What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The type of espresso machine right for your cafe will depend on the volume, the intended use, and the barista's skill.
Double boilers provide the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. 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 can handle a higher volume of coffee than an home machine. A domestic espresso machine may not be able to perform in a professional setting.
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 great help in busy workplaces, since it prevents workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with each other. In many cases, teams of workers be able to swap coffee for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at ease in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of needs. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators aren't required to guess the right size. This is especially important for businesses that have baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. In addition, it's best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that help the communities where coffee is grown. This will guarantee a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a car that is compact. They're also built to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks in a day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety risks for staff due to their large volume.
It's important to bear in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to function with warm water, which could aid in the development of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed can let bacteria grow in the milk the frothing process.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups per hour can be served when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You'll also want to find machines that have automation features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. Additionally, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are typically located indoors (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve is opened to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water and the heating element is turned off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They differ by their ability to make steam or brew by using The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming using the use of a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines since they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds in terms of steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance similar to cars. They need to be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to pay attention to the parts that require an extra clean. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few extra steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to read the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used to clean the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In certain models you may also require a container underneath the coffee espresso makers spouts. Follow the guidelines for your particular model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This is something that can easily be overlooked but is important to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.