What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The kind of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the volume, the intended use, and barista skills.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. This cuts down on the time to recover between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a larger quantity of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional space would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces by preventing employees from waiting around while waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can also assist workers in forming bonds with one another. Teams of people often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. Having a dedicated space to enjoy coffee can assist new employees to feel at ease in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a range of needs. Certain models are completely automated and others can pre-program espresso shots, so that operators do not have to guess at the correct shot size. This is especially crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas as inaccurate shots can greatly impact the strength and flavor of espresso. It is also best to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and minimizes the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. Commercial espresso machines could pose unique health and safety hazards for staff due to their high volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines will likely to make use of warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illness if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with steam wands that are not sealed can allow bacteria to grow in the milk frothing process.
When selecting an espresso machine for commercial use, it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll be serving and the amount of cups per hour your space can accommodate. It is also important to choose machines that have automation features that make it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably more powerful than those used in home settings. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers to accommodate multiple group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides heat and storage for pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with fresh water and the heating element is shut off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished in their capacity to make steam or brew: the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures while DA offers rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes since they provide the highest quality in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance as do cars. They need to be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine, you will enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, but you must be aware of the parts that require a deeper clean. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires more steps than regular cleaning, so be sure to go through your manual to ensure you're following all the instructions. The solution used to clean the tank dissolves the scale. To accomplish this, you'll need to put a container under the steam wand, and in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This is a step that can easily be overlooked, but it's important machines espresso machines to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove in the spray head.