Fully automatic espresso machines, also known in
the UK as bean to cup machines dispense espresso and a variety of
espresso based beverages consistently and quickly without the
necessity of skilled barista staff.
Assuming that the machine has been set up correctly and
commissioned by an experienced engineer, then the quality of
espresso produced by the machine should be comparable in quality to
that produced on a more traditional espresso machine by a good
barista.
Despite the fact that some of the ‘theatre’ of producing a good
espresso is lost and producing the drink is less personal the
advantages of ease of use and consistency of drink make the fully
automatic espresso machine a popular choice for commercial
caterers.
These coffee machines are designed to satisfy the classic
espresso brewing process which is as follows:
To produce a
concentrated coffee liquor of between 1 and 1.5 fluid ounces, by
forcing hot water at a temperature of between 92 and 96 degrees
Celsius at a pressure of 9 bar through a compacted wad of
fine ground dark roast coffee.
For a typical commercial bean to cup machine it takes about 25
seconds from pressing the button to producing the finished
beverage. Although this is longer than making an espresso on a
traditional barista operated espresso machine, this does include
the time to grind the coffee direct from the bean into the brewing
chamber.
Fully automatic espresso machines vary from manufacturer to
manufacturer but generally they use more coffee and have a shorter
extraction time than their traditional cousins.
Fully automatic bean to cup machines are considerably more
complex than semi automatics. All the processes for producing the
various different coffee beverages such as grinding, dosing,
tamping, brewing, milk foaming and delivery are contained within
the machine and activated by the touch of a single button.
Cleaning and maintenance procedures are reduced or automated
since the operator has restricted access to the machine. However
since most of the components of the machine involve complex
electronics these procedures are of considerable importance..
The most notable feature of a bean to cup machine is the absence
of external brewing group heads, which is replaced by an internal
brewing chamber that has a piston and filter assembly located into
each end.
Depending on the drink selection, espresso, hot water and
steamed milk are automatically and separately delivered from within
the machine via flexible hoses to the dispense head. The dispense
head may be adjustable to receive different cup sizes.
Typically two or more demountable coffee bean hoppers are
incorporated into the design of the machine. Although the hoppers
may be removed, the grinding mechanism will be encased within the
machine. Some machines have a chute facility that allows pre-ground
decaffeinated or specialty coffee to by-pass the grinder for added
flexibility. This chute also plays an importance role in cleaning
and maintenance procedures.
A properly commissioned and well maintained fully automatic
espresso machine will deliver cup after cup of delicious specialty
coffee beverages and keep your customers coming back for
more.
Written by Fenton Wayne - (Fenton Wayne is an independent advisor
in the coffee and vending trade where he has over 25 years
experience. This article has been submitted to and distributed
by www.submityourarticle.com)