What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to take into consideration when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boilers provide the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This decreases the time it takes to recover 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 larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality will be able serve up to 100 coffee cups every hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also help workers bond. Sometimes, teams of people make a habit of getting coffee for each other and this can foster collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at peace in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators do not have to guess the correct size. This is particularly important for companies that employ untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a small car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of shots and drinks over the course of the day. These high volume operations can result in unique safety and health risks for workers, so it's important to consider the potential risks that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
It's important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to be operating with warm water, which can cause the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled may start to accumulate spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands that don't have an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, because it might not be able to reach temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups an hour your space can accommodate when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You'll want to choose an espresso machine with automation capabilities that will make it simpler to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and come with larger boilers in order to support multiple group heads in normal cafe production. They also operate at a much higher ambient temperature and are usually located in indoor locations (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics can overheat rapidly, leading to the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve is opened and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam in the form of The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are used in many cafes since they offer the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to check here run smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, but it is important to pay attention to the parts that need a deeper clean. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires a few extra steps compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. The solution used for descaling the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In some units there may be a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your specific model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This is something that can be overlooked but is essential to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.