What to Look For in a Professional Espresso Machine

You'll need a machine with the capability to control the pre-infusion. This is crucial for the development of flavor. Many coffee experts also search for PID temperature control in the best machines.

If you plan to hire baristas who have no experience, you'll need a machine you can quickly train. This is especially important when you're planning to operate a drive-thru cafe.

Easy to Use

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

It's a great option for home baristas since it provides a balance between the manual and automated operation. You can pull a shot of espresso like professional baristas (although there is a small learning curve). The built-in grinder allows you to experiment with your coffee grind size and fine-tune the process while the steam wand manual allows you to create frosty milk for your cappuccinos and lattes. The machine comes with a removable, dishwasher-safe milk hopper, which makes cleaning up after use easy and convenient.

It's worth mentioning that while this model is primarily designed for home use however, it comes with some advanced features that distinguish it from other espresso machines for professional use. For example, it has dual boilers that allow the brewing and steam functions to be heated separately, ensuring that each function can be kept at precisely the temperature that you would like to. McCarthy explains that by doing this, the espresso is extracted with 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 leads to more consistent shots and a faster recovery time between each cup of espresso.

You should also look for machines that can be opened for regular maintenance or repairs. Espresso enthusiasts are usually interested in the inner workings and mechanics of their equipment. This is especially crucial when it comes to a machine that will be frequently used, since frequent use can cause parts to wear out. The espresso machine we tested, for instance, can be opened up to replace the brew group container and drip tray for quick and easy cleaning.

Ease of Cleaning

It is essential to keep the interior of a professional espresso machine clean. Over time, grounds, coffee oils, and water mineral deposits can accumulate, affecting the quality of the final espresso cup and the overall performance of your machine. Regular cleaning will prevent these toxins and guarantee a consistent water flow and extraction pressure.

A specialized cleaning brush with bristles that are designed to get into crevices can help remove stubborn residue. Regular cleaning solutions can aid in the dissolution and breakdown of coffee particles, oils and other contaminants. In addition, some espresso machines require periodic backflushing, which involves blocking the portafilter with a blind filter and forcing water back through the system to effectively clean the shower head, group head screen, and valves. Backflushing is more efficient if you use the right tools and follow the instructions of the manufacturer.

A reusable tool for cleaning the group head can make routine maintenance easier for espresso drinkers. These brushes are reusable and come in various shapes and sizes that can effectively clean various components of the machine, such as ports, valves, and gaskets. These brushes are usually made of stainless steel and include tiny holders that can be filled and replenished as required. Some tools come with built-in reservoirs to keep the cleaning solution in storage when not being used.

Descaling solutions can significantly improve espresso machine performance and ease of operation particularly in high-volume settings. These liquid descalers get rid of calcium and limescale, which block and reduce water flow, and diminish the overall flavor of espresso. The user can soak the parts or backflush the system with these products which are more effective than citric acid cleaners for getting rid of mineral buildup.

Think about the features that are most important to you and your company when choosing the best espresso machine. If you'd like to control the temperature of your water and brew volume for specific beverages, a manual espresso machine with more adjustable settings may be the best choice. On the other side, if you're an avid espresso drinker but need a convenient method to enjoy a great tasting coffee at home, a semi-automatic or fully automatic espresso machine might be the ideal choice.

Easy Maintenance

The ease of maintaining your espresso machine depends largely on the type. Certain machines require lots of hands-on work while others are more hands-off. The way to determine is to look at the level of automation. Espresso and Cappuccino machine types are classified into three categories: semiautomatic, fully automated, and superautomatic. Semi-automatic machines allow the barista some control but they do not offer much control. A fully automatic machine requires less involvement of the operator, however it still requires the operator grind and tamp the shot. A super-automatic machine is fully automated, preparing espresso and espresso-based drinks with just a single press.

When purchasing a semiautomatic or fully automated professional espresso machine, you must take into consideration the number of customers that your business is expected to serve during peak times. This will help you determine the size of commercial espresso machine you need to purchase. For instance, if you expect to serve 120 drinks between 8 and 10 AM, you'll need to purchase a semi-automatic machine with enough capacity to keep up with the volume of orders.

You'll also need to consider the frequency you should descale your coffee machine. Some manufacturers recommend descaling at least once a month using a mix of vinegar and warm water. If you don't frequently descale, your machine could develop issues like clogging and altered flavor.

The most modern espresso machines have a dual-boiler system. One boiler is used for making coffee, and the second to steam. The steam wand is heated separately from the group head, allowing you to continue steaming milk while your shots are brewing. This is particularly beneficial for cafes with a lot of customers who require a variety of varieties of cappuccino and coffee.

Other features you might find in more advanced espresso machines are a hot-water dispenser, an automatic rinsing cycle, and programmable user preferences for the type of coffee and cappuccino you use the most often. These features will save you time and money in large-scale settings where consistency is crucial. You may also find coffee grinders built into the machine or connected to it, and an nozzle to dispensing hot or frothed milk.

Repairs are simple

When it is a commercial espresso machine durability and ease of repair are crucial factors. Commercial espresso machines are designed to withstand heavy usage and are made of robust materials. They are also more likely to come with warranties and other protections against damage. Home espresso machines are usually constructed of less expensive materials and are prone to break more quickly.

Many commercial espresso machines must be UL-listed as well as come with an NSF seal to comply with health and building department standards. These requirements ensure that the equipment will be safe for employees as well as customers. This is particularly applicable to espresso machines that make large quantities of drinks. It is also crucial to select a machine that makes use of stainless steel or other FDA-approved materials, as they don't allow chemicals to leach into the coffee.

There are various types of professional coffee machines including semi-automatic and fully automatic. espresso home machine has its own advantages but they all make delicious coffee.

It can be difficult for baristas to master the manual espresso machine as they must create the pressure by themselves using their hand and arm. These machines aren't as popular and may be harder to locate replacement parts for in the case of an issue.

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


Fully-automatic espresso machines are similar to semiautomatic models. However they also can dispense steam and hot water at the push of the button. This helps save time and energy and allows for greater production capacity.

No matter what kind of espresso machine you select, it is important to teach your staff how to properly use it. This will enhance the quality of your coffee as well as increase efficiency. It may take a while for new staff members to learn how to properly grind, tamp and extract shots however, this investment will pay dividends in the long run by delivering your customers with a consistently great cup of espresso.