What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of factors to take into account. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to steam while brewing. It also speeds up the recovery 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 more volume of coffee than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine would not work in a professional environment.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to sit for a long time to get their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can also help workers to bond with one another. Sometimes, teams of people make a habit of getting coffee each other, and this can foster collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and reduce the barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a range of requirements. Some models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the correct size. This is particularly crucial for companies with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will guarantee a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a small car. They're also designed to crank out hundreds of shots and drinks in the day. This high volume operation can result in unique risk to health and safety for staff members, so it's crucial to think about the potential risks that come with a commercial espresso machine.
It's important to bear in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which could contribute to the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. read more A commercial espresso machine that has a a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to grow in the milk foaming process.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and the number of cups an hour your space can accommodate 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 beverage. In addition, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads needed for standard cafe production. They also operate at a more elevated temperature and are often located in an indoor setting (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronics may quickly overheat, resulting in malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides heat and storage for pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element turns off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they be brewed or steamed: the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes since they are the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, but you must pay attention to the parts that need an extra clean. There's likely to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running to its maximum.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This procedure involves a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll want review your manual to ensure you follow all the steps. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll need a container to finish this task. In some units there may be an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions specific to your model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance step. This is something that could easily be overlooked, but it's important to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of from the spray head.