What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are many aspects to take into consideration. The kind of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will be determined by the quantity of use, the purpose, and barista's skills.
A double boiler system lets you to brew while steaming. 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 higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality will be able serve up to 100 coffee cups per hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it keeps employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid workers in bonding. Often, teams of employees take turns getting the coffee for each other, and this can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at ease in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet different requirements. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators aren't required to guess the correct size. This is especially crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that help the communities in which coffee is produced. This will ensure a premium quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to crank out hundreds of shots and drinks in an entire day. These high volume operations can create unique health and safety risks for employees, which is why it's crucial to think about the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly could begin to build up spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a a steam wand that is not sealed can allow bacteria to grow in the milk the frothing process.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups per hour can be served when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll want to look for machines with automated features that will make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. In addition, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially greater than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines also operate at a much higher temperature in the ambient and are typically in an indoor setting (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics can overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.
espresso maker of an espresso machine for commercial use heats up and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam 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 the desired level the solenoid valve will open and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines, differentiated by their ability to brew and steam: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however you should be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every 3 months. This process requires additional steps over regular cleaning, and you'll need check your manual regularly to ensure you're following all the instructions. The solution used for descaling the water tank disintegrates the scale. To accomplish this you'll need a container under the steam wand and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your particular model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This is something that can be overlooked but is important to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.