What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of factors to take into account. The kind of espresso machine right for your cafe will be determined by the quantity of use, the purpose, and barista's skills.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This decreases the time it takes 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. A domestic espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.
A commercial machine of top quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to wait around while waiting to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with one another. Teams of employees often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which could encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease at work and break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automatic and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso sizes so that baristas do not have to guess at the right size. This is particularly crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can significantly affect the flavor and intensity of espresso. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to churn out a multitude of drinks and shots over the course of a day. These high volume operations can cause unique safety and health risks for staff, so it's important to consider the potential hazards that come with a commercial espresso machine.
It's important to keep it in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to be operating with warm water, which could increase the development of bacteria. espressomachines that isn't maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which may turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing system, because it might not be able to attain temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups per hour your space can accommodate when selecting a commercial coffee machine. It is important to select a machine with automation features which will allow you to serve your customers the best coffee beverage. Also, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger boilers to support multiple group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are typically located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve will open to fill the boiler with water that is fresh and the heating element is shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by how they are able to steam and brew: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA allows for rapid steaming using a single boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however you should be aware of those parts that require a deeper clean. There's likely to be residue from the coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that can disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine working at the best it can.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few additional steps compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. To accomplish this it is necessary to put an unfilled container under the steam wand and, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions specific to your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. It's easy to forget but it's vital not to get mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.