What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The kind of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will depend on the volume of use, the purpose, and barista skills.
Double boilers provide the ability to brew as well as 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 able to handle a higher volume of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour in peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to sit for a long time to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Often, teams of employees have a turn getting coffee each other, which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can help new workers to feel at comfortably in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different requirements. Some models are entirely automated and others are able to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can greatly impact the intensity and flavor of espresso that is brewed. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of drinks and shots over the course of one day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety risks for employees due to their high volume.
It's important to bear in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which can increase the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine more info that hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause sickness if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with steam wands that are not sealed can allow bacteria to flourish in the milk that is frothing.
When choosing a commercial espresso machine it is important to think about the kind of drinks you plan on serving and the amount of cups per hour your space can accommodate. You should also look for an espresso machine with automation features that make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers their favorite coffee drinks. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines also operate at a higher temperature in the ambient and are typically located in an indoor location (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat quickly resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. If the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the target level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they brew or steam: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes since they offer the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance similar to cars. They must be maintained in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you must be aware of the parts that need an extra clean. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps as opposed to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review your manual to ensure you follow all the steps. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. To accomplish this you'll need to place an item under the steam wand, and in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your particular model.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance step. This is a step that can easily be forgotten but is important to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.