What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are several factors to take into account. The volume of your cafe's operation, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which espresso machine is right for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also reduces the 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 an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with each other. In many cases, teams of workers take turns getting the coffee for each other, which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can also aid new employees in feeling at comfortably in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet different needs. Certain models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shots so that operators don't have to guess the right size. This is especially important for companies that employ baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a car that is compact. They're also built to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks over the course of one day. Commercial espresso machines can present particular health and safety hazards for staff because of their sheer volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines will likely to use warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which can become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed could allow bacteria to thrive in the milk frothing process.
When you are choosing a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the type of beverages you plan on serving and how many cups per hour your space can handle. You'll want to choose a machine with automation features that make it easier to serve your customers the best coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers in order to support multiple group heads in standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically in an indoor space (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics can quickly overheat, resulting in machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the target level, the solenoid valve opens and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They differ in their capacity to steam or brew: TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have 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 brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If machine espresso maintain your machine you will get better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's important to clean your machine on a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at to its maximum.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires some extra steps over normal cleaning, so be sure to go through your manual to ensure that you're following the directions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. To do this it is necessary to put a container underneath the steam wand and in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your particular model.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance step. This is something that can be overlooked but is essential to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.