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What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine You'll want a machine that can control the pre-infusion process, which is crucial to develop aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is also an attribute that coffee experts are looking for in a professional espresso machine. If you're planning to hire baristas without much experience, you'll require a machine that is easy to operate and easy to train new staff members on. This is especially important when you're planning to operate a drive-thru coffee shop. Easy to Use As you could have guessed from the name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam, perfect for making coffee art. It even includes a test strip that helps you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to help reduce scale buildup. It is a great choice for baristas at home because it is able to provide a balance of manual and automatic operation. You can take a shot of espresso like professional baristas (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you experiment with the grind size to adjust the grind size. In addition the steam wand manual is a straightforward method to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine has a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use simple and easy. It's important to note that even though this model is designed to be used at home, it has some advanced features that differentiate it from other espresso machines that are designed for professional use. It has dual boilers, that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated independently. This allows each function to be kept at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy explains that this way espresso is extracted using the correct pressure (which could vary between 4 bars and 14-16 bar at the end) and minimizes the risk 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 leads to more consistent shots and a quicker recovery time between each espresso cup. It is also important to look for a machine which can be opened to perform regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the internal workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine designed for professional use that will be used frequently since frequent use may result in wear and tear on parts. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, is able to be opened up to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for quick and easy cleaning. Cleaning Made Easy A professional espresso machine has a lot of chambers and passageways inside that are important to keep them clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may build up over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and good flavor. A specialized cleaning brush with bristles that are designed to penetrate crevices will assist get rid of stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaner can aid in breaking down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which entails blocking the portafilter by a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the shower head, group head screen and valves. Backflushing is easier using the correct tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer. For regular espresso drinkers, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These brushes can be found in various shapes and sizes that can effectively clean different components of the machine, including ports, valves, and gaskets. They are usually made of stainless steel and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution that is easy to refill or fill as required. Some tools include an internal reservoir that can be used to store the cleaning solution while not being used. Descaling solutions improve the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness particularly when they are used in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale, which block water flow and decrease the taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush their system with these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners for getting rid of mineral buildup. Take into consideration the features that are most important to you and your company when choosing the most suitable espresso machine. For example, if you want to be able to customize your water temperature and brew size for specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more flexible settings. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for a casual espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso machine might be the ideal choice. Ease of Maintenance The type of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require more manual labor while others are less demanding. You can tell this by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated, and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines offer barista control but not an excessive amount of automation. A fully automatic machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks with just a single press. If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the number of customers your business anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you determine which size commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic machine that can handle the amount of orders. You'll need to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers suggest descale your coffee maker at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it might cause issues like obstruction or altered flavor. Many of the most advanced espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for making espresso, while the other is for steaming. The steam wand can be heated independently from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is especially useful for cafes that are busy and require a variety of different kinds of coffee and cappuccino. Some of the other features you may get on a higher-end espresso machine include hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmed for the type and quantity of cappuccino or coffee you make most often. These features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is crucial. You may also find that the machine has a built-in or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle for dispense hot or frosty steaming milk. Repairs are simple When it comes to commercial espresso machines, the durability and ease of maintenance are important aspects. Commercial machines are built to withstand heavy usage and are typically constructed with durable materials that last for years. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed from cheaper materials and can break down more easily. Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as have a NSF seal in order to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines that produce a high volume of drinks. Select a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemical leaching into the coffee. There are different types of professional coffee machines including semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each machine type has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are built to make delicious coffee. A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure using their own hand and arm which can be a challenge to master. These machines aren't as common and are more difficult to locate replacement parts in the case of malfunction. Semi-automatic espresso machines provide a good compromise between human-controlled control and mechanized consistency. The barista still has to grind and tamp the coffee beans, however, the pump regulates water pressure and temperature to avoid over-extraction. Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However, they can also dispense steam and hot water at the touch of one button. This saves time and energy and allows for greater production capacity. It is crucial that your staff members know how to operate the espresso machine, no matter the model you choose. This will increase the quality of your coffee and increase its effectiveness. It could take some time for new staff to learn how to grind, tamp and extract shots properly, but the investment will pay off over time, as you can offer your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.