What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many things to take into consideration when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The kind of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will be determined by the quantity of use, the purpose, and barista's skills.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew as well as 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 can handle a higher volume of coffee than an home machine. A domestic espresso machine would not work in a professional environment.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from waiting for a long time 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 encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can also help new workers to feel at ease in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to suit a variety of requirements. Some models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators aren't required to guess the correct size. This is especially crucial for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a high quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of the day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety risks for employees because of their sheer volume.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines tend to use warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled will accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing system, as it might not be able reach temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.
When deciding on an espresso machine for commercial use, it is important to think about the type of beverages you'll be serving as well as the amount of cups per hour your space will be able to handle. It is important to select a machine with automation features which will allow you to serve your customers their preferred coffee beverage. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are significantly greater than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger boilers in order to support several group heads to support standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically in an indoor space (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronic components can overheat quickly, resulting in machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve is opened and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by their capacity to steam and brew the water: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes since they provide the highest quality in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They require regular maintenance in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you maintain your machine you will get more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but you must pay attention to the parts that need an extra clean. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products website that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires a few extra steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual to ensure you follow the directions. The solution used to descal the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In some models, you may also need a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your model.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This can easily be overlooked but is essential to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.