What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine

You'll want a machine which can control the pre-infusion process, which is crucial to develop aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is an option that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine.

If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to operate and easy to train new employees on. This is especially crucial when you're planning to operate an drive-thru coffee shop.

User-Friendliness

As you could have guessed from the name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter, a digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction and the manual steam wand that is used to create microfoam for creating coffee art. It even includes an experiment strip to help you determine the hardness of your water and an AquaClean filter to reduce the buildup of scale.

It is a great choice for baristas at home because it is able to provide a balance of automatic and manually operated operation. You can take shots of coffee as professional baristas (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you to experiment with the size of the grind to fine-tune your process. Meanwhile the steam wand manual can be used to create frothy latte and cappuccino milk. The machine also has an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe milk hopper that makes cleaning up after each use easy and easy.

It's important to note that even though this model is primarily designed for home use however, it comes with some advanced features that differentiate it from other professional espresso machines. It has dual boilers, that allow the brewing process and the steam function to be heated independently. This lets each function be kept at the precise temperature that is desired. McCarthy says that this will ensure the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which can vary from 4 bars at beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is completed) while minimizing the risk 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, and a quicker recovery time between each espresso cup.

You should also look for a machine which can be opened to perform regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are typically interested in the inner workings and mechanics their equipment. This is particularly important when it comes to a machine that will be frequently used, since frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. For example the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.

Cleaning Made Simple

It is important to keep the interior of an espresso machine that is professional clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals may accumulate over time, impacting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning can stop these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water and optimum extraction pressure and good flavor.

A specialized cleaning brush that has bristles designed to penetrate crevices will assist get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can also help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require regular backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter using blind filters and pushing water back through the system to effectively clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Backflushing is easier using the correct tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

A tool that can be reused to clean the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso drinkers. These brushes can be found in various sizes and shapes to efficiently clean the various parts of the machine, like valves, ports, and gaskets. They are typically made of stainless steel and include a small holder that can be filled and refilled as required. Some tools even have a small, built-in reservoir to store the cleaning solution after it has been being used.

Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of use particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that clog and reduce water flow, and reduce the overall taste of espresso. Users can either soak parts or backflush the system using these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners at eliminating 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 wish to alter the temperature of your water and brew size to suit certain beverages, you might prefer a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings. If you are a casual espresso drinker who wants to enjoy a great cup of coffee at home in a convenient way, a semi-automatic espresso machine or fully automated espresso maker could be the best option.

Easy Maintenance

The kind of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require a lot of hands-on work while others are more hands-off. You can tell by taking a look at the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic fully automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines offer barista control but not an excessive amount of automation. 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 completely automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks from just a single press.

If you're buying semi-automatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to consider the number of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide the size of an commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll want to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine that has enough capacity to keep up with the flow of orders.

You'll have to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least twice a week using vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly descale your machine, it could experience problems like clogging and a different flavor.

The most modern espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is for brewing, and the other to steam. This allows the steam wand as well as the group head to be heated at different temperatures, allowing you to continue to steam drinks while your shots are brewing. This is particularly useful for busy cafes that need to serve lots of different varieties of cappuccino and coffee.

Some of the other features you can find on a more advanced espresso machine include hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that can be programmable to the type and amount of coffee or cappuccino that you make most often. These can save time and money, particularly in high-volume 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 frosty steaming milk.

Repairs are easy

When it is time to choose a commercial espresso machine the durability and ease of maintenance are crucial factors. Commercial machines are designed to withstand heavy use and are often made using durable materials that last for a long time. They are more likely to have warranties as well as other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home on the other hand are usually constructed with cheaper materials and may break down more easily.


Many commercial espresso machine s also must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal to be in compliance with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees as well as customers. This is especially relevant for espresso machines that produce a large volume of drinks. It is also important to select a machine which utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.

There are a variety of professional espresso machines which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automated. Each machine type has its distinct advantages and disadvantages, but all are designed to brew delicious coffee.

A manual espresso machine requires the barista to generate the pressure with their hands and arms, which can be difficult to master. They are also less popular, and therefore they could be more difficult to find parts for in the event that something goes wrong.

Semi-automatic espresso makers are a great alternative for those looking to control their machines, while ensuring consistency. The barista must grind and tamp the beans, but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction.

Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also can dispense hot water and steam at the touch of the button. This can save energy and time, and increase production capacity.

It is crucial that your staff understand how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the type you select. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It could take some time for new staff members to learn how to grind, tamp and extract shots properly however, the investment will pay off over time by providing your customers an consistently high-quality cup of espresso.