What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of things to take into consideration when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The kind of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the volume and purpose of use and the barista's skill.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. 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 can handle a greater quantity of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine would not work in a professional environment.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak times. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, keeping employees from waiting for a long time to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid in bonding between workers. In many cases, teams of workers take turns getting the coffee for each other and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could make new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a range of requirements. Some models are completely automatic and others can program espresso shots in advance so that operators don't have to guess the proper size of the shot. This is especially important for businesses that have baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. In addition, it's best to purchase ethically-sourced and 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 are huge heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. Commercial espresso machines can present unique health and safety risks to employees due to their high volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a a steam wand that is not sealed may let bacteria grow in the milk foaming process.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll serve and how many cups an hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You'll also want a machine that offers automated features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your patrons their preferred coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly more powerful than those used in home settings. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and come with larger boilers to accommodate multiple group heads in normal cafe production. They also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are usually located in an indoor location (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve will open to allow the boiler to be machine espresso filled with fresh water and the heating element shuts off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They differ by the way they can steam or brew the coffee: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will give you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to pay attention to the parts that need a deeper clean. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine operating at to its maximum.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few extra steps compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review the manual to ensure that you follow all the instructions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll require a container to complete this task. In certain units you might also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your model.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This is something that could be overlooked however it's essential to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.