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Professional Espresso Machine: 11 Thing You're Forgetting To Do
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine

You'll need a machine with the ability to regulate the pre-infusion. This is essential for developing flavor. Many coffee experts also look for PID temperature control in a professional machine.

If you're planning to hire baristas without much experience, you'll require a machine that is easy to use and quick to train new employees on. This is especially important if you're looking to run a drive-thru coffee shop.

Easy of Use

This professional espresso machine as you could have guessed from its name is designed to be easy to use and maintain. It includes an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction as well as the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. click to read includes test strips that help you measure water hardness as well as an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce the buildup of scale.

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 coffee like a professional (although there is a slight learning curve). The built-in grinder permits you to play around with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process, while the steam wand manual makes it simple to create frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The machine comes with a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper that makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.

It is important to note that although this model is primarily designed for home use but it also has advanced features that differentiate it from other espresso machines for professional use. For instance, it comes with dual boilers that permit the steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, so each function is kept at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy says that by doing this, the espresso is extracted using the right pressure (which could vary 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 as well as quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.

You should also look for an espresso machine that is able to be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially important when it comes to a machine that is used often, as frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. For instance the espresso machine we tested could be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.

Cleaning Made Simple

A professional espresso machine has numerous internal passages and chambers which is why it is crucial to keep them clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may accumulate over time, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and a great flavor.

A specialized cleaning brush with bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. Certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter using blind filters and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen and group head valves. Backflushing is easier using the correct tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

A reusable tool to clean the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These brushes are reusable and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to effectively clean different components of the machine, like valves, ports and gaskets. They are usually made of stainless steel, and come with tiny holders for the cleaning solution, that is easy to refill or fill when required. Some tools come with 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 eliminate calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce the flavor of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners in getting rid of mineral buildup.

When you are deciding on the most suitable espresso machine, take into account the features that are most important to you and your business. For instance, 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 adjustable settings. On the other hand, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and would like to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machine might be the ideal choice.

Easy Maintenance

The type of espresso machine you own will determine how easy it is to maintain. Some machines require more manual labor while others are less demanding. You can tell by studying the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic fully automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista control but not a great deal of automation. A fully automated machine is less hands-on, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso and espresso-based drinks from a single button press.

If you're 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 hours. This will help you decide which size commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you intend to serve 120 drinks from 8 to 10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic espresso system capable of handling the volume 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 per month using a mix of vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descale your machine, it may develop issues like clogging and altered flavor.

Many of the more advanced espresso machines on the market feature a dual boiler, with one boiler to make espresso and another one for steaming. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is particularly beneficial for busy cafes who need to serve many different varieties of cappuccino and coffee.

Other features you may see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot water dispenser as well as an automatic rinsing process, and programmable user preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you make most frequently. These can save time and money, particularly in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. It is possible that the machine comes with a built-in or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle to dispense hot or frosty steaming milk.

Ease of Repair

Durability and ease of maintenance are important factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand heavy use and are made of sturdy materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually made of cheaper materials and can break down more quickly.

Many commercial espresso machines also need to be 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 especially relevant for espresso machines that produce a high volume of drinks. Select a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved components to avoid chemical leaching into the coffee.

There are several different types of professional espresso machines, which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automated. Each machine type has its particular advantages and disadvantages but all are built to make delicious coffee.


It can be difficult for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, because they have to create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to locate parts for in the event that something goes wrong.

Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great compromise for those who want to control their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista has to still grind and crush the beans, but the pump controls the water pressure and temperature to avoid over-extraction.

Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines, but they are also able to deliver hot and steam at the touch of the button. This saves energy and time, and allow for greater production capacity.

Whatever type of espresso machine you pick it is essential to instruct your staff on how to properly use it. This will increase the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It might take a while for new staff to understand how to grind, tamp and extract the right shots, but the investment will pay off over time as you provide your customers with an consistently high-quality cup of espresso.

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