What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are several aspects to take into consideration. The kind of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the quantity and purpose of use and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. This reduces the time required 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 a home espresso machine. A home espresso machine would not be effective in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to stand around while waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can help workers to bond with each other. Oftentimes teams of people will take turns getting the coffee for each other, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could help new employees feel more at ease in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to suit a variety of needs. espresso coffee machines are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can significantly affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it's best to buy ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure a premium quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of one day. These high-volume operations can create unique health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's important to take into account the potential hazards that come with the commercial espresso machine.
It's important to keep it in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to operate with warm water, which could increase the development of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal can also permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing mechanism, as it might not be able reach temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and how many cups an hour of your space can hold when selecting a commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine that has automation features that make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical problems can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and feature larger capacity boilers to support multiple group heads for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a much greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically located in an indoor setting (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components can overheat rapidly, leading to the machine failing.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats up and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve is opened and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They differ by the way they steam or brew the coffee: the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday practice, but it's crucial to also clean some parts on a deeper level. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running to its maximum.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure involves a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you follow all the steps. The solution used to descal the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. To complete this task it is necessary to put an unfilled container under the steam wand and, in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps specific to your model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to forget however it's important not to accumulate mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.