For many of us, the key to the best mornings involves espresso. On those groggy 8 AM wakeups, many times the one thing that galvanizes us is the thought of that first steaming espresso, and how it’s going to make our morning that much better. Jumpstarting the day can be very much dependent on an espresso machine and finding the one that’s just right for you.
When considering an espresso machine purchase, some of the words that come to mind might be “features”, “price”, “size”, and even “appearance”….but let’s add “long lasting” to that list. Who wants to make an investment like that (and let’s be honest – today’s feature-rich, technologically advanced espresso machines don’t come cheaply), only to find that it needs repair or has broken down altogether?
So how do we identify a top-performing product that will deliver longevity? First of all, it’s important to note that this feature tends to be directly linked to “quality”. The bargain brands of espresso machines aren’t going to rank highly in the “long lasting” category. And while quality denotes a higher price point, it’s not always the most expensive machine that’s going to go the distance. Here are some facts. On average, an espresso machine will last between five and fifteen years – now that’s quite a range! But its lifespan will be determined by the brand, type, complexity, frequency of use and a few other factors.
Studies show that fully automatic espresso machines tend to have a longer lifespan than semi-automatic types, or any others for that matter. But one of the common denominators in ensuring that your espresso machine will see you through many years of brewing is the level of cleaning and maintenance that it receives. This can be broken down into daily maintenance, which involves running the brush scrub through all parts to scrub out loose coffee grinds, running an espresso machine detergent in a blind filter until the water runs clear, cleaning the steaming wands and portafilters, and wiping down the exterior. But there’s more.
Every three months, you should do a more thorough cleaning that might involve replacing group gaskets if necessary, testing flow rates and water temperature, testing all the machine’s switches, and testing the group head and boiler water quality. This brings us to the annual check, where certain parts of the machine will need a closer inspection and service, where things like the valves, waste pipe and brew actuator bearing can be tested. Servicing your espresso machine consistently can result in an exceptionally long lasting appliance – and that’s the goal.
When we’re talking about exceptional espresso machines, a great place to start is Quality Coffee Systems, based out of Burnaby BC. With deep roots and an extensive background in the coffee appliance industry, QCS is a trusted and leading west coast supplier. Established in 1998 as a father-son business, we deal in high-quality Swiss, French and German brands that deliver advanced features, European technology, appealing aesthetics – and longevity.
QCS has built a twenty-year reputation on providing unparalleled customer service, with a team of highly-trained specialists to walk you through your espresso machine journey. But where we really shine is with our after-sales support which has always been the backbone of our company. Our service technicians are coffee gurus, and their expertise is part of our value proposition and commitment to our clients.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or drop by our Burnaby showroom to see what we mean.
