What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of things to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. Your cafe's volume, intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also reduces the 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 higher volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting could be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able serve up to 100 coffee cups every hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to sit for a long time to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can aid workers in bonding with one another. Teams of workers often make a habit of sharing coffee with each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can also assist new employees to feel at peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are entirely automated while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots, so that operators do not need to guess the correct shot size. This is especially crucial for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. These high volume operations can create some unique work health and safety risks for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential risks that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines tend to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not regularly cleaned and descaled can build up spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid and could cause illness when get more info consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that don't have an effective seal can also allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing mechanism, because it might not be able to attain temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Consider the type of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour of your space can hold when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll want to look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities that will make it simpler to serve your customers the best coffee drink. You should look for a guarantee that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger boilers in order to support several group heads for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher 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 is heated and holds water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with fresh water, and the heating element turns off.
There are four types of espresso machines that are distinguished by their capacity to steam and brew in the form of the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, whereas DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes since they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance as do cars. They require maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday practice, but it's crucial to also clean some parts at a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires some extra steps over normal cleaning, and you'll need to go through your manual to ensure that you're following the directions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. To accomplish this you'll need to place a container under the steam wand and, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions specific to your model.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance task. It's easy to overlook but it's crucial not to build up mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.