What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of things to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will depend on the amount of use, the purpose, and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew 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 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 setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality can serve up to 100 coffee cups in an hour during peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to stand around while waiting to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can help workers connect. Oftentimes teams of people will have a turn getting coffee each other, and this can help encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can also aid new employees in feeling at comfortably in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet different requirements. Certain models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can drastically affect the intensity and flavor of espresso that is brewed. In addition, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is cultivated. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks over the course of the day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety risks for employees due to their large volume.
It's important to keep it in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which could aid in the development of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with a a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to grow in the milk foaming process.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is also important to choose machines that have automated features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. In addition, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for normal cafe production. They also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are typically located in indoor locations (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronic components can overheat rapidly, leading to machine failure.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve is opened to allow the boiler to be filled with water that is fresh and the heating element turns off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are differentiated by their ability to brew or steam in the form of the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes because they offer the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance as do cars. They need to be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's vital to clean certain components on a more fundamental level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine running to its maximum.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This process involves a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used to descal the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container in order to complete this task. In certain units you may also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance task. It's easy to overlook however it's important not to get mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.