What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of things to consider when purchasing a commercial espresso machine. The volume of your cafe's operation, service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is best for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the capability to brew 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 can handle a higher volume of coffee than an home machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it stops workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers bond. Teams of employees often have coffee in a rotating manner for each other, which can help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can make new employees feel more at ease at work and break down the barriers between them, senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of requirements. Certain models are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas aren't required to guess the correct size. This is particularly crucial for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are grown. 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 money as a mini-car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of drinks and shots in a day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety risks for staff due to their large volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which could become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands that don't have an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing process, since it might not be able to reach temperatures that are sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
Consider the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups per hour of your space can hold when selecting a commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine with automation features, which make click here it faster and easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger capacity boilers that can support multiple group heads for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are generally located in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed 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 level sensor senses that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open to let the boiler fill with fresh water and the heating element shuts off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they make steam or brew 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 can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes because they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They need to be maintained to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's important 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 helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires a few more steps over regular cleaning, so you'll want check your manual regularly to ensure you're following the instructions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves scale in the water tank. To complete this task you'll need a container under the steam wand or, in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your specific model.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance task. It's easy to forget but it's crucial not to build up mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of from the spray head.