What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The type of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will depend on the amount of use, the purpose, and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew as well as 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 able to handle a higher quantity of coffee than a home machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy offices, as it stops workers from waiting to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can aid in bonding between workers. Teams of people usually take turns getting coffee for one another, which could promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee can assist new employees to feel at ease in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet different requirements. Certain models are completely automated while others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that the operator does not have to guess the proper size of each shot. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can significantly affect the quality and taste of espresso. Additionally, it is ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is grown. This will ensure a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks in a day. These high volume operations can create unique health and safety hazards for workers, so it's crucial to think about the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines tend to use warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled can build up spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and possibly cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing mechanism, as it may not be able to attain temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and the number of cups an hour can be served when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You should also look for an espresso machine that has automation features that make it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their espresso home machine favorite coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and feature larger capacity boilers in order to support several group heads to support regular cafe production. They also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are usually located in an indoor space (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines provides heat and storage for pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they can steam or brew by using TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide 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 as do cars. They need to be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine it will provide you with a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's essential to clean your machine at a deeper level. 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 top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires additional steps over regular cleaning, and you'll need to read the manual to ensure you're following the directions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll need a container to finish this task. In certain units there may be an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your particular model.
A water filter change is another maintenance process. It's easy to forget but it's crucial not to build up mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to remove from the spray head.