What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of things to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine ideal for your establishment will depend on the amount and purpose of use and the barista's skill.
Double boilers allow you to brew while steaming. 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 greater volume of coffee than an home machine. A home espresso machine will not be effective in a professional setting.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it prevents employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also aid workers in bonding with each other. Sometimes, teams of people make a habit of getting coffee for each other and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable at work and break down barriers between them, the senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are completely automatic while others can pre-program espresso shots so that the operator does not have to guess the correct size of each shot. This is especially important for businesses that have baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure a high quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a small car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks throughout the course of one day. This high volume operation can create some unique work risk to health and safety for staff members, so it's important to consider the risks that could be associated with the commercial espresso machine.
It's important to keep it in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which could cause the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid, and possibly cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing mechanism, because it might not be able to attain temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When selecting an espresso machine for commercial use, it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll be serving as well as how many cups per hour your space can handle. You'll also want to find machines that have automated features, which makes it simpler and quicker to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than those of home models. This is because professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures, and are usually located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water that has been pressurized with 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. If the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by their ability to steam and brew with steam: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). espresso coffee machines and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, whereas DA allows for rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms 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 make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's vital to clean certain parts on a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at the best it can.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few more steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. To accomplish this you'll need to place a container under the steam wand and in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance step. It's easy to overlook but it's crucial to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. It is also important to look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.