What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. Your cafe's volume, intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to steam while brewing. It also decreases 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 more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine will not perform well in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of top quality can serve up to 100 coffee cups in an hour during peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy offices, as it will stop employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of people often take turns getting coffee for each other, which can help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and reduce the barriers between them, senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are entirely automated, while others allow you to program espresso shots in advance so that operators don't have to guess the right size of each shot. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can significantly affect the strength and flavor of espresso brewed. In addition, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is produced. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a small car. The machines are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety hazards to staff due to their high production.
It's important to keep it in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which can contribute to the development of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to thrive in the milk that is frothing.
When choosing the best commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the type of beverages you plan on serving and the number of cups per hour your space can hold. You'll want to look for an espresso machine that has automation features that make it easier to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and feature larger capacity boilers to support several group heads for regular cafe production. These machines also operate at a much greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are often located in indoor locations (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronic components can quickly overheat, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines provides heat and storage for pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its target level, a solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with water that is fresh and the heating element shuts off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They differ in their capacity to be brewed or steamed by using The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are used in many cafes since they are the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need 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 better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily practice, but it's crucial to clean certain components at a deeper level. There's likely to be residue from the coffee grounds and milk products in the machine, which can break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can help click here prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running optimally.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This procedure involves a few additional steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll need to read the manual to ensure that you follow all the instructions. The solution used to clean the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. You'll need a tank to finish this task. In certain units there may be a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps specific to your model.
A water filter change is another maintenance task. This is something that can easily be forgotten, but it's important to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.