What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of things to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe's operations, service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boilers provide the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also reduces 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional space would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to sit around while waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers bond. Teams of people often take turns getting coffee for each other, which can help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more comfortable at work and break down barriers between them, senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. Certain models are fully automated while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies that employ untrained baristas as incorrect shots can alter the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is harvested. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a car that is compact. They're also designed to churn out a multitude of shots and drinks over the course of a day. These high-volume operations can create unique health and safety risks for staff, 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 are likely to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which may turn rancid and could potentially cause sickness if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed can let bacteria grow in the milk frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you will serve and the number of cups per hour of your space can hold when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You'll also want machines that have automation features that make it faster and easier to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. You should look for a guarantee that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually placed in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and stores water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve will open and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished in their capacity to steam or brew: the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes as they are the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance, just like cars. They require maintenance in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you must be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There's going to be residue from coffee grounds and espresso machine milk products inside the machine which could break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at optimally.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual to ensure you follow all the steps. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. To complete this task you'll need to place a container underneath the steam wand and, in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your specific model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance process. This can be easily forgotten however it's essential to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of from the spray head.