What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine

You'll need a machine that has the ability to regulate the pre-infusion. espresso coffee machine is crucial for developing flavor. PID temperature control is a feature that many coffee experts search for in a professional espresso machine.

If you're planning on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll need an equipment that is simple to use and easy to instruct new staff members on. This is especially important for those who want to run an drive-thru coffee shop.

Easy of Use

As you might have guessed from its name the professional espresso machine is designed to be simple to use and maintain. It has an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a an electronic temperature control for optimal extraction as well as the manual steam wand that can create microfoam. It also includes test strips that help you measure water hardness, and an AquaClean filtration system to reduce the buildup of scale.

For baristas who are at home this machine offers a great balance between automatic and manual operation, so you'll feel like a pro making a shot of espresso (though there is a bit of an learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you experiment with the grind size to adjust the grind size. Additionally the steam wand that you can use manually is a simple way to create frothy lattes and cappuccino milk. The machine also features a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use simple and convenient.

It is important to note that although this model is primarily designed to be used at home however, it comes with some advanced features that distinguish it from other professional espresso machines. For example, it has dual boilers that permit the brewing and steam functions to be heated independently, so that each function can be 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 varies from 4 bars at beginning, and 14-16 bars after it is finished) 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 and an earlier recovery time between each espresso cup.

It's also an excellent idea to look for a machine 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 especially crucial for a machine that will be frequently used, since frequent usage can cause parts to wear out. For instance, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to change the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.

Cleaning Made Easy

It is essential to keep the interior of a professional espresso machine clean. Coffee oils, coffee grounds used and water minerals can build up over time, affecting the quality of the final cup of espresso and overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent water flow and optimum extraction pressure and a great flavor.


Utilizing a group head cleaning brush that has bristles that penetrate into crevices can help get rid of stubborn residue. Regular cleaning products can help dissolve and break down coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which entails blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and forcing water back through the system in order to clean the group head, shower screen, and valves. Utilizing the correct tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can enhance the overall cleanliness of espresso machines and maintenance.

For espresso drinkers who are frequent, an reusable group head cleansing tool can make routine maintenance much easier. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean all parts of the machine, including gaskets, valves and ports. They are usually made of stainless steel and include tiny holders for the cleaning solution that is easy to fill or refill whenever needed. Some tools have built-in reservoirs to keep the cleaning solution when not in use.

Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of use, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale that block and impair water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak areas of the system. They are more effective at removing the buildup of minerals than citric acids.

When choosing the best espresso machine, think about the features that are most important to you and your company. For instance, if you would like to alter the temperature of your water and brew size to suit specific beverages, you may prefer an espresso maker that has manual controls 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 automatic espresso maker might be the best option.

Maintenance Ease

The ease of maintenance of your espresso machine is dependent on the type. Some machines require more manual labor, while others are less demanding. You can tell by studying the degree of automation. Espresso and cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semiautomatic fully automated and superautomatic. A semi-automatic machine gives the barista control, but not a great deal of automation. Fully automated machines require less involvement of the operator, however it still requires the operator grind and then tamp before pulling the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and create espresso and espresso-based drinks by pressing a single click of the button.

If you are considering purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine you must consider the number of customers your business is expected to serve during peak times. This will help you decide the size of commercial espresso machine to purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 to 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 when you'll need to descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least once a week using warm water and vinegar. If you don't descale regularly, your machine could develop issues such as clogging or a change in flavor.

A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available feature a dual boiler with one boiler used for brewing and another to steam. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head which allows you to continue steaming milk while your shots are being brewed. This is especially useful for cafes that are busy and need to serve a wide range of different types of coffee and cappuccino.

Other features you might see in more sophisticated espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle, and programmable user preferences for the kind of coffee and cappuccino you use the most often. These features can save you time and money in high-volume settings where consistency is crucial. You can also find a coffee grinder built in the machine or attached to it, as well as a nozzle for dispensing hot or frozen milk.

Ease of Repair

When it is time to choose commercial espresso machines, the durability and ease of maintenance are important aspects. Commercial machines are designed to withstand high usage and are typically constructed with durable materials that last for a long time. They are more likely to have warranties and other protections from damage. Espresso machines for home use are typically constructed of less expensive materials and can break down more easily.

Many commercial espresso machines also require UL-listed and come with an NSF seal to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for both employees and customers. This is particularly 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, since these won't leach chemicals into the coffee.

There are a variety of professional espresso machines, which include semi-automatic, manual, and fully automatic. Each one has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.

A manual espresso machine requires the barista to create the pressure using their own hands and arms, which can be a challenge to master. These machines aren't as popular and can be difficult to find replacement parts for in the case of a malfunction.

Semi-automatic espresso makers can be a good compromise for those who want to maintain control over their machines, while ensuring the same quality. The barista has to grind and tamp the beans but the pump regulates the temperature and pressure of the water to prevent over-extraction.

Fully-automatic espresso machine models are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also have the ability to dispensing hot water and steam at the push of a button. This can save energy and time, as well as increase production capacity.

It is crucial that your staff knows how to use the espresso machine, irrespective of the model you choose. This will improve the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It may take some time for new staff to learn how grind, tamp, and extract the right shots however, the investment will pay off over time, as you can offer your customers a consistently good cup of espresso.