What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are many factors to take into account. The volume of your cafe, the intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which espresso machine is best for your business.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. 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 larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional space would be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 coffee cups per hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit in busy offices, as it keeps employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also help workers bond. Oftentimes teams of people will take turns getting the coffee for each other, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can also help new workers to feel at comfortably in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet different needs. Some models are fully automatic and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators don't have to guess the correct size. This is especially important for companies that employ untrained baristas as incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. Additionally, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is produced. This will guarantee a high quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a mini-car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks throughout the course of the day. Commercial espresso machines pose particular health and safety hazards to staff due to their high volume.
It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to function with warm water, which can contribute to the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that don't have a seal that is effective could permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing mechanism, as it might not be able temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and the number of cups an hour your space can handle when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You should also look for an espresso machine that has automated features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than those of home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are generally located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine is heated and holds pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its target level the 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 differ by the way they steam or brew the coffee: TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are in use in many cafes since they provide the highest quality in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance just like cars. They need to be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday ritual, but it's vital to clean certain components on a more fundamental level. There will be a residue of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine which could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine working at to its maximum.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires a few more steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. In order to complete this process, you'll need to put a container under the steam wand, and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on the model you have.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance task. This is something that can easily be forgotten, but it's important to keep in mind so you don't coffee espresso machine get a build-up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate from the spray head.