What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are several factors to consider. The volume of your cafe's operation, service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
A double boiler system allows you to steam while brewing. It also speeds up the 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine would not work in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour in peak times. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it keeps employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can also aid workers in bonding with each other. In many cases, teams of workers have a turn getting coffee each other, and this can foster teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can aid new employees in feeling at comfortably in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of requirements. Some models are entirely automated, while others can prepare espresso shots beforehand so that the operator does not have to guess the proper size of the shot. This is especially important for businesses with untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can greatly affect the quality and taste of espresso brewed. In addition, it's best to buy ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines which support the communities where coffee is harvested. This will ensure a premium quality product, and reduce 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. They're also designed to crank out hundreds of drinks and shots over the course of a day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety hazards to employees because of their sheer volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't regularly cleaned or descaled may start to accumulate spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without a seal that is effective could allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing process, because it might not be able temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
When you are choosing a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll serve and how many cups your space can accommodate. You'll want to look for an espresso machine that has automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers your favorite coffee beverage. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have larger frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads needed for standard cafe production. They also operate at a much higher temperature in the ambient and are often located in an indoor location (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can quickly overheat, resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they can be brewed or steamed: 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. HX machines are utilized by many cafes since they offer the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine you will get better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's essential to also clean some parts on a deeper level. There's bound to be leftovers of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine, which can degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine functioning at to its maximum.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This is a process that requires more steps than regular cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure 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 certain models, you may also need a container beneath the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
best espresso machine in maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that could be easily forgotten but is essential to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to eliminate from the spray head.