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 flavor and aroma. PID temperature control is also a feature that coffee experts are looking for in an espresso machine that is professional.

If you're planning on hiring baristas who have no experience, you'll require a machine that is easy to use and quick to train new staff members on. This is particularly important for those who want to run an drive-thru coffee shop.

espresso and filter coffee machine -Friendliness

This professional espresso machine as you may have guessed from its name is designed to be simple to operate and maintain. It comes with an integrated grinder that automatically grinds coffee beans into the portafilter. It also comes with a 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 gauge water hardness and an AquaClean filter to prevent scale buildup.

For home baristas this machine offers a great balance between manual and automatic operation, so you can feel like a pro when pulling a shot of espresso (though there is a an learning curve). The built-in grinder lets you to play around with the size of your coffee grind and fine-tune the process, while the manual steam wand allows you to make foamy milk for cappuccinos and lattes. It also comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after each use easy and convenient.


While this model is intended to be used at home but it comes with some sophisticated features which set it apart from professional espresso machines. It has dual boilers, which allow the brewing function and steam function to be heated separately. This allows each function to be maintained at the exact temperature that is desired. McCarthy explains that this way espresso is extracted using the correct pressure (which can vary from 4 bars to 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 means more consistent shots and faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.

It is also important to look for an espresso machine that can be opened to perform routine maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is particularly important when it comes to a machine that is frequently used, since frequent use can cause components to wear out. The espresso machine we tested for example, can be opened to replace the brew group basket as well as the drip tray for quick and easy cleaning.

Cleaning Made Simple

A professional espresso machine has numerous internal passages and chambers which is why it is important to keep them clean. Over time grounds, coffee oils and water mineral deposits may build up, affecting the taste of the final espresso cup as well as the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will eliminate these toxins and ensure consistent water flow and extraction pressure.

Utilizing a group head cleaning brush with bristles that reach crevices can assist in removing stubborn residue. Regular use of a cleaning product can help break down and dissolve coffee ground particles, oils, and other contaminants. Additionally, certain espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which entails blocking the portafilter using blind filters and pushing water back through the system to effectively clean the group head, shower screen, and valves. Using the right tools and following the manufacturer's instructions for backflushing can enhance the overall cleanliness of your espresso machine and maintenance.

For espresso drinkers who are frequent, a reusable group head cleaning tool can make regular maintenance much more simple. These reusable brushes are available in different shapes and sizes that can effectively clean the various parts of the machine, including valves, ports and gaskets. They are typically made from stainless steel and come with tiny holders for the cleaning solution which is easy to refill or fill up when needed. Some tools come with an integrated reservoir for storing the cleaning solution after it has been being used.

Descaling solutions enhance the performance of espresso machines and their user-friendliness, especially when they are utilized in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers eliminate calcium and limescale that clog and hinder water flow and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. These products can be used to backflush or soak components 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 business. For instance, if you want to be able to adjust the temperature of your water and brew size for certain beverages, you might prefer a manual espresso maker with more flexible settings. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but want a convenient way to enjoy great-tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machine could be the best choice.

Easy Maintenance

The kind of espresso machine you have will determine the ease to maintain. Some machines require more manual labor and others are more demanding. The way to tell is to examine the level 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. A fully automatic machine is more hands-free, but requires the operator to grind, tamp and pull the shot. Super-automatic machines are fully automated and can make espresso and espresso-based beverages by pressing a single click of one button.

If you're considering purchasing a semi-automatic or fully automatic professional espresso machine, be sure to consider the amount of customers your business anticipates serving at peak times. This will help you determine the size of an commercial espresso machine to purchase. If you plan to serve 120 drinks from 8-10 AM, then you'll require a semi-automatic espresso system that can handle the volume of orders.

You'll also have to think about the frequency you should clean your coffee maker. Some manufacturers recommend descale the coffee maker at least twice every week with vinegar and warm water. If you don't regularly clean your machine, it might be affected by issues like obstruction or altered flavor.

The most modern espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for making espresso, while the other is for steaming. 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 lots of different kinds of cappuccino and coffee.

Other features you can discover on a more sophisticated espresso machine are hot water dispensers, an automatic rinse cycle, and user preferences that are programmable for the type and quantity of coffee or cappuccino that you typically make. These features can help you save time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is important. You may also find a coffee grinder integrated into the machine or attached to it, and an nozzle to dispensing hot or frosty milk.

Ease of Repair

Durability and ease of maintenance are important factors when it comes to commercial espresso machines. Commercial machines are designed to withstand high use and are usually constructed of durable materials that can last for a long time. They are also more likely to have warranties and other protections against damage. Espresso machines at home are typically constructed of less expensive materials and are prone to break more quickly.

Many commercial espresso machines also must be UL-listed as well as have a NSF seal in order to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements help ensure that the equipment is safe for employees and customers. This is especially applicable to espresso machines that produce a significant amount of drinks. Select a machine constructed of stainless steel or FDA-approved materials to avoid chemical leaching into the coffee.

There are different types of professional coffee machines, such as semi-automatic and fully automatic. Each type has its own advantages however, they all make delicious coffee.

It isn't easy for a barista to master a manual espresso machine, as they must create the pressure by themselves using their arms and hands. These machines are also not as common, so they may be more difficult to find parts for if something goes wrong.

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

Fully-automatic espresso machines are like semi-automatic ones however, they are also able to dispensate hot and steam at the push of a button. This can save energy and time, and increase production capacity.

Whatever type of espresso machine you choose it is crucial to teach your staff how to properly use it. This will increase the quality of your coffee and increase efficiency. It may take some time for new staff to understand how to grind, tamp and extract shots correctly, but the investment will pay off over time as you provide your customers with consistently excellent cups of espresso.