What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are many factors to consider. The volume of your cafe, the intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. It also speeds up the recovery time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is designed to handle a much higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A home espresso machine would not work in a professional setting.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can aid in bonding between workers. Teams of workers often have coffee in a rotating manner for one another, which could facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can also aid new employees in feeling at comfortably in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are fully automatic while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators don't have to guess the right size. This is especially important for companies that employ untrained baristas since incorrect shots can alter the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will guarantee a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. Commercial espresso machines could pose particular health and safety risks for staff because of their sheer volume.
It's important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which could contribute to the development of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands that don't have an effective seal could permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing system as it might not be able reach temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria.
When choosing a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll be serving and the number of cups per hour your space can accommodate. You should look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities that make it easier to serve your customers the best coffee drink. Also, look for a espresso coffee machines guarantee that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially more powerful than those used in home settings. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have heavier frames and large capacity boilers to handle the multiple group heads needed for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are generally located in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with fresh water. The heating element turns off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they can steam or brew in the form of TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes since they are the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you should also pay attention to the parts that need a deeper clean. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This is a process that requires more steps over regular cleaning, so it's best check your manual regularly to ensure that you're adhering to the directions. The solution used to descal the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a container in order to complete this task. In certain models, you may also need an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on the model you have.
A water filter change is another maintenance procedure. It's easy to overlook but it's crucial not to build up mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.