What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are many factors to consider. The kind of espresso machine ideal for your establishment will be determined by the quantity and the purpose for which it is used, and barista's abilities.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it will stop workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid in bonding between workers. Oftentimes teams of people will make a habit of getting coffee for each other which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space to enjoy coffee can assist new employees to feel at peace in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to suit a variety of requirements. Some models are entirely automated while others can prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not need to guess the right shot size. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can greatly impact the strength and flavor of espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large machines that weigh a lot that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also designed to crank out a multitude of shots and drinks over the course of one day. Commercial espresso machines can present particular health and safety risks for staff due to their high volume.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines will likely to use warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that don't have an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, since it might not be able reach temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.
When selecting the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the type of beverages you plan on serving and the number of cups per hour your space can handle. You should also look for an espresso machine with automated features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. You should look for a guarantee that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a much greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically located in an indoor space (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components can quickly overheat, resulting in machine failure.
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 more info made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its target level, a solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water and the heating element is turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they make steam or brew by using TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's essential to clean your machine on a deeper level. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at optimally.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure involves a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual so that you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll need a container to complete this task. In some models, you may also need a container beneath the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to overlook however it's important to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.