What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine

You'll need a machine that has the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is important to develop flavor. PID temperature control is also an attribute that many coffee experts look for in a professional espresso machine.

If you plan on hiring baristas with no experience, you'll need an equipment that is simple to use and easy to train new staff members on. This is especially important when you're planning to operate a drive-thru coffee shop.

User-Friendliness

This professional espresso machine, as you could have guessed by its name is designed to be easy 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 a manual steam wand to create microfoam. It also comes with a test strip to help you assess the water's hardness and an AquaClean filter to reduce scale buildup.

For home baristas, it offers an excellent balance between automatic and manual operation, so you'll feel like a pro making an espresso (though there is a bit of a learning curve). The built-in grinder permits you to experiment with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process while the steam wand manual allows you to make frothy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. The machine also features a dishwasher-safe, removable milk hopper that makes cleaning up after each use simple and simple.

It's important to note that even though this model is primarily designed for use at home but it also has advanced features that differentiate it from other espresso machines for professional use. For instance, it has two boilers that allow for the brewing and steam functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at exactly the desired temperature. McCarthy explains that this ensures the espresso is extracted at the correct pressure (which can vary from 4 bars at beginning to 14-16 bars when 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 results in more consistent shots and a quicker recovery time between each cup of espresso.


It is also a good idea to choose machines that can be opened up to perform regular maintenance and repairs, since espresso drinkers are often interested in the inner workings of their equipment. This is especially important when it comes to a machine that is frequently used, as the constant use can cause components to wear out. For instance, the espresso machine we tested can be opened to replace the drip tray and brew basket for quick and easy cleaning.

Cleaning is a breeze

A professional espresso machine has numerous chambers and passageways inside, making it crucial to keep them clean. Over time grounds used for coffee, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of the machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins from accumulating and ensure consistent flow of water and the highest extraction pressure and a great flavor.

A special cleaning brush with bristles designed to reach crevices will help remove stubborn stains. Regular cleaning products can aid in dissolving and breaking down coffee particles, oils, and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter with blind filters and pushing water back through the system to clean the group head, shower screen and valves. Backflushing is more efficient if you use the right tools and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

For espresso drinkers who are frequent, the use of a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much more simple. These reusable brushes are available in various sizes and shapes. They are designed to clean different parts of the machine, including gaskets, valves, and ports. The brushes are typically made of stainless steel, and have tiny holders that can be easily filled or refillable whenever needed. Some tools have built-in reservoirs to keep the cleaning solution when not being used.

Descaling options can significantly enhance espresso machine performance and ease of operation, especially in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and reduce water flow, and reduce the overall taste of espresso. machines espresso machines can soak the parts or backflush the system using these products that are more efficient than citric acid cleaners for eliminating mineral buildup.

When deciding on the best espresso machine, consider the features that are most important for you and your business. If you'd like to control the temperature of your water as well as the quantity of brew for specific drinks such as a manual espresso maker with more adjustable settings could 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 convenient way, a semiautomatic 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 work while others are less demanding. The way to determine is to examine the level of automation. Espresso/cappuccino machines are classified into three categories: semi-automatic fully automatic and super-automatic. Semi-automatic machines offer the barista a bit of control but they do not offer much control. Fully automated machines are less hands-on but still requires the operator to grind, tamp, and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso and espresso-based beverages with a single push of the button.

If you're purchasing semi-automatic or a fully automated professional espresso machine, be sure to take into account the number of customers your company anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you decide what size commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you intend to serve 120 drinks from 8 to 10 AM, then you will require a semi-automatic machine that can handle the volume of orders.

You'll have to decide how often you should descale your machine. Some manufacturers recommend decaling every month at least with a mixture of warm water and vinegar. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it may develop issues such as blocking or a change in flavor.

A lot of the most advanced espresso machines available come with a dual boiler system, with one boiler to make espresso and another one to steam. The steam wand can be heated separately from the group head and allows you to continue steaming milk while the shots are being made. This is especially beneficial for cafes that are busy and require a variety of different varieties of cappuccino and coffee.

Other features you might discover in more sophisticated espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser as well as an automatic rinsing process and user-programmable preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you are most likely to make. These features can save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is essential. You may also find coffee grinders built into the machine or connected to it, as well as the nozzle that can be used to serve hot or frosty milk.

Repairs are simple

When it comes to commercial espresso machines, the durability and ease of maintenance are crucial factors. Commercial machines are designed to withstand high usage and are typically constructed of durable materials that can last for years. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed of less expensive materials and can break down more quickly.

Many commercial espresso machines also must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal in order to meet building and health department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that produce a lot of drinks. Choose a machine made of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to prevent chemicals leaching into coffee.

There are many different kinds of professional espresso machines, including semi-automatic, manual and fully automatic. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all are designed to make delicious coffee.

It can be difficult for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, since they must create the pressure themselves with their hands and arms. These machines aren't as popular and can be difficult to locate replacement parts for in the case of malfunction.

Semi-automatic espresso makers are a good compromise for those who want to control their machines, while ensuring consistency. The barista has to still grind and crush the beans, but the pump controls the temperature and pressure of the water so as to prevent over-extraction.

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

It is important that your staff understand how to use the espresso machine, no matter the type you select. This will increase the quality of your coffee and increase its effectiveness. It might take a while for new staff to learn how grind, tamp and extract shots correctly However, the investment will pay off in time as you provide your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.