Step 1: Capacity
The choice of the capacity of the coffee machine mainly depends on the heating method: heat exchange or multiple boilers.
- Heat exchange coffee machine
The heat exchange coffee machine has only one steam boiler, the boiler is surrounded by copper tube, known as the "heat exchanger". As the name suggests, the water passes through a heat exchanger to absorb the heat released by the steam boiler and then enters the head set to brew the coffee. Heat exchange coffee machines are suitable for restaurants, offices or small coffee shops, especially where the volume of cups is steady throughout the day and there is no obvious peak consumption. Most heat exchange coffee machines are small, because there is only one boiler in the body, from the perspective of saving space is really a good choice.
- Multi-boiler coffee maker
The multi-boiler coffee machine has at least 2 built-in boilers, the larger boiler has a higher temperature and is used to generate steam; The other is cooler and is used to brew coffee machines (some even have a single boiler for each head). The benefit of a multi-boiler coffee maker is that you can directly control the water temperature used to brew your coffee. This machine has better constant temperature performance, the temperature of the head group is not affected by the steam boiler, and the taste and quality of coffee are more stable.
2. Current and voltage
Choose the coffee machine must remember to check the current and voltage standard, basically, the more functions of the coffee machine, the more electricity is needed. The current of the heat exchange coffee machine is usually between 15 and 25A, depending on the number of head sets; Multi-boiler coffee makers require up to 40A of current.
3. Head Group
You need to be careful about how many head sets you need. A common choice is a double or triple head, as double and triple heads are sufficient for most cafes.
In total, the double-ended coffee maker is suitable for making 20kg of coffee a week. Over 20kg, a three-head coffee maker is recommended, which can make up to 100kg of coffee a week.
What about the four heads? Unless you have multiple baristas working at the same time, four heads are basically meaningless for one barista. If you must have four heads, buy two double-headed coffee makers instead.
4. Workflow and degree of automation
Cup timing, weighing, volume measurement, automatic brewing ratio and so on are all cool features of the new generation of coffee machines. These features are great, but only if you use them. Your ultimate goal is to improve quality, stability and efficiency.
- Volume measurement
One of the most basic forms of automation is "volume measurement". Many coffee makers have touch-screen controls that allow you to set different levels of ground coffee, depending on the level of grinding. Volume measurement is mainly achieved through the flowmeter, the water volume can be set in advance, to ensure that the water output is the same every time the brewing button is pressed.
- Weight measurement
The next step in automation is "weight measurement". Some coffee machines include an electronic scale in the waste tray, which means you can adjust brewing parameters for weight, not volume. Weight measurement can make the amount of ground coffee used more precise, thus making the taste more stable.
- Automatic brewing ratio
Coffee makers such as La Marzocco Straada ABR even have automatic brewing ratio setting function. With this system, you can set a brewing ratio (e.g. 1:2), then measure the powder weight in the handle (e.g. 20g) with the electronic scale that comes with the coffee machine, and the coffee machine will automatically water according to the ratio (e.g. Automatically set the cup size to 40g, making sure the ratio is 1:2).
- Other functions
Automatic cleaning systems and night-time energy saving modes are other practical features that can save time, money and energy. The night mode automatically lowers the boiler temperature to ensure that the coffee machine does not completely lose heat after a night out of use, thus saving energy and ensuring that the coffee machine heats up faster the next morning.
Ergonomic design is also important. Baristas need to stand behind the coffee machine for several hours each day, and it is important to protect the health of baristas that the machine is comfortable and easy to use. Push-pull steam switches, for example, reduce wrist strain more than traditional knobs.
On top of that, you can also pursue an automatic pressure curve, which allows coffee to increase or decrease pressure as needed during brewing, giving you more control over the flavor. Some coffee makers also remember the set pressure curve to ensure consistent quality from brew to brew.
- Automatic parts
Automating the basics means you can spend more time interacting with customers. Electronic bean grinders, Puqpress and Ubermilk are all practical tools that can dramatically improve the efficiency of coffee making.
Step 5 Look
Constant temperature and automatic brewing ratio are important, but so is the overall look of the coffee maker.
Traditional coffee makers, such as La Marzocco Linea Classic, are simple in appearance and mostly made of stainless steel, which can be well integrated into the overall bar design without being too intrusive. Some high-end coffee makers, such as the Sanremo Opera 2.0, are designed to tell customers how important quality is to you.
Nowadays, many coffee shops choose to personalize the look of their coffee machines. Many coffeemaker shells are easily removable, and materials and colors can be changed or added freely. Or you can use vinyl paint, which is relatively inexpensive.
6. Reliability and after-sales service
Many people overlook the importance of after-sales service. No matter how expensive a coffee machine is, it's bound to need repair and maintenance at some stage. Like cars, which need maintenance every six months, coffee makers also need to replace their seals and water outlets regularly. Every 1-2 years, a thorough internal inspection, cleaning or replacement of parts is required.
The good news is that many cities now have dedicated coffee machine repairmen. Be sure to find out if there is one nearby before buying. High-end coffee machines usually use a specific brand of parts, in the replacement must not be cheap, to avoid the coffee machine overall failure.
Step 7: Water
Water quality greatly affects the durability of the coffee maker and the taste of the coffee. In some areas, simple carbon filters are all that is needed; But in some areas, descaling or reverse osmosis filtration systems must be used. To choose which water filter device to use, you first test the water. You can hire a professional technician to help you test the water, hear what filter they recommend to use and how often the filter element needs to be replaced.