What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of things to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the volume and the purpose for which it is used, and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system allows you to brew while steaming. This reduces the time required to recuperate 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 larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality will be able to serve up to 100 coffee cups every hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to sit around while waiting to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can aid workers in bonding. Teams of workers often make a habit of sharing coffee with each other, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and break down barriers between them, senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a variety of needs. Certain models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess the right size. This is especially important for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the quality and taste of espresso. It is also recommended to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and minimize 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're also designed to crank out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of a day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety hazards to 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 increase the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to thrive in the milk that is frothing.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will serve and the number of cups an hour can be served when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You should look for a machine with automation features which will allow you to serve your customers the best coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger capacity boilers that can support several group heads for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are generally located indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats up and holds water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve will open and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They differ by the way they be brewed or steamed in the form of The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes as they provide the highest quality in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but you should also pay attention to the parts that need an extra clean. There's likely to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that can degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps than regular cleaning, so it's best to review your manual to ensure that you're following the directions. The solution used to decal the water tank disintegrates the scale. In order to more info complete this process, you'll need to put an unfilled container under the steam wand and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is another maintenance process. This is something that could be easily forgotten but is essential to keep in mind so you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.