What's The Reason You're Failing At Professional Espresso Machine
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine
You'll need a machine that can be controlled pre-infusion, which is important for establishing flavor and aroma. PID temperature control is an attribute that coffee experts are looking for in an espresso machine that is professional.
If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that's easy to use and easy to train new employees on. This is especially important for those who want to run a drive-thru cafe.
Simple to Use
This professional espresso machine, as you might have guessed from its name, is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction as well as an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also has test strips that help you measure water hardness, and an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the buildup of scale.
It is a great choice for home baristas since it provides a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can make a shot of espresso like professional baristas (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder lets you to play around with the grind size to adjust the grind size. Additionally the steam wand that you can use manually is a straightforward method to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine also has a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use quick and simple.
It's important to note that even though this model is intended for home use but it also has advanced features that differentiate it from other professional espresso machines. For instance, it has dual boilers that allow the brewing and steam functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at precisely the temperature that you would like to. McCarthy states that by doing this the espresso is extracted with the correct pressure (which can range from 4 bars to 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 results in more consistent shots and quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.
It's also recommended to look for a machine that can be opened to perform routine maintenance and repairs since espresso drinkers are often interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for a professional machine that will be frequently used, as the constant use can cause components 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 quick and easy cleaning.
Cleaning is easy
A professional espresso machine has many chambers and internal passageways, making it crucial to keep them clean. Over time grounds, coffee oils and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins and guarantee a constant flow of water and extraction pressure.
Using a specialized group head cleaning brush that has bristles that reach crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. Additionally, some espresso machines require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter using a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to clean the shower head, group head, screen, and valves. Utilizing the correct tools and following the instructions of the manufacturer for backflushing can increase the overall cleanliness of espresso machines and maintenance.
A reusable tool for cleaning the group head can make routine maintenance simpler for espresso drinkers. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean different parts of the machine like ports, valves and gaskets. They are typically made from stainless steel, and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution, that is easy to refill or fill up when needed. Some tools come with an in-built reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when it is not in use.
Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness especially when utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale that hinder water flow and diminish espresso taste. These products can be used to backflush or soak parts of the system. They are more effective at getting rid of the buildup of minerals than citric acids.
When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your company. If you'd like to control your water temperature and brew volume for specific beverages such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings may be the best option. If you're a casual espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a comfortable way, a semiautomatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker might be the best option.
Easy Maintenance

The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine depends largely on the type. Certain machines require lots of hands-on work while others require less hands-on. The best way to determine this is to examine the level of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista control but not a great deal of automation. A fully automatic machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and make espresso and espresso-based beverages by pressing a single click of a button.
If you're purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, make sure to consider the number of customers your business anticipates serving during peak hours. This will help you decide the size of an commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. If you intend to serve 120 drinks daily from 8-10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic machine capable of handling the volume of orders.
You'll need to decide when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers suggest descale your coffee maker at least once every week with vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it could cause issues like clogging or altered flavor.
Many of the most sophisticated espresso machines available have a dual boiler system, with one boiler to brew and another to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at separate temperatures, so you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for cafes with a lot of customers who require a variety of varieties of cappuccino and coffee.
Some of the other features you may discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine include a hot water dispenser, an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that are programmable to the type and amount of cappuccino or coffee you make most often. espresso coffee machine uk can save time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is essential. It is possible that the machine comes with an inbuilt or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle to dispense hot or frothed steaming milk.
Repair is easy
When it is time to choose commercial espresso machines reliability and repair ease are important factors. Commercial machines are designed to withstand the rigors of use and are usually constructed of durable materials that can last for a long time. These machines are more likely to have warranties as well as other protections against damage. Home espresso machines on the other hand are usually constructed with less expensive materials and could fail more easily.
Additionally the majority of espresso machines used in commercial establishments must be UL listed and carry an NSF seal to be in compliance with standards of the health department as well as building regulations. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for both employees and customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. Choose a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved components to avoid chemicals leaching into coffee.
There are different types of professional coffee machines like semi-automatic or fully automatic. Each model has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are designed to make 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. These machines aren't as popular and may be harder to locate replacement parts in the event of a malfunction.
Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good alternative for those looking to control their machines while still maintaining the same quality. The barista has to still grind and tamp down the beans but the pump regulates the water pressure and temperature so as to prevent over-extraction.
Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models however, they also have the ability to deliver steam and hot water at the touch of a button. This can save energy and time, and increase production capacity.
No matter what type of espresso machine you pick it is crucial to train your staff to use it properly. This will improve the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It may take a while for new staff members to learn how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots, but this investment will pay dividends in the long run by providing your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.