What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of aspects to take into consideration. The kind of espresso machine appropriate for your cafe will be determined by the quantity and purpose of use and barista's abilities.
Double boiler systems allow you to steam while brewing. 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 can handle a larger volume of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine will not work in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This can be an enormous help in busy workplaces, since it stops employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid workers in bonding. Teams of people often have coffee in a rotating manner for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can also assist new employees to feel at peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet different needs. Some models are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators don't have to guess the correct size. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can greatly affect the quality and taste of espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced products that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a small car. They are designed to create hundreds of drinks and shots in the course of a single day. The high volume of operations cause unique health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to make use of warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can start to build up spent espresso, which could become rancid and cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wands that are not sealed can allow bacteria to grow in the milk the frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you will be serving and how many cups an hour of your space can hold when choosing a commercial coffee machine. You'll want to choose an espresso machine with automation capabilities that will make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. In addition, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and come with larger boilers that can support multiple group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are usually placed inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides heat and storage for pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the desired level, the solenoid valve opens and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four types of espresso machines, distinguished by their ability to brew and steam the water: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, whereas DA can provide rapid steaming using the use of a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance similar to cars. They require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's important to clean certain parts on a more fundamental level. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running its best.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires a few extra steps when compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review your manual so that you follow all the instructions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll need a container to finish this task. In some models there may be a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your specific model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance procedure. It's easy to forget but it's crucial not to build up mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.