A Time-Travelling Journey The Conversations People Had About Professional Espresso Machine 20 Years Ago
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll require a machine that has the capability to regulate the pre-infusion. This is crucial to develop flavor. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in a professional machine.
If you're planning on hiring baristas without much experience, you'll need an equipment that is simple to operate and easy to instruct new staff members on. This is especially crucial for those who want to run a drive-thru coffee shop.
User-Friendliness

This professional espresso machine as you could have guessed by its name is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction, and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam, perfect for creating coffee art. It also includes test strips that help you determine the hardness of water as well as an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the buildup of scale.
For baristas who are at home this machine offers a great balance between automatic and manual operation, allowing you to feel like a pro making an espresso (though there is a an learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you to experiment with the size of the grind to adjust the grind size. Additionally the steam wand that you can use manually is a simple way to make frothy latte or cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.
It is important to note that although this model is intended for home use however, it comes with some advanced features that differentiate it from other espresso machines for professional use. For example, it has dual boilers that allow the steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy explains that this ensures the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at the beginning to 14-16 bars when 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 leads to more consistent shots, as well as an earlier recovery time between each espresso cup.
It is also a good idea to choose an espresso machine that can be opened up to perform regular maintenance and repairs, because espresso lovers are frequently interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially crucial for a machine that will be frequently used, since frequent use can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested for example, can be opened up to replace the brew group basket and drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.
Cleaning is a breeze
A professional espresso machine has a lot of internal passages and chambers that are important to keep them clean. Over time coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning can eliminate these toxins and ensure steady flow of water and extraction pressure.
A specialized cleaning brush with bristles that are designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning solutions can help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using blind filters and pushing water through the system to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Using the proper tools and following the manufacturer's guidelines for backflushing can enhance the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance.
For espresso drinkers who are frequent, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These brushes are reusable and come in different shapes and sizes and are designed to clean various parts of the machine, including gaskets, valves, and ports. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel, and have tiny holders that can be filled and refilled as required. Some tools include built-in reservoirs to keep the cleaning solution in storage when not being used.
Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and hinder water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system with these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners for eliminating mineral buildup.
Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your company when choosing the best espresso machine. For instance, if you would like to adjust the temperature of your water and brew size to suit certain beverages, you might prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more adjustable settings. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for an occasional espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker might be the ideal choice.
Easy Maintenance
The ease of maintaining your espresso machine largely on the model. Certain machines require more manual work and others are more demanding. You can tell by taking a look at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista control, but not an excessive amount of automation. A fully automated machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are completely automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks with one button press.
If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to consider the number of customers your company anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you determine the size of an commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if your goal is to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine that can keep up with the influx of orders.
You'll have to decide when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly descale, your machine could develop problems like clogging and a different flavor.
Many of the most advanced espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second for steaming. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head, allowing you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for busy cafes that need to serve a wide range of different kinds of cappuccino and coffee.
Other features you might see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle and programmable user preferences for the type of cappuccino and coffee you make most frequently. These features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is important. You may also find that the machine comes with an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle for dispense hot or frothed steaming milk.
Repair Ease
The durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand the rigors of usage and are typically constructed of durable materials that can last for years. They are more likely to come with warranties and other safeguards against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed of less expensive materials and are prone to break more quickly.
In addition to that, many commercial espresso machines have to be UL listed and have an NSF seal to ensure that they meet the requirements of the health department and building codes. espresso machine with frother help ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially true for espresso machines that produce a high volume of drinks. It is also crucial to choose a machine that uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines, including semi-automatic and fully automated. Each one has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.
A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure with their own hands and arms, which can be difficult to master. These machines are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good alternative for those looking to keep control of their machines while still maintaining consistency. The barista has to still grind and grind the beans, however the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to avoid over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing hot water and steam at the push of the button. This will save energy and time, and also increase production capacity.
Regardless of which type of espresso machine you select it is essential to teach your staff how to use it properly. This will improve the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It might 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 long run by delivering your customers with consistently high-quality espresso.