Choosing the right espresso machine is crucial for cafe and coffee shop owners. The espresso machine, after all, is the backbone of the business, and that's why a high-quality machine is essential to ensure that the coffee served to customers is of the highest standard.
When choosing the right machine, it should be reliable, efficient, and user-friendly, allowing baristas to make excellent coffee consistently, without wasting time and resources. Consistency is especially important if you're serving many customers because repeat customers are what ultimately make a coffee shop successful. Moreover, the machine should be durable enough to withstand the demands of a busy cafe or coffee shop. The last thing you want happening, after all, is for your machine to suddenly break down in the middle of serving a long line of customers.
In this blog post, then, we’ll take a look at some key features you should consider when shopping for an espresso machine, and see how the La Marzocco KB90 is able to hold up to the requirements of a bustling coffee shop.
1. The Boiler System
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an espresso machine is the type of boiler system. There are two main types of boiler systems: single and dual. A single boiler machine heats water for both brewing and steaming, but this can lead to inconsistencies in temperature and pressure. A dual boiler machine, on the other hand, has separate boilers for brewing and steaming, which provides consistent temperature and pressure, ensuring a perfect espresso shot every time.
The La Marzocco KB90 uses a dual boiler system. It has two separate boilers, one for brewing and one for steaming, allowing you to make coffee and steam milk at the same time, making it possible to make a perfect latte in a fraction of the time it would take with a single boiler machine. This design also allows for independent temperature control for each function, ensuring that the espresso is brewed at the perfect temperature and the milk is steamed to the desired temperature and texture.
2. Group Heads
The number of group heads is also an essential factor to consider when purchasing an espresso machine. The group heads determine the number of espresso shots that can be made at one time. If you have a busy café or coffee shop, it is imperative to choose an espresso machine with enough group heads to handle the demand. The more espresso shots you're able to pull out in a single operation, the better, especially if there's a long line forming in your café.
In this regard, the La Marzocco KB90 is equipped with two group heads and separate boilers for each group head. This feature enables baristas to optimize the temperature for each type of coffee they make. It ensures that the temperature of each espresso shot is consistent and perfect, allowing for a better extraction of flavor and aroma from the coffee beans.
3. Temperature Control
Accurate temperature control is another crucial element for making a great espresso shot. A machine with a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) temperature controller ensures that the brewing water temperature remains consistent, even during busy periods.
The La Marzocco KB90 boasts a PID temperature controller, which allows you to electronically control the coffee and steam boiler temperature. This feature ensures that the temperature is consistent and stable throughout your shift, which is critical to making a high-quality espresso. It also lessens the worry and cuts time from having to measure each cup manually to ensure that it's up to par with your café's standards.
4. Water Source
The water source is another important factor to consider. Some espresso machines use a direct water line, while others require a water tank. A direct water line is more convenient and eliminates the need to refill the water tank, but it can also be more expensive to install. A water tank, on the other hand, is more economical but requires regular filling.
What makes the La Marzocco KB90 exceptional is that it goes beyond just having a water line. It is equipped with a thermal stability system, which is critical for maintaining consistent temperatures and ensuring your coffee is always at the perfect temperature. The KB90's thermal stability system pre-heats the brew water before it enters the boiler, ensuring increased temperature stability for every shot of espresso.
5. Ease of Use
Ease of use is an important consideration, especially if you have a busy café or coffee shop. An espresso machine with user-friendly controls and intuitive interface makes it easier for your baristas to make a perfect espresso shot quickly and efficiently. The La Marzocco KB90, for example, features a user-friendly interface, making it easy for baristas to control the temperature, pressure, and shot volume.
There are many factors to consider when choosing an espresso machine for your café or coffee shop. The La Marzocco KB90 is an excellent choice, as it offers many of the key features that café and coffee shop owners require in order to have their cafe operating in tip-top condition. So whether you’re a seasoned barista or a new café owner, you can check out the La Marzocco KB90 from our online store here at Visions Espresso. As a shop that specializes in espresso machines and barista tools, we can guarantee that the La Marzocco KB90 will be able to provide you with quality coffee that will give you the customer satisfaction you need to succeed.