What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of aspects to take into consideration. The type of espresso machine appropriate for your cafe will depend on the volume and purpose of use and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system allows you to steam while brewing. 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. A home espresso machine would not perform well in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to sit for hours to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can allow workers to connect with each other. In many cases, teams of workers be able to swap coffee for each other, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can make new employees feel more at ease at work and help break down barriers between them, senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to suit a variety of requirements. Certain models are fully automated while others have the ability to pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies that employ baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of drinks and shots in an entire day. The high volume of operations create unique health and safety risks for employees, which is why it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
It's important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to operate with warm water, which can contribute to the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly could begin to build up spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed can allow bacteria to thrive in the milk that is frothing.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups per hour can be served when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. You'll also want an espresso machine that has automated features, which makes it simpler and quicker to serve your customers their favorite coffee drinks. In addition, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine is heated and holds pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve is opened to fill the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are differentiated by the way they be brewed or steamed the coffee: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however you should pay attention to the parts that need a deeper clean. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few extra steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual to ensure espresso machines you follow all the steps. The solution used to clean the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a container in order to complete this task. In certain models you may also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your specific model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This is something that can be overlooked but is important to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to remove, in the spray head.