What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe, the intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This cuts down on the time 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 more volume of coffee than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine to work in a professional setting could be the recipe for disaster.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to sit for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid in bonding between workers. Teams of people often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which can help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can also assist new employees to feel at comfortably in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet different needs. Some models are fully automatic and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the correct size. This is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can alter the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. The high volume of operations cause unique health and safety hazards for staff, so it's important to take into account the potential dangers that come with the commercial espresso machine.
It is important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to be operating with warm water, which can contribute to the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed could allow bacteria to flourish in the milk that is frothing.
When choosing a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the type of beverages you plan on serving and how many cups your space will be able to handle. You should also look for an espresso machine that has automation features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both parts and labor. This will guarantee that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers that can handle the numerous group heads needed for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically located inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with water that is fresh and the heating element is turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by their ability to brew or steam by using The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures while DA provides rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are being used by check here many cafes since they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They require maintenance to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily practice, but it's crucial to also clean some parts at a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires additional steps than normal cleaning, so it's best to go through your manual to ensure you're following the instructions. The solution used for descaling the tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a tank to complete this task. In some units there may be an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This can easily be forgotten, but it's important to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to eliminate, in the spray head.