What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are several factors to take into account. Your cafe's volume, intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This can reduce the time needed to recover 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 to perform in a professional setting would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of the highest quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid in bonding between workers. Sometimes, teams of people take turns getting the coffee each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. espressomachines designated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease at work and break down barriers between them, the senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Certain models are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess the correct size. This is especially crucial for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can alter the intensity and taste of espresso. In addition, it is recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is produced. This will guarantee a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots over the course of the day. Commercial espresso machines can present unique health and safety hazards to staff due to their high volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are more likely to make use of warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly will accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal may allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, since it might not be able reach temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can handle when choosing a commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose a machine that offers automated features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than the home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and large capacity boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for standard cafe production. They also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically located in an indoor space (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronic components can quickly overheat, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and stores water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve will open to let the boiler fill with fresh water, and the heating element is shut off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They differ by their ability to make steam or brew: TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with a single boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in top condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you should also pay attention to those parts that require more thorough cleaning. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps over regular cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure that you're following the directions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. In order to complete this process, you'll need to put a container under the steam wand and, in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the steps specific to your model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that can easily be forgotten however it's essential to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It is difficult to get rid of in the spray head.