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Ten Things You've Learned In Kindergarden That'll Help You With Professional Espresso Machine
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 look for PID temperature control in a professional machine.

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

User-Friendliness

As you could have guessed from the name the espresso machine is professional and is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans right into the portafilter, digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction, and an automatic steam wand for creating microfoam, ideal for creating coffee art. It also comes with an instrument to help you measure the water's hardness as well as an AquaClean filtration system to reduce scale.

For baristas who are at home this machine offers a great balance between manual and automatic operation, allowing you to feel like a pro when making a shot of espresso (though there is a learning curve). The built-in grinder permits 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 dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper to make cleaning up after each use quick and convenient.

It is important to note that although this model is intended for home use, it has some advanced features that distinguish it from other espresso machines for professional use. It has dual boilers, that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be kept at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy states that this way, the espresso is extracted with the correct pressure (which could vary from 4 bars to 14-16 bar at the end) and reduces the chance 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 faster recovery between each cup of espresso.

It's also recommended to look for machines that can be opened up to carry out routine maintenance and repairs, because espresso enthusiasts often get interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is particularly important for a machine that is frequently used, as the constant use can cause components to wear out. The espresso machine we tested for instance, is able to be opened to replace the brew group basket and drip tray for quick and convenient cleaning.

Cleaning Made Simple

A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and passageways inside, making it important to keep them clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may build up over time, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins and guarantee a consistent water flow and extraction pressure.

A specially designed cleaning brush that has bristles designed to get into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee oils, particles and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require regular backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter by blind filters and pushing water back through the system in order to clean the shower head, group head screen and valves. Using the proper tools and following the instructions of the manufacturer for backflushing can increase overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.

For espresso drinkers who are frequent, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make routine maintenance much simpler. These brushes can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes to effectively clean the various parts of the machine, including ports, valves, and gaskets. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel, and include a small holder that can be filled and refilled as required. Some tools come with an in-built reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when it is not being used.

Descaling solutions can dramatically improve espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers remove calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce the flavor of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system using these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners at 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 company. If you're looking to be in control of the temperature of your water as well as the the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings may be the best option. On the other side, if you're an occasional espresso drinker and want a convenient way to enjoy delicious coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso maker may be ideal.

Ease of Maintenance

The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine largely on the type. Some machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. It is evident by studying the degree of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated, and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista some control, but they do not offer much control. Fully automated machines are less hands-on, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, making espresso drinks and espresso-based drinks using a single button press.

If you are considering purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must take into consideration the number of customers that your company is likely to serve during peak hours. This will help you decide the size of an commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8-10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic espresso system that can handle the amount of orders.

You'll also have to think about the frequency you should descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month using a mix of warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it may be affected by issues like blocking or a change in flavor.


Many of the more advanced espresso machines available feature a dual boiler with one boiler used to brew and another for steaming. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at separate temperatures, which means you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for cafes that are busy and need to serve a wide range of different kinds of coffee and cappuccino.

Other features you might see in more sophisticated espresso machines include a hot-water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle and user-programmable preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you are most likely to make. These features will save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is crucial. You may also find that the machine has a built-in or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frothed steamed milk.

best coffee espresso machine are simple

When it is time to choose commercial espresso machines durability and ease of repair are important factors. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are constructed of durable materials. These machines are more likely to come with warranties and other protections from damage. Espresso machines for home use are typically constructed from cheaper materials and can break down 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 is safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce an enormous amount of drinks. It is also important to select a machine which uses stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.

There are different types of professional coffee machines, including semi-automatic and fully automated. Each type of machine has its particular advantages and disadvantages however, all are designed to brew great coffee.

A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure using their hands and arms which can be difficult to master. These machines are less common and can be difficult to find replacement parts for in the event of malfunction.

Semi-automatic espresso machines are an ideal balance between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista still has to grind and grind the beans, but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water in order to prevent over-extraction.

Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing steam and hot water at the push of one button. This can help save energy and time, and increase production capacity.

It is important that your staff understand how to operate the espresso machine, regardless of what type you choose. This will enhance the quality of your coffee and improve efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to learn how grind, tamp and extract shots correctly however, the investment will pay off over time, as you can offer your customers consistently excellent cups of espresso.

Website: https://www.coffeee.uk/products/melitta-barista-smart-t-fully-automatic-espresso-machine