PROFESSIONAL COFFEE MACHINES FOR COFFEE SHOPS: COMPLETE GUIDE
The worldwide passion for coffee has been moving people and ideas for years that make the drink tastier and more accessible. With this, more methods, drinks and various machines emerged, delighting the market and consumers. And they are not few! More and more, we come across them; whether professional coffee machines for coffee shops or a simple home capsule machine.
This large number of models and options, however, can make the choice process difficult. After all, among so many, which is the ideal machine for your demand? This problem is evident when someone proposes to set up a cafeteria.
To help you make this choice, we have prepared this complete guide and more info for you! Here, we will explain about different types of machines, highlighting the difference between professional and home machines; we will also compare models, listing the values and benefits of each one, and we will talk about other essential items for your coffee shop. Finally, let’s put the pros and cons of buying or renting a machine!
Come on?
Types Of Coffee Machines: Manual, Automatic, Professional And In Capsules
Espresso is a very famous drink in the world of cafes, present in most coffee shops. The drink, prepared in increasingly modern machines, offers a stronger and fuller experience. There are a few different categories for coffee machines, each gaining interest in its own way. Are they:
Manual Or Semi-Automatic Coffee Machines
Manual coffee shops are great for those who already have some knowledge of the world of specialty coffees. This is important because this type of equipment requires some care with the grinding and quantity of coffees.
The semi-automatic machine, in turn, represents a middle ground between automatic and manual preparation. In these machines, functions such as pressure, preparation time and temperature can be adjusted. They also require measuring and compacting the ground coffee, differing from the manual machine by producing specific amounts of coffee – one or two cups.
Automatic And Super-Automatic Coffee Machines
These coffee shops, which exude autonomy and speed, are widely used in commercial establishments. Although the quality of the beverage can be compromised a little, the machines have efficient and easy-to-operate mills attached.
In models like these, the pressure and volume of water are pre-set. Super automatic machines are very technological and very powerful; because of this, they have higher values. Ideally, these machines should be handled by trained professionals.
Capsule Coffee Machines
These machines are probably the most practical way to prepare espresso coffee. After all, they are intuitive and easy to use equipment that prepare drinks quickly and with quality.
This type of coffee maker works from pressure; unlike the others, there is no need to grind and prepare the coffee, which is already properly packed in the capsules compatible with the machine. Measurements, pressure and water temperature are set automatically.
Professional Coffee Machines (For Coffee Shops)
Last but not least, here are the professional coffee machines! These devices are more complex and therefore more complicated to handle. Therefore, they require the management of trained professionals, who will be able to take advantage of the machine’s full potential to produce an unparalleled beverage.
To offer the best of specialty coffee in a professional way, this type of machine is the best choice. But don’t forget: it requires experience and special care to guarantee the best coffee possible. And it is worth saying: because they are professionals, these machines are considerably more expensive than the others.
Main Differences: Domestic Vs Professional
Both professional and domestic coffee machines work similarly. Some components are part of all espresso coffee machines, being necessary to ensure a good preparation of the drink. Are they:
Filter: It serves to filter the water, eliminating possible undesirable flavours.
Pressure gauge: checks boiler and water pressure, ensuring it is between 8.5 and 9 atmospheres.
Electric pump: puts pressure on filtered water, which splits; part fills the boiler, part prepares the coffee.
Copper boiler: heats water to 90ºC with an electrical resistance. Thermostats regulate the steam temperature, which approaches 119°C.
Extraction group: It is the removable compartment that receives the coffee and through which the water under pressure passes, generating the espresso.
The big differences between the machines is in proportion and complexity. Domestic machines are more compact and extract 1 to 2 coffees at a time; the professionals, in turn, are much larger, more elaborate and have up to 4 extraction groups.
In addition, as we said above, professional machines require the handling of a professional, as they have more detailed processes. They may also feature cup warmers and steam and water tubes. The heater keeps the dishes warm, thus preventing the thermal shock of hot coffee in a cold cup. The water tube provides hot water for drinks such as teas. Finally, the steam tube extracts steam from the boiler and is used to steam the milk, preparing foam for drinks.
