What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of factors to consider. The type of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the amount and purpose of use and barista's skills.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also reduces the time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a greater volume of coffee than an home machine. A domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting could be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to wait around for their coffee. their coffee.
A coffee maker can help workers connect. Teams of people often take turns getting coffee for one another, which could promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable at work and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different needs. 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 right size. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can greatly affect the intensity and flavor of espresso that is brewed. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will guarantee a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. The machines are designed to make hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. This high volume operation can result in unique health and safety risks for workers, so it's important to consider the potential risks that come with a commercial espresso machine.
It's important to keep it in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which can aid in the development of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can start to build up spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without a seal that is effective could allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing mechanism, as it might not be able to reach temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.
Consider the type of beverage you will be serving and how many cups an hour can be served when choosing a commercial coffee maker. You'll also want a machine that offers automation features that make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. Look for a warranty which includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially more powerful than those used in home settings. This is because professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for typical cafe production. They also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are typically in an indoor space (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components can overheat quickly, resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its target level, a solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with fresh water, and the heating element is turned off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, distinguished by their ability to brew and steam the water: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with the use of a single boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes as they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to keep your machine in top condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you should also be aware of the parts that need more thorough cleaning. There's bound to be leftovers from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine, which can degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps over normal cleaning, so you'll want to go through your manual to ensure you're following the instructions. The solution used to clean the tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In some units you may also require a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This is something that could be overlooked but is essential to keep in mind so you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. It is also important to look for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.