What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are several things to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe's operations, service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is right for your business.
A double boiler system allows you to brew while steaming. This cuts down on the time to recuperate 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 an espresso machine at home. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to function in a professional space would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it prevents employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also help workers to bond with each other. Teams of employees often have coffee in a rotating manner for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can help new workers to feel at peace in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to suit a variety of needs. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas aren't required to guess the correct size. This is particularly important for businesses that have baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that help the communities in which coffee is produced. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks in the day. espresso machines for home could pose particular health and safety risks for employees due to their high volume.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, since it might not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When selecting a commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll serve and the number of cups per hour your space can hold. You should look for a machine with automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers the best coffee drink. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger boilers to accommodate several group heads to support standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and stores water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve is opened to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element is shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they can make steam or brew in the form of TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines as they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine and you are able to enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's essential to clean certain parts at a deeper level. There's bound to be leftovers from coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine which could 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 is a process that requires more steps over normal cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure that you're following the directions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll require a container to complete this task. In certain units you may also require a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance procedure. It's easy to forget however it's important not to accumulate mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate, in the spray head.