What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of factors to consider. The kind of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will depend on the volume and purpose of use and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. It also reduces 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 amount of coffee than a home machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to work in a professional setting would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also help workers connect. Teams of people often have coffee in a rotating manner for one another, which can help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can make new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Certain models are completely automated while others can pre-program espresso shots, so that operators do not have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can greatly affect the strength and flavor of espresso brewed. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots throughout the course of a day. The high volume of operations create some unique work risk to health and safety for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
It's important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to function with warm water, which could cause the development of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly could begin to build up spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. Commercial espresso machines with steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to grow in the milk foaming process.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups per hour of your space can hold when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You'll also want a machine that offers automated features, which makes it faster and easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drinks. Additionally, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. This is due to the check here fact that professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are typically located indoors (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its desired level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with fresh water, and the heating element turns off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are differentiated by their ability to brew or steam in the form of The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds in terms of the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They must be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's vital to clean certain parts at a deeper level. There's likely to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine operating at its best.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires additional steps than regular cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure that you're adhering to the directions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. To accomplish this it is necessary to put an unfilled container under the steam wand or, in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance step. 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.