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What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine You'll want a machine that can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important to develop flavor and aroma. 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 require an equipment that is simple to operate and easy to instruct new staff members on. This is important when you are planning to operate an open-air coffee shop. Simple to Use As you may have guessed from the name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It features an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans directly into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction, and the manual steam wand that is used to create microfoam to create coffee art. It even includes a test strip that helps you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent the buildup of scale. It is an excellent choice for home baristas since it offers a balance between the manual and automated operation. You can make shots of coffee as professional baristas (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you to play around with the grind size to adjust the grind size. Meanwhile, the steam wand manual is a straightforward method to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine also features a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use easy and simple. It's important to note that even though this model is primarily designed for home use but it also has advanced features that set it apart from other professional espresso machines. For example, it has two boilers that allow for the steam and brewing functions to be heated independently, so that each function is kept at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy states that this way, the espresso is extracted with the correct pressure (which can vary from 4 bars to 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces 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. espresso machine pods means more consistent shots and faster recovery time between each cup of espresso. It is also important to look for machines that can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial when it comes to a machine that is likely to be frequently used, since frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. 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 fast and efficient cleaning. Cleaning Made Simple A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and passageways inside, making it important to keep them clean. Over time coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning can prevent the accumulation of these contaminants and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and a good taste. A special cleaning brush with bristles designed to penetrate crevices will assist get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter by using blind filters and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Backflushing is much easier using the correct tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. For espresso drinkers who are frequent, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much easier. These reusable brushes are available in a variety of shapes and sizes that can effectively clean various components of the machine, such as ports, valves, and gaskets. They are usually made of stainless steel and include an holder that is small for the cleaning solution, that is easy to fill or refill as needed. Some tools even have an integrated reservoir for storing the cleaning solution after it has been in use. Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines as well as their user-friendliness particularly when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale, which block and impair water flow and decrease the overall taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush their system with these products, which are more effective than citric acid cleaners in eliminating mineral buildup. Think about the features that are most important to you and your business when choosing the best espresso machine. If you're looking to control your water temperature and brew volume for specific beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and need a convenient method to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automatic espresso machine might be the ideal choice. Easy Maintenance The kind of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Certain machines require a lot of hands-on work while others require less hands-on. You can tell this by studying the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista some control, but they do not offer much automation. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement from the operator, but still requires the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso and espresso-based beverages by pressing a single click of one button. When you purchase a semiautomatic, or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must consider the number of customers your business is expected to serve during peak hours. This will help you decide what size commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks daily from 8 to 10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic machine that can handle the volume of orders. You'll also need to consider how often you need to clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend decaling every month at least using a mix of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it may develop issues such as blocking or a change in flavor. A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available come with a dual boiler system, with one boiler to brew and another to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at different temperatures, which means you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are brewing. This is especially beneficial for busy cafes that require a variety of different varieties of cappuccino and coffee. Some of the other features you can find on a more advanced espresso machine are a hot water dispenser as well as an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmable to the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you typically make. These features can save time and money, particularly in a high-volume setting where consistency is essential. There is also coffee grinders built in the machine or attached to it, as well as a nozzle for dispensing hot or frosty milk. Repair Ease When it comes to a commercial espresso machine, durability and ease of repair are key factors. Commercial machines are designed to withstand high use and are often made using durable materials that last for a long time. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines on the other hand are usually constructed with lesser-quality materials and can break down more easily. Many commercial espresso machines require UL-listed and have a NSF seal to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is particularly relevant for espresso machines that make large quantities of drinks. It is also essential to choose a machine that makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, because they won't release chemicals into the coffee. There are different types of professional coffee machines, including semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each type has its own advantages, but they all produce delicious coffee. A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure with their own hand and arm which can be a challenge to master. They are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong. Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good option for those who wish to maintain control over their machines, while ensuring consistency. The barista must grind and tamp the coffee beans, but the pump regulates the pressure and temperature of the water to prevent over-extraction. Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing steam and hot water at the touch of the button. This can help save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity. It is crucial that your staff understand how to operate the espresso machine, irrespective of what type you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It may take some time for new staff to understand how to grind, tamp and extract the right shots however, the investment will pay off over time by providing your customers consistently excellent cups of espresso.