What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine

You'll want a machine that can be controlled the pre-infusion process, which is crucial for establishing aroma and flavor. PID temperature control is an option that coffee experts are looking for in an espresso machine that is professional.

If you're planning to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine that is easy to use and easy to train new employees on. This is essential when you are planning to operate an open-air coffee shop.

Easy of Use


As you may have guessed from the name, this professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds fresh coffee beans into the portafilter, digital temperature control to ensure the best extraction as well as a manual steam wand for creating microfoam, ideal for making coffee art. It also includes a test strip that helps you measure water hardness as well as an AquaClean filtering system to eliminate the scale.

It's a great option for baristas at home because it offers a balance between manual and automatic operation. You can pull a shot of coffee like professional baristas (although there is a little learning curve). The built-in coffee grinder allows you to play around with the size of the grind to tweak your process. Additionally, the manual steam wand is a straightforward method to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine also features a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use simple and simple.

It is important to note that although this model is primarily designed for use at home, it has some advanced features that differentiate it from other espresso machines for professional use. It has dual boilers, which allow the brewing function and the steam function to be heated separately. This lets each function be maintained at the exact temperature desired. McCarthy says that by doing this espresso is extracted using the correct pressure (which can vary from 4 bars to 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 leads to more consistent shots as well as quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.

It's also recommended to choose machines that is able to be opened to perform regular maintenance and repairs, because espresso lovers are frequently interested in the workings of their equipment. This is especially crucial for an espresso machine designed for professional use that is frequently used, as frequent use can lead to wear and tear on the parts. For example 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 a lot of chambers and passageways inside which is why it is important to keep them clean. Over time coffee oils, used grounds and water mineral deposits can build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins and ensure consistent water flow and extraction pressure.

Utilizing a group head cleaning brush that has bristles that penetrate into crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning solution can help break down and dissolve coffee oils, ground particles and other contaminants. Some espresso machines also require regular backflushing. This involves blocking the portafilter with blind filters, and forcing water through the system to clean the shower screen, group head, and valves. Backflushing is more efficient when you use the appropriate tools and follow the manufacturer's guidelines.

A reusable tool for cleaning the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso users. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean all parts of the machine like gaskets, valves and ports. They are typically made of stainless steel and have tiny holders that can be filled and replenished when required. Some tools even have an integrated reservoir for storing the cleaning solution when not in use.

Descaling solutions can dramatically improve espresso machine performance and ease of operation, especially in high-volume settings. coffee machine espresso eliminate calcium and limescale, which 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 that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners in getting rid of mineral buildup.

Think about the features that matter most to you and your company when choosing the best espresso machine. For example, if you wish to customize your water temperature and brew volume for specific drinks, you might prefer an espresso maker that is manual with more flexible settings. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but need a convenient method to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semiautomatic or fully automated espresso machine could be the best choice.

Maintenance Ease

The type of espresso machine you have will determine how easy it is to maintain. Certain machines require an extensive amount of hands-on effort while others require less hands-on. The way to tell is to look at the degree of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machine types are divided into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated and superautomatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista the control, but does not provide an excessive amount of automation. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement of the operator, however it still requires the operator grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are completely automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks with one button press.

If you're considering purchasing a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, be sure to factor in the number of customers your company anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide which size commercial espresso machine you should purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 until 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic espresso machine with enough capacity to keep up with the flow of orders.

You'll also need to consider the frequency you should descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale your coffee machine at least once a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't descale regularly your machine, it may develop issues like clogging and altered flavor.

A lot of the most sophisticated espresso machines feature a dual boiler system. One boiler is for making espresso, while the other is to steam. This allows the steam wand and group head to be heated at different temperatures, which means you can continue to steam milk for drinks while your shots are being made. This is especially useful for cafes that are busy and require a variety of different kinds of cappuccino and coffee.

Other features you can find on a more advanced espresso machine are hot water dispensers and an automatic rinse cycle and user preferences that can be programmable for the type and quantity of coffee or cappuccino that you make most often. These features can save time and money, especially in a high-volume setting where consistency is crucial. There is also the possibility that the machine has an integrated or attached coffee grinder, and a nozzle for dispense hot or frozen steamed milk.

Repair is easy

The 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. These machines are more likely to come with warranties as well as other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed from cheaper materials and are prone to break more easily.

Many commercial espresso machines require UL-listed and have a NSF seal in order to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that utilizes stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, because they won't release chemicals into the coffee.

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

A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure with their own 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 should something go wrong.

Semi-automatic espresso machines provide an ideal compromise between human control and mechanised consistency. The barista has to still grind and crush the beans, but the pump controls the water pressure and temperature in order to prevent over-extraction.

Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semi-automatic models however, they also have the ability to dispense hot and steam at the touch of a button. This saves energy and time, and allow for greater production capacity.

Whatever type of espresso machine you pick it is crucial to teach your staff how to use it correctly. This will improve the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It might take a while for new staff to learn how to grind, tamp and extract shots properly however, the investment will pay off in time as you provide your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.