What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of aspects to take into consideration. The kind of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the quantity and purpose of use and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system provides the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also reduces recovery 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 larger quantity of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour in peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also aid workers in bonding with each other. Teams of people usually make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which can help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and break down barriers between them, the senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are entirely automated while others can pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess at the correct shot size. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can drastically affect the strength and flavor of espresso. Additionally, it is best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is grown. This will guarantee a high quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big 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 an entire day. Commercial espresso machines can present unique health and safety hazards for staff due to their high volume.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines will likely to utilize warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained 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 that has a a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to thrive in the milk the frothing process.
When you are choosing the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can accommodate. It is also important to choose a machine that offers automation features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. You should look for a guarantee that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical problems can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are considerably greater than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger boilers to support several group heads to support regular cafe production. They also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically in an indoor location (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat quickly resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and stores water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its desired level the website solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with fresh water. The heating element shuts off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they be brewed or steamed in the form of The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you must pay attention to the parts that require an extra clean. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few more steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll want review your manual to ensure you follow the directions. The solution used to descal the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a tank to complete this task. In certain units, you may also need a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your particular model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This is a step that can easily be forgotten however it's essential to remember so that there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. It is also important to look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.