What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of aspects to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe, the intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also decreases the time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is designed to handle a greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A home espresso machine will not work in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour in peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy offices, as it prevents employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also help workers connect. Oftentimes teams of people will be able to swap coffee, and this can encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can make new employees feel more comfortable in the workplace and reduce the barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are fully automatic and others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess at the right size. This is especially crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas, as incorrect shots can drastically affect the flavor and intensity of espresso. In addition, it's best to buy ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that help the communities in which coffee is produced. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and minimizes the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. Commercial espresso machines can present unique health and safety hazards for employees due to their large volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and may cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that don't have an effective seal may allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system because it might not be able reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour of your space can hold when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll want to look for a machine with automation features which will allow you to serve your customers the best coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger capacity boilers to accommodate multiple group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically located indoors (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats up and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of italian espresso machine a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level is at the desired level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, distinguished by how they are able to brew and steam in the form of The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with the use of a single boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes as they provide the highest quality in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They need to be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however you must be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This procedure requires a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual so that you follow all the steps. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. In order to complete this process you'll need to place a container underneath the steam wand or, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for your particular model.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance step. It's easy to overlook, but it is important not to accumulate mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.