What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many things to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. Your cafe's volume, intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.
A double boiler system gives the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. It also speeds up the recovery time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a greater amount of coffee than a home machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to function in a professional space would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to sit for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers bond. Sometimes, teams of people be able to swap coffee each other, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable at work and break down barriers between them, the senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet different requirements. Certain models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can greatly affect the flavor and intensity of espresso brewed. Additionally, it is best to buy ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that help the communities where coffee is cultivated. machine espresso will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive machines that weigh a lot that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of drinks and shots in a day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards to employees due to their large volume.
It's important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which could aid in the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not cleaned and descaled regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and may cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wands that are not sealed may let bacteria grow in the milk frothing process.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups an hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You should look for machines with automated features that will make it simpler to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and feature larger capacity boilers to support several group heads to support regular cafe production. These machines also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are often located in an indoor space (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components can overheat quickly resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and holds pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve opens and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are differentiated in their capacity to make steam or brew in the form of TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming with the use of 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 the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance just like cars. They need to be maintained in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you maintain your machine, you will enjoy a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however you should pay attention to the parts that need an extra clean. There's likely to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that can disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires some extra steps over normal cleaning, so it's best check your manual regularly to ensure you're following all the instructions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. You'll need a container to finish this task. In some units there may be an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This can be easily forgotten however it's essential to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.