What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are many things to take into consideration. The type of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will depend on the amount, the intended use, and barista skills.
Double boilers allow you to brew while steaming. 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 is designed to handle a much more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of top quality will be able serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid workers in bonding. Teams of people usually take turns getting coffee for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A designated 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 come in various sizes to meet different needs. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess the right size. This is especially crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas, since inaccurate shots can significantly affect the quality and taste of espresso. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure a premium quality product that will 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. The machines are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in the course of a single day. These high volume operations can create unique health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's crucial to think about the potential risks that come with the commercial espresso machine.
It is important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which could cause the development of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to grow in the milk foaming process.
Consider the type of beverage you'll serve and how many cups an hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You should also look for machines that have automated features, which makes it faster and easier to serve your patrons their preferred coffee drink. In addition, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than the home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have heavier frames and large capacity boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are generally located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and stores water that is pressurized by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. If the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the 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 distinct types website of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they make steam or brew the coffee: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines as they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to keep your machine in top condition, it will give you better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's vital to also clean some parts at a deeper level. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine that can disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at its best.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps than regular cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure you're following the directions. The solution used to decal the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In some units, you may also need an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This can easily be forgotten but is essential to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.