What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The kind of espresso machine ideal for your establishment will depend on the quantity and purpose of use and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system gives the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. This can reduce the time needed 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 more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine would not perform well in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to stand around while waiting to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of people usually take turns getting coffee for one another, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at ease in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet a variety of needs. Certain models are completely automated, while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the proper size of the shot. This is especially crucial for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. In addition, it's best to purchase ethically-sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a small car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of one day. These high volume operations can result in unique safety and health risks for workers, so it's important to consider the potential risks that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
It is important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which can cause the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal could allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing mechanism, because it might not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When deciding on an espresso machine for commercial use, it is important to think about the type of beverages you'll be serving as well as the number of cups per hour your space can handle. It is important to select an espresso machine that has automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that includes parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are solved 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 are built with heavier frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. They also operate at a more elevated temperature and are usually located in indoor locations (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics may quickly overheat, resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines is heated and holds pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with water that is fresh and the heating element is shut off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by how they are able to brew and steam the water: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes because they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine you will get better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you must be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There's likely to be residue from coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that can break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires some extra steps over normal cleaning, so you'll want check your manual regularly to ensure you're following the instructions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. espresso coffee machine To complete this task you'll need to place a container underneath the steam wand or, in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps specific to your model.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This is something that can be overlooked, but it's important to keep in mind so 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.