What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are several factors to consider. The volume of your cafe, the intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boilers provide the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. This reduces the time required to recuperate between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a larger quantity of coffee than a home machine. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to sit for a long time to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can aid workers in bonding. Sometimes, teams of people have a turn getting coffee each other, which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and break down barriers between them, the senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are completely automatic while others are able to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not have to guess at the correct size of the shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas, since inaccurate shots can greatly affect the strength and flavor of espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a new compact car. They are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety hazards to employees because of their sheer volume.
It's important to bear in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which could aid in the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed could allow bacteria to flourish in the milk that is frothing.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups an hour of your space can hold when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. You should look for a machine with automation features which will allow you to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are much higher than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically located inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and holds pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with fresh water. The heating element shuts off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they can be brewed or steamed the coffee: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming with only one boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes because they offer the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require 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 give you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday ritual, but it's important to clean your machine on a deeper level. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps over regular cleaning, so it's best check your manual regularly to ensure you're following all the instructions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll need a container in order to complete this task. In coffee machine certain units there may be a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your model.
A water filter change is another maintenance process. This is something that could easily be overlooked but is important to remember so that there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate in the spray head.