What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of aspects to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe's operations, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. This decreases the time it takes to recover between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a greater quantity of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine will not be effective in a professional setting.
A high quality commercial machine will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of workers often have coffee in a rotating manner for one another, which could promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and reduce the barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to accommodate different needs. Certain 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 companies that employ baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is harvested. This will ensure a top quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They are designed to create hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. These high volume operations can create some unique work health and safety risks for staff members, so it's important to take into account the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
Remember that commercial espresso machines tend to utilize warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk foaming process.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and the more info number of cups an hour of your space can hold when choosing a commercial coffee maker. You should look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities that make it easier to serve your customers the best coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially greater than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers that can support several group heads to support regular cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are generally located indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and holds pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. The 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 determines that the water has reached the desired level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element is turned off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, differentiated by their ability to brew and steam with steam: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes since they provide the highest quality in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but you should pay attention to the parts that require an extra clean. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running the best it can.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. To accomplish this you'll need to place an item under the steam wand and, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This is a step that can easily be forgotten but is important to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.