What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will depend on the amount, the intended use, and barista skills.
Double boilers provide the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. It also reduces 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 much more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional space would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of good 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 waiting for a long time to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can help workers connect. Oftentimes teams of people will make a habit of getting coffee, and this can foster collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can also help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet a variety of needs. Certain models are completely automated, while others allow you to pre-program espresso shots, so that operators do not have to guess the proper size of the shot. This is particularly important for businesses that have baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can alter the intensity and taste of espresso. In addition, it is best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that help the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of drinks and shots over the course of an entire day. The high volume of operations create unique health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's important to take into account the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines will likely to make use of warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can build up spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to thrive in the milk frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you will be serving and how many cups an hour your space can handle when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine with automation features that make it easier and faster to serve your customers their favorite coffee drinks. Also, 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 because professional espresso machines have heavier frames and large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads needed for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides uk espresso machine heat and storage for pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. The water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. If the brew sensor detects that the water level is at the desired level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are differentiated by their ability to be brewed or steamed the coffee: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are utilized in many cafes since they offer the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance just like cars. They require maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take the time to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's important to also clean some parts on a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires some extra steps over normal cleaning, so you'll want to go through your manual to ensure that you're following the instructions. The solution used to clean the water tank dissolves the scale. To do this it is necessary to put an unfilled container under the steam wand and, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is another maintenance task. It's easy to forget however it's important not to get mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.