What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to take into consideration when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The kind of espresso machine right for your cafe will depend on the quantity and purpose of use and barista's abilities.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This decreases the time it takes 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 more volume of coffee than a home espresso machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers bond. Teams of people usually are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which could help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could make new employees feel more at ease at work and help break down barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are purely automatic while others can program espresso shots in advance so that operators don't have to guess at the correct shot size. This is especially important for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can greatly affect the strength and flavor of espresso brewed. Additionally, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that help the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a car that is compact. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of drinks and shots in a day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety risks for employees due to their large volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines will likely to utilize warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can build up spent coffee for espresso machine espresso. This can cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed could allow bacteria to thrive in the milk that is frothing.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups an hour of your space can hold when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. You should also look for an espresso machine with automated features, which make it faster and easier to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. Find a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for typical cafe production. They also operate at a higher temperature in the ambient and are often located in an indoor setting (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronics may quickly overheat, resulting in malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines provides heat and storage for pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. The water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with water that is fresh and the heating element is shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are differentiated by their ability to brew or steam in the form of The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes because they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They require regular maintenance in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you should pay attention to the parts that require more thorough cleaning. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This procedure requires a few additional steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. The solution used to descal the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a tank to finish this task. In some units you might also require a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that could be easily forgotten, but it's important to remember so that there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.