What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a variety of things to take into consideration. The type of espresso machine right for your cafe will depend on the amount and purpose of use and the barista's skill.
Double boilers provide the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This can reduce the time needed 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 much larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to work in a professional environment would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of the highest quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it keeps workers from waiting to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid in bonding between workers. Teams of workers often are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which could encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can also assist new employees to feel at peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to accommodate different needs. Certain models are completely automated, while others allow you to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not need to guess at the correct size of the shot. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can drastically affect the intensity and flavor of espresso that is brewed. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in a single day. This high volume operation can create some unique work safety and health risks for staff members, so it's crucial to think about the risks that could be associated with a commercial espresso machine.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid and may cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
When deciding on a commercial espresso machine it is important to think about the type of beverages you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can handle. You should look for an espresso machine that has automation features which will allow you to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. Also, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger capacity boilers to support multiple group heads for normal cafe production. They also operate at a much greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically in an indoor location (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water and the heating element turns off.
There are four variants of espresso machines that are distinguished by how they are able to steam and brew in the form of TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming with the use of a single boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes since they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance similar to cars. They must be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There's likely to be residue from milk and coffee grounds products inside the machine, which can disintegrate various components over time. espresso coffee machines will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few additional steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual so that you follow all the instructions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. To accomplish this you'll need to place a container under the steam wand, and in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for the model you have.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance step. This is something that could be overlooked, but it's important to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.