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What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine You'll need a machine that has the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is important to develop flavor. PID temperature control is also an option that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine. If you plan on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to use and easy to train new employees on. This is essential if you plan to run an open-air coffee shop. User-Friendliness This professional espresso machine as you could have guessed from its name, is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans right into the portafilter, digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction as well as a manual steam wand to create microfoam, perfect for creating coffee art. It even includes a test strip that helps you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale. For home baristas this machine offers a great balance between manual and automatic operation, so you'll feel like a pro when making a shot of espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you experiment with the size of the grind to adjust the grind size. In addition the steam wand manual is a simple way to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient. While this model is intended for use at home however, it has some advanced features that distinguish it from professional espresso machines. It has dual boilers, which permit the brewing function and steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be kept at the precise temperature you want. McCarthy explains that this helps ensure that the espresso is extracted at the proper pressure (which can vary from 4 bars at beginning and 14-16 bars when completed) while minimizing the risk 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 faster recovery between each espresso cup. It's also a good idea to look for a machine that can be opened up to perform regular maintenance and repairs, since espresso drinkers are often interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially important for a professional machine that will be used often, as frequent use can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested for instance, is able to be opened to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning. Ease of Cleaning A professional espresso machine has many internal passages and chambers that are important to keep them clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used, and water minerals can accumulate over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and good flavor. Using a specialized group head cleaning brush that has bristles that can reach into crevices, you can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can help dissolve and break down coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular 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. Backflushing is easier when you use the appropriate tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer. A reusable tool for cleaning the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso drinkers. These reusable brushes are available in different shapes and sizes to effectively clean the various parts of the machine, like valves, ports and gaskets. They are usually made of stainless steel and come with a small holder for the cleaning solution, which is simple to fill or refill when required. Some tools include an internal reservoir that can be used to keep the cleaning solution when not in use. Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that block and hinder water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak parts of the system. They are more effective at eliminating the buildup of minerals than citric acids. When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, take into account the features that are most important for you and your business. For instance, if want to be able to alter the temperature of your water and brew size for specific drinks, you might prefer a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings. On the other the other hand, if your preference is for a casual espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automatic espresso machine could be the best choice. Ease of Maintenance The type of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Some machines require a lot of hands-on work while others are more hands-off. 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 give the barista some control but not much control. A fully automated machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. Coffeee -automatic machines are fully automated and make espresso and espresso-based beverages with just a single press of the button. When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine you should consider 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 need to purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic machine with enough capacity to keep up with the influx of orders. You'll also need to consider the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month using a combination of warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it could cause issues like obstruction or altered 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. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is especially beneficial for cafes that are busy and need to serve a wide range of different types of coffee and cappuccino. 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 kind of cappuccino and coffee you are most likely to make. These can save time and money, especially in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. There is also a coffee grinder built into the machine or connected to it, and an nozzle to dispensing hot or frosty milk. Repair is easy When it is a commercial espresso machine reliability and repair ease are key factors. Commercial espresso machines are built to withstand heavy use and are made of robust materials. They are more likely to come with warranties as well as other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed from cheaper materials and are prone to break more easily. Many commercial espresso machines require UL-listed and have a NSF seal to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for both employees and customers. This is particularly true for espresso machines that produce large quantities of drinks. Choose a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemical leaching into the coffee. There are a variety of professional espresso machines including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each type has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee. It can be difficult for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, because they have to create the pressure by themselves using their hands and arms. These machines are also less frequent, which means they can be more difficult to find parts for should something go wrong. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent compromise between human-controlled control and mechanized consistency. The barista has to grind and tamp the coffee beans, however, the pump regulates water pressure and temperature to prevent over-extraction. Fully-automatic espresso machines are like semi-automatic ones however they are also able to dispense steam and hot water at the push of one button. This can save energy and time, and allow to increase the production capacity. No matter what type of espresso machine you pick it is crucial to teach your staff how to use it correctly. This will increase the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots, but this investment will pay dividends in the end by providing your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.