What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of factors to consider. The kind of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the volume of use, the purpose, and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. This reduces the time required to recover between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a greater volume of coffee than an home machine. A domestic espresso machine to work in a professional space would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it stops employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can help workers to bond with each other. Teams of people usually make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more comfortable at work and break down barriers between them, the senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Certain models are completely automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not need to guess the proper size of the shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. This high volume operation can create some unique work safety and health risks for staff, so it's crucial to think about the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are likely to use warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled may start to accumulate spent espresso, which may turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with a a steam wand that is not sealed may let bacteria grow in the milk frothing process.
Think about the kind of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour your space can handle when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine that has automated features, which makes it faster and easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drinks. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than home models. This is because professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers to support the multiple group heads needed for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a higher temperature in the ambient and are typically in indoor locations (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and holds the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. espresso coffee maker is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four types of espresso machines, differentiated by their ability to brew and steam the water: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds in terms the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine and you are able to enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you should be aware of the parts that require an extra clean. There will be a residue of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine which could cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This process involves a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll want review your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used for descaling the water tank dissolves the scale. To do this you'll need a container underneath the steam wand and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance task. This is something that can be easily forgotten but is essential to remember so that there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.