What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine

You'll want a machine which can control the pre-infusion process, which is crucial for establishing flavor and aroma. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in an industrial machine.

If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that's easy to use and quick to train new staff members on. This is especially crucial for those who want to run a drive-thru cafe.

Easy 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. Coffeee features an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction and an automatic steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip that helps you determine the hardness of water as well as an AquaClean filter system that helps reduce the scale.

It is a great choice for home baristas because it offers a balance between automatic and manually operated operation. You can pull a shot of espresso like a professional (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in grinder permits you to experiment with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process, while the manual steam wand makes it simple to create frothy milk for lattes and cappuccinos. It also comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use quick and easy.


Although this model is designed to be used at home, there are some advanced features which set it apart from professional espresso machines. For instance, it comes with two boilers that allow for the brewing and steam functions to be heated independently, so that each function can be maintained at the exact temperature you want. McCarthy says that by doing this espresso is extracted at the right pressure (which could vary between 4 bars and 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 leads to more consistent shots and quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.

You should also consider a machine which can be opened for routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are often interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is particularly important when it comes to a machine that is frequently used, as the constant use can cause parts to wear out. For example, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket to ensure quick and easy cleaning.

Cleaning is easy

A professional espresso machine has a lot of chambers and passageways inside which is why it is essential to keep them clean. Over time grounds used for coffee, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning can prevent these contaminants from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water and the highest extraction pressure and good flavor.

Utilizing a group head cleaning brush with bristles that penetrate into crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaner can aid in breaking down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles, and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This is done by blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and pushing water through the system in order to clean the shower screen as well as the group head and valves. Utilizing the correct tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can enhance overall espresso machine cleanliness and maintenance.

For frequent espresso users, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much more simple. These brushes are reusable and come in different shapes and sizes and are designed to clean various parts of the machine like gaskets, valves, and ports. They are typically constructed of stainless steel and include tiny holders that can be easily filled or refillable when required. Some tools even have an in-built reservoir to store the cleaning solution after it has been in use.

Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines as well as their ease of use, especially when they are used in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that block and impair water flow and reduce the overall taste of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating mineral buildup.

When choosing the best espresso machine, consider the features that are most important to you and your company. If you're looking to be in control of your water temperature and quantity of brew for specific drinks and beverages, a manual espresso machine 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 could be the best choice.

Ease of Maintenance

The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine depends largely on the model. Certain machines require more manual work while others are less demanding. It is evident by studying the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines give the barista some control but not much control. Fully automated machines require less involvement from the operator, but still requires the operator to grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and create espresso and espresso-based drinks with just a single press of the button.

If you're purchasing a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, be sure to consider the number of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide what size commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you plan to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine that can keep up with the volume of orders.

It is also important to think about how often you'll need to clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend decaling at least once per month using a combination of warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it could develop issues such as blocking or a change in flavor.

Many of the most advanced espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for brewing, and the other to steam. The steam wand is heated independently from the group head, allowing you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is especially useful for busy cafes who have to serve a variety of kinds of coffee and cappuccino.

Some of the other features you may get on a higher-end espresso machine are a hot water dispenser as well as an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that are programmable for 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 crucial. You may also find that the machine has a built-in or attached coffee grinder and a nozzle to dispense hot or frozen steaming milk.

Repair is easy

When it comes to commercial espresso machines, the durability and ease of maintenance are crucial aspects. Commercial machines are designed to withstand the rigors of use and are often made using durable materials that last for a long time. These machines are more likely to come with warranties and other protections from damage. Espresso machines for home use are typically made of cheaper materials and are prone to break more easily.

In addition the majority of espresso machines used in commercial establishments must be UL listed and carry an NSF seal to meet the requirements of the health department and building codes. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially true for espresso machines which produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also important to select a machine which utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.

There are various types of professional coffee machines like semi-automatic or fully automatic. Each has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.

It can be a challenge for baristas to master a manual espresso machine, as they must make the pressure themselves using their arms and hands. These machines are also not as common, so they may be more difficult to locate parts for if something goes wrong.

Semi-automatic espresso machines offer an excellent compromise between human control and mechanized consistency. The barista has to still grind and crush the beans, but the pump controls the pressure and temperature of the water to avoid over-extraction.

Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic machines however they are also able to dispensate steam and hot water at the push of a button. This saves energy and time and allows for a greater capacity of production.

It is crucial that your staff knows how to operate the espresso machine, no matter what type you choose. This will increase the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff members to understand how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots but it will pay dividends in the end by delivering your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.