What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are many factors to take into account. The kind of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will depend on the volume of use, the purpose, and barista's skills.
Double boilers provide the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. It also reduces recovery time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a higher volume of coffee than an home machine. A domestic espresso machine may not work in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to sit for a long time 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 promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically to enjoy coffee can aid new employees in feeling at ease in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. Some models are completely automatic, while others can prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not need to guess the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the flavor and intensity of espresso brewed. Additionally, it is best to purchase ethically-sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is harvested. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks in an entire day. These high-volume operations can create unique safety and health risks for workers, so it's crucial to think about the potential risks that come with a commercial espresso machine.
It's important to bear in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to operate with warm water, which can aid in the development of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled can accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and may cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system as it may not be able reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When deciding on a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll be serving and the amount of cups per hour your space can hold. You'll want to choose machines with automated features that make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure website that any technical issues can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and feature larger capacity boilers to support several group heads to support normal cafe production. They also operate at a much higher temperature in the ambient and are typically in an indoor setting (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. If the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four types of espresso machines that are distinguished by how they are able to brew and steam with steam: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines since they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds in terms of steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance as do cars. They need to be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's essential to clean certain parts on a deeper level. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This is a process that requires a few more steps than regular cleaning, and you'll need to go through your manual to ensure that you're adhering to the directions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. In order to complete this process you'll need a container underneath the steam wand or, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your particular model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance task. This is a step that can easily be forgotten but is essential to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate in the spray head.