What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are many things to take into consideration. The kind of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will be determined by the quantity and the purpose for which it is used, and barista's skills.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. This can reduce the time needed to recuperate 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 higher volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to stand for a long time to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can help workers to bond with each other. Teams of people often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which could facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can also help new workers to feel at peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can greatly impact the intensity and flavor of espresso that is brewed. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of shots and drinks in an entire day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety risks to staff because of their sheer volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines will likely to use warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which could become rancid and cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal can also permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing system as it buy espresso machine might not be able to attain temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can accommodate when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You'll also want to find machines that have automation features that make it easier and faster to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. Also, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially more powerful than those used in home settings. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have larger frames and larger boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are usually placed indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and stores pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of 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 opens and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they can make steam or brew by using TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, whereas DA allows for rapid steaming using only one boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes because they provide the highest quality in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine you will get better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however you should also pay attention to the parts that need a deeper clean. There's bound to be leftovers from coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that could disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running optimally.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps than normal cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure that you're following the instructions. The solution used for descaling the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In some models you may also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to forget however it's important to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of from the spray head.