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What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine You'll want a machine that can control the pre-infusion, which is essential for establishing flavor and aroma. PID temperature control is also an attribute that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine. If you plan to hire baristas with no experience, you will need a machine you can quickly learn. This is especially crucial for those who want to run a drive-thru cafe. User-Friendliness As you could have guessed from the name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to guarantee optimal extraction and a manual steam wand to create microfoam for creating coffee art. It even comes with a test strip to help you gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to reduce 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 making an espresso (though there is a bit of a learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process, while the steam wand manual allows you to make foamy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It also comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use easy and simple. It is important to note that although this model is intended for use at home however, it comes with some advanced features that differentiate it from other professional espresso machines. It has two boilers, which permit the brewing function and the steam function to be heated independently. This lets each function be kept at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this way espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which can range between 4 bars and 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. This results in more consistent shots and quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso. You should also consider a machine which can be opened to perform regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is particularly important for an espresso machine that is used regularly because frequent use could cause 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 convenient cleaning. Cleaning is a breeze A professional espresso machine has many chambers and passageways inside which is why it is important to keep them clean. Over time, coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can eliminate these toxins and guarantee a constant flow of water and extraction pressure. Utilizing a group head cleaning brush that has bristles that penetrate into crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product can aid in breaking down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter by using a blind filter, and forcing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Using the proper tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can improve the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance. For frequent espresso users, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These brushes are reusable and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean all components of the machine including ports, valves and gaskets. They are typically made from stainless steel and come with a small holder for the cleaning solution which is easy to refill or fill up when required. Some tools include an internal reservoir that can be used to keep the cleaning solution when not being used. 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 hinder water flow and diminish the taste 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. Think about the features that are most important to you and your company when selecting the ideal espresso machine. For instance, if want to be able to customize your water temperature and brew volume for specific drinks, you might prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls with more adjustable settings. If you're an avid espresso drinker and would like to enjoy great coffee at home in a convenient way, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker could be the best option. Ease of Maintenance The type of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort; others are more hands-off. The way to determine is to examine 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 much automation. A fully automated machine is less hands-on but still requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and create espresso and espresso-based drinks with just a single press of one button. If you're considering purchasing semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to take into account the amount of customers your business anticipates serving during peak times. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine to purchase. For instance, if you plan 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 flow of orders. You'll also have to think about the frequency you should remove the scale from your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once a month using a combination of vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descal your machine, it might 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 used for making coffee, and the second to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the 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 cafes with a lot of customers who need to serve a wide range of different kinds of cappuccino and coffee. Other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine are hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that are programmable to the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you typically make. These features will save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is important. There is also the possibility that the machine comes with an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle to dispense hot or frothed steamed milk. Repairs are simple The durability and ease of maintenance are important factors when it is about commercial espresso machines. cheap espresso machine are designed to withstand the rigors of use and are usually constructed of durable materials that can last for years. They are more likely to have warranties and other safeguards against damage. Espresso machines for home use on the other hand are usually constructed with less expensive materials and could be more susceptible to breaking down. Many commercial espresso machines also must be UL-listed as well as have a NSF seal to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee. There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated. Each type of machine has its particular advantages and disadvantages however, all are designed to brew delicious coffee. It can be difficult for baristas to master the manual espresso machine as they must create the pressure by themselves using their hands and arms. They are also less common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an ideal compromise between human-controlled control and mechanised consistency. The barista must grind and tamp the beans, however, the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction. Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines, but they are also able to dispense steam and hot water at the push of a button. This can save energy and time, and allow for greater production capacity. It is important that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, regardless of the model you choose. This will increase your coffee's quality and effectiveness. It might take a while for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp, and extract shots however, this investment will pay dividends in the end by delivering your customers with consistently high-quality espresso.