What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are many factors to consider. The volume of your cafe's operations, service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. It also reduces the 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 larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine would not be effective in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to wait around while waiting to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid in bonding between workers. Teams of employees often are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which could help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can also help new workers to feel at ease in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a range of needs. Some models are purely automatic, while others allow you to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not have to guess the right size of each shot. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can drastically affect the quality and taste of espresso brewed. In addition, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that help the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure a premium quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a car that is compact. They are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. Commercial espresso machines can present particular health and safety hazards for employees due to their large volume.
It's important to keep it in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to operate with warm water, which can increase the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can build up spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid and may cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. You should also look for a machine that offers automation features that make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and feature larger capacity boilers that can support several group heads for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are often located in an indoor space (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat rapidly, leading to machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and stores water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water, and the heating element turns off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished in their capacity to steam or brew in the form of the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes as they offer the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance, just like cars. They need to be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's essential to clean certain components at a deeper level. There's going to be residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine which could degrade various components click here over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This procedure requires a few additional steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual so that you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used for descaling the water tank disintegrates the scale. To accomplish this you'll need to place a container underneath the steam wand, and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. It's easy to forget but it's crucial to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate in the spray head.