What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe's operation, service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is best for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This reduces the time required 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 much more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of top quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it keeps employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Oftentimes teams of people will make a habit of getting coffee for each other, and this can foster teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee can also help new workers to feel at comfortable 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 requirements. Some models are completely automatic while others can prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly crucial for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of espresso. It is also best to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in a single day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety risks to employees due to their high production.
It's important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to operate with warm water, which can contribute to the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly could begin to build up spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with the steam wand that isn't sealed with a seal that is effective could allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing system, as it might not be able reach temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour your space can accommodate when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. You'll want to choose a machine with automation features that make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Also, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for standard cafe production. They also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are often located in an indoor location (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve is opened and cafe espresso machine the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by their ability to brew and steam with steam: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, whereas DA allows for rapid steaming using only one boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes because they offer the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They require regular maintenance to function efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine you will get better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, but it is important to pay attention to the parts that need more thorough cleaning. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual so that you follow all the instructions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll require a container to finish this task. In some units there may be a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps specific to your model.
A water filter replacement is a different 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.