What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The kind of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will depend on the amount of use, the purpose, and barista's abilities.
Double boilers provide the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. This cuts down on the time to recuperate 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 an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine would not be effective in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it prevents employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with one another. Often, teams of employees make a habit of getting coffee for each other which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can make new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and reduce the barriers between them, the senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are purely automatic and others can pre-program espresso shots so that the operator does not have to guess the right shot size. This is especially important for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can significantly affect the flavor and intensity of espresso brewed. It is also recommended to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a premium quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of drinks and shots in the course of a single day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety hazards for employees due to their high production.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can start to build up spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with the steam wand that isn't sealed with an effective seal may permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, since it might not be able to attain temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will serve and the number of cups an hour your space can accommodate when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is also important to choose a machine that offers automation features that make it easier and faster to serve your patrons their preferred coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably more powerful than those used in home settings. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers to support the multiple group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are generally located indoors (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats up and holds water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. If the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are differentiated by the way they can brew or steam by using TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, since they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's important to clean certain parts at a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products espresso and filter coffee machine that can cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine functioning at its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. To complete this task, you'll need to put an item under the steam wand and in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions specific to your model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that could be overlooked, but it's important to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.