What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad 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 best for your business.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also speeds up the recovery 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 a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine may not be able to perform in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to wait around for their coffee. their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can also assist workers in forming bonds with one another. Oftentimes teams of people will have a turn getting coffee, which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at ease in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to cater for different needs. Some models are fully automatic and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators aren't required to guess the correct size. This is particularly important for businesses that have untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of espresso. Additionally, it is best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that help the communities where 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 money as a small car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots in the day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards for employees due to their high production.
It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to be operating with warm water, which can increase the development of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled could begin to build up spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands without an effective seal may allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing mechanism, since it might not be able temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can handle when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll want to look for machines with automated features that make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical problems can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and come with larger boilers to accommodate multiple group heads in normal cafe production. They also operate at a higher temperature in the ambient and are usually located in an indoor space (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics can overheat quickly, resulting in malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and stores pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water, and the heating element turns off.
There are four variations of espresso machines that are distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes since they offer the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you must be aware of those parts that require a deeper clean. There will be a residue from coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps over normal cleaning, and you'll need to read the manual to ensure that you're following the directions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll need a tank to finish this task. In certain models you might also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This is a step that can be easily forgotten however it's essential to keep in mind so there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.