What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of aspects to take into consideration. The kind of espresso machine that is ideal for your establishment will depend on the quantity, the intended use, and barista's abilities.
Double boiler systems allow you to steam while brewing. This reduces the time required 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 much higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional space would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at 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 allow workers to connect with one another. Oftentimes teams of people will have a turn getting coffee for each other which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee can aid new employees in feeling at peace in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to suit a variety of needs. Some 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 especially crucial for companies with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it's best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is cultivated. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and minimizes the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They are designed to create hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety risks to staff due to their high volume.
It's important to bear in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to operate with warm water, which can cause the development of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly will accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands without an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing system since it might not be able temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When deciding on an espresso machine for commercial use, it is important to think about the type of beverages you'll serve and how many cups your space can hold. You'll want to look for a machine with automation features that will make it simpler to serve espresso machines for home your customers your favorite coffee beverage. Also, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers that can handle the numerous group heads needed for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are typically located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides heat and storage for the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level is at the desired level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They differ 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 ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes as they provide the highest quality in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They require regular maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you ensure that you maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, but it is important to be aware of the parts that require more thorough cleaning. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products inside the machine that could break down various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll want review your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. To complete this task, you'll need to put a container under the steam wand, and in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to forget however it's important to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove in the spray head.