A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure using their own hands and arms, which can be difficult to master. These machines are also not as popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong. Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good compromise for those who want to maintain control over their machines, but still maintain consistency. The barista has to grind and tamp the beans but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction. Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines, but they also have the capability to deliver steam and hot water at the push of a button. This will save energy and time, and also increase production capacity. It is essential that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the model you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It might take a while for new staff members to master how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots but it will pay dividends in the long run by delivering your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.