What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of factors to take into account. The volume of your cafe, the intended use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
A double boiler system gives the capability of brewing 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker at work can help workers to bond with each other. Sometimes, teams of people make a habit of getting coffee for each other, and this can foster collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and break down the barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet different needs. Some models are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas do not have to guess at the right size. This is especially important for businesses that have baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is harvested. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and minimizes the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots throughout the course of the day. Commercial espresso machines could pose unique health and safety hazards to employees due to their large volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are likely to utilize warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to thrive in the milk that is frothing.
When selecting the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll here serve and the number of cups per hour your space can accommodate. You should also look for an espresso machine with automated features, which makes it faster and easier to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. In addition, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers to support several group heads for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are usually placed in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and holds pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve will open to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water, and the heating element is turned off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, distinguished by their capacity to steam and brew: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you maintain your machine and you are able to enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's essential to clean certain components on a more fundamental level. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine, which can cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine functioning at to its maximum.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review your manual to ensure you follow all the instructions. The solution used for descaling the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In certain models you might also require a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your model.
A water filter change is another maintenance procedure. This is something that could easily be forgotten however it's essential to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to remove.