What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of aspects to take into consideration. The kind of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the amount, the intended use, and the barista's skill.
Double boilers provide the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This cuts down on the time 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 greater volume of coffee than an home machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to perform in a professional space would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to wait for a long time to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can help workers connect. Oftentimes teams of people will make a habit of getting coffee, and this can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the right size. This is particularly important for companies that employ baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big machines that weigh a lot that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of drinks and shots throughout the course of an entire day. These high-volume operations can result in unique health and safety risks for workers, so it's crucial to think about the risks that could be associated with the commercial espresso machine.
It's important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to professional espresso machine function with warm water, which can increase the development of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can start to build up spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal could allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing system, as it might not be able to attain temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.
When you are choosing the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you plan on serving and how many cups your space will be able to handle. You'll want to choose a machine with automation features that make it easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. You should look for a guarantee that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are significantly greater than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger capacity boilers to accommodate several group heads for standard cafe production. They also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are typically in an indoor location (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and stores water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its desired level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element turns off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are differentiated by their ability to steam or brew the coffee: the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, whereas DA offers rapid steaming using only one boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes because they offer the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you maintain your machine it will provide you with a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to pay attention to those parts that require an extra clean. There's likely to be residue from coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that can cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
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. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you follow all the instructions. The solution used to descal the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In some units you might also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your specific model.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. It's easy to overlook but it's vital not to build up mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.