What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are several aspects to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe's operations, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which espresso machine is right for your business.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. It also decreases the time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is able to handle a higher volume of coffee than an home machine. A domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per 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.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Teams of people often are able to take turns ordering coffee for each other, which can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A designated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and break down barriers between them, the senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet different needs. Some models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the correct size. This is especially crucial for companies with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety hazards to staff because of their sheer volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, as it may not be able temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When selecting the best commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll be serving and how many cups your space can hold. You'll want to choose an espresso machine with automation capabilities that make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are significantly more powerful than those used in home settings. This is because professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers to handle the multiple group heads needed for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are often located in an indoor setting (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics could overheat quickly resulting in malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are differentiated by the way they can steam or brew in the form of the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes as they provide the highest quality in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular practice, but it's crucial to clean certain parts at a deeper level. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine, which can break down various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual so that you here adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll require a container to complete this task. In some units you might also require a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for your specific model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance process. It's easy to overlook but it's vital not to accumulate mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate, in the spray head.