5 People You Should Be Getting To Know In The Professional Espresso Machine Industry
What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine You'll want a machine that can control the pre-infusion process, which is crucial for establishing aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is also an attribute that many coffee experts search for in an espresso machine that is professional. If you are planning to hire baristas with little experience, you will need a machine you can quickly train. This is essential if you plan to run an open-air coffee shop. Ease of Use This professional espresso machine, as you could have guessed by its name is designed to be easy to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder which automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also has a digital temperature control to ensure optimal extraction and the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It also has test strips that help you determine the hardness of water as well as an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce scale. For baristas who are at home this machine offers a great balance between automatic and manual operation, so you can feel like a pro making an espresso (though there is a a learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you to experiment with the grind size to fine-tune your process. Meanwhile the steam wand manual is a simple way to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use simple and easy. It's worth mentioning that while this model is primarily designed for use at home, it has some advanced features that differentiate it from other professional espresso machines. For instance, it has two boilers that allow for steam and brewing functions to be heated separately, so each function is kept at precisely the temperature that you would like to. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which is varying from 4 bars at the beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is completed) while minimizing the chance of over-extraction. 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 leads to more consistent shots as well as quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso. It is also an excellent idea to choose machines that can be opened to carry out regular maintenance and repairs, since espresso drinkers are often interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is especially important for a machine that will be frequently used, since frequent use can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, is able to be opened to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for fast and efficient cleaning. Cleaning Made Simple It is essential to keep the inside of a professional espresso machine 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 the machine. Regular cleaning can prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and the highest extraction pressure and a good taste. Utilizing a specially-designed group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning solution can also help break down and dissolve coffee ground particles, oils, and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter by blind filters and pushing water back through the system to effectively clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can improve the overall cleanliness of espresso machines and maintenance. A reusable tool for cleaning the group head will make maintenance routine easier for espresso users. These reusable brushes are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean various parts of the machine, including gaskets, valves, and ports. They are usually made of stainless steel and come with an holder that is small for the cleaning solution, which is easy to fill or refill whenever required. Some tools come with an internal reservoir that can be used to store the cleaning solution while not in use. Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale, which clog water flow and reduce the taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush their system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners for eliminating mineral buildup. When choosing the best espresso machine, consider the features that are most important for you and your business. If you want to control your water temperature and the amount of brew you can use for certain drinks, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings might be the best option. If you're an avid espresso drinker and would like to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a comfortable way, a semi-automatic espresso machine or fully automatic espresso maker might be the best choice. Easy Maintenance The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine largely on the type. Some machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort; others are more hands-off. You can tell by looking at the degree of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista some control but they do not offer much control. A fully automatic machine is less hands-on, but still requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, preparing 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 should consider the number of customers your business expects to serve during peak times. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if your goal is 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 influx of orders. You'll need to determine how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least once every week with warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly descale your machine, it may develop issues like clogging and altered flavor. A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available come with a dual boiler system with one boiler used for brewing and another to steam. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is particularly useful for busy cafes who require a variety of types of cappuccino and coffee. Other features that you can see in more sophisticated espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser and an automatic rinsing cycle, and programmable user preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you use the most often. 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 that can be used to serve hot or frosty steaming milk. Repairs are easy Durability and ease of maintenance are crucial when it is about commercial espresso machines. Commercial espresso machines are made to withstand the rigors of heavy use and are made of sturdy materials. They are also more likely to be covered by warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines however, are typically made with cheaper materials and may fail more easily. Many commercial espresso machines require UL-listed and come with an NSF seal to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. It is also important to select a machine which makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee. There are several different types of professional espresso machines including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated. Each type has its own advantages, but they all produce delicious coffee. A manual espresso machine requires the barista to make the pressure using their own hand and arm, which can be difficult to master. These machines aren't as common and can be difficult to locate replacement parts for in the case of an issue. Semi-automatic espresso makers are a good option for those who wish to maintain control over their machines while still maintaining consistency. The barista still has to grind and crush the beans, however the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water so as to prevent over-extraction. Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semi-automatic models. However they also can dispense steam and hot water at the push of a button. This can save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity. No matter what type of espresso machine you choose, it is important to teach your staff how 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 off in the long run by providing your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.