What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to take into consideration when buying a commercial espresso machine. The type of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the amount and purpose of use and barista's skills.
Double boiler systems offer the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. This reduces the time required to recover 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 higher volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to work in a professional space would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to wait for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid workers in bonding. In many cases, teams of workers have a turn getting coffee for each other and this can encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and break down 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 automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shots so that operators don't have to guess the right size. This is particularly important for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is produced. This will ensure a premium quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. machine espresso can create some unique work safety and health risks for employees, which is why it's important to take into account the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
It's important to bear in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to be operating with warm water, which could increase the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can start to build up spent espresso. This can 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 system, as it may not be able to reach temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and how many cups per hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is important to select machines with automated features that make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have heavier frames and large capacity boilers to support the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually located in an indoor location (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in machine failure.
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 several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open to fill the boiler with fresh water, and the heating element shuts off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are differentiated in their capacity to make steam or brew: TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes as they offer the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's vital to clean certain components at a deeper level. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running optimally.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps over regular cleaning, so you'll want check your manual regularly to ensure you're following all the instructions. The solution used to clean the water tank disintegrates the scale. In order to complete this process you'll need an item under the steam wand, and in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for the model you have chosen.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance procedure. It's easy to overlook but it's vital not to get mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove, in the spray head.