What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boilers provide the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. 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 an espresso machine at home. If you expect a home espresso maker to function in a professional setting would be the recipe for disaster.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups per hour in peak times. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it prevents workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid workers in bonding. In many cases, teams of workers be able to swap coffee for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at ease in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet different requirements. Some models are fully automatic while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is especially crucial for companies with baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can affect the intensity and taste of espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of drinks and shots in the day. These high-volume operations can cause unique health and safety hazards for employees, which is why it's important to consider the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not descaled and cleaned regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to grow in the milk foaming process.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups per hour can be served when selecting a commercial coffee machine. You'll also want to find an espresso machine that has automated features, which makes it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. You should look for a guarantee that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly more powerful than those used in home settings. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger boilers that can support multiple group heads in regular cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are typically located indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its desired level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with fresh water, and the heating element turns off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they make steam or brew: the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double click here automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to be aware of the parts that require more thorough cleaning. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires more steps than normal cleaning, so it's best to read the manual to ensure you're following all the directions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. To accomplish this it is necessary to put an item under the steam wand or, in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance task. It's easy to forget however it's important not to build up mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.