What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many things to take into consideration when buying a commercial espresso machine. The kind of espresso machine that is ideal for your establishment will depend on the amount of use, the purpose, and the barista's skill.
Double boiler systems offer the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. 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 can handle a higher amount of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine to function in a professional environment would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers bond. Teams of employees often are able to take turns ordering coffee for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A designated coffee area can make new employees feel more comfortable in the workplace and reduce the barriers between them, senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Certain models are completely automated and others allow you to pre-program espresso shots, so that operators do not have to guess the correct shot size. This is particularly important for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will guarantee a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. The high volume of operations create unique safety and health risks for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to function with warm water, which could cause the development of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand that is not sealed can allow bacteria to thrive in the milk foaming process.
When choosing an espresso machine for commercial use, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll be serving and how many cups your space can accommodate. You'll want to look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities that will make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and feature larger capacity boilers to accommodate several group heads for regular 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 may overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and holds pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water. The heating element is shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They differ in their capacity to be brewed or steamed by using TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to keep your machine in top condition, it will provide you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a machines espresso machines regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but you should pay attention to the parts that need an extra clean. There will be traces of 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 need descaling every three months. This process requires a few additional steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll want review your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used to clean the tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container in order to complete this task. In some models there may be a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for the model you have.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. It's easy to forget but it's crucial to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate in the spray head.