What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are several aspects to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe, the intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boilers provide the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This reduces the time required to recover 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine will not work in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 coffee cups per hour at peak times. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it prevents employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can aid workers in bonding. Often, teams of employees have a turn getting coffee, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically to enjoy coffee can help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are fully automatic and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators don't have to guess the correct size. This is especially crucial for companies with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. In addition, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They are designed to create hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. These high volume operations can cause unique health and safety hazards for workers, so it's crucial to think about the potential risks that come with a commercial espresso machine.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to utilize warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially 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 the frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you will serve and the number of cups an hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial coffee maker. It is also important to choose an espresso machine with automation features that make it easier and faster to serve your patrons their preferred coffee drink. In addition, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are considerably greater than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have heavier frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for typical 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 could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and holds pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of several 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 is opened to let the boiler fill with fresh water, and the heating element shuts off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They differ in their capacity to make steam or brew in the form of The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines as they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but it is important to be aware of the parts that need more thorough cleaning. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine that could disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual so that you follow all the instructions. The solution used for descaling the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a container to finish this task. In some units there may be a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow espresso coffee machines for your particular model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that can be overlooked however it's essential to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to remove, in the spray head.