What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the amount and purpose of use and barista's skills.
A double boiler system allows you to brew while steaming. This can reduce the time needed 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 more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to function in a professional setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is 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, stopping employees from having to wait around while waiting to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine at work can help workers to bond with each other. In many cases, teams of workers have a turn getting coffee for each other, and this can foster teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more at ease at work and break down barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet different requirements. Some models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the correct size. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can greatly affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. In addition, it's best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards for employees due to their high production.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines tend to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can start to build up spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed could allow bacteria to grow in the milk foaming process.
Consider the type of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour of your space can hold when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. You'll want to look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities that will make it easier to serve your customers the best coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. This is because professional espresso machines have heavier frames and larger boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for typical cafe production. They also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are usually located in indoor locations (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics may overheat rapidly, leading to malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level is at the desired level the solenoid valve is opened and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished in their capacity to brew or steam: the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes as they provide the highest quality in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They need to be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If website you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's vital to clean certain parts at a deeper level. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine running its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires more steps over normal cleaning, so be sure to go through your manual to ensure that you're adhering to the instructions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. To accomplish this you'll need a container under the steam wand and, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for the model you have.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This is something that could be easily forgotten however it's essential to keep in mind so you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. It is also important to look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.