What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe, the intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This can reduce the time needed 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 higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to work in a professional setting could be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of top quality can provide up to 100 coffee cups per hour at peak times. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it stops employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine at work can assist workers in forming bonds with one another. Often, teams of employees take turns getting the coffee each other, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more at ease at work and help break down barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Certain models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shots so that operators aren't required to guess the right size. This is especially crucial for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of espresso. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a mini-car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots over the course of the day. These high-volume operations can result in unique safety and health risks for staff, so it's important to take into account the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
It's important to bear in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which can aid in the development of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly could begin to build up spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with the steam wand that isn't sealed with an effective seal could allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing process, since it might not be able to reach temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria.
Think about best ground coffee for espresso machine the kind of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is important to select a machine with automation features which will allow you to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. In addition, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. This is because professional espresso machines have larger frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically in an indoor location (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components can overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water which has been pressurized using 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 is able to detect that the water level has reached the desired level, the solenoid valve opens and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, differentiated by how they are able to steam and brew with steam: the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes as they offer the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's essential to clean certain parts on a greater scale. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few additional steps compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review the manual to ensure that you follow all the instructions. The solution used for descaling the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. You'll need a container in order to complete this task. In certain models you may also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on the model you have.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. This can easily be overlooked but is essential to keep in mind so you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.