What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of things to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The type of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will depend on the amount of use, the purpose, and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system allows 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 higher amount of coffee than a home machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional setting could be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines at work can allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of workers often are able to take turns ordering coffee for each other, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. The presence of a space specifically to enjoy coffee can assist new employees to feel at comfortable in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies that employ untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. In addition, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that help the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and minimizes the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge machines that weigh a lot that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in a single day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety risks for employees due to their high production.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines tend to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly could begin to build up spent espresso, which may turn rancid and could potentially cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal could permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, because it might not be able reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Consider the type of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour can be served when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll want to choose an espresso machine that has automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. You should look for a guarantee that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger boilers to support multiple group heads for normal cafe production. They also operate at a much greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically in an indoor setting (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water, and the heating element is shut off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They differ by the way they can brew or steam by using the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming using only one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance as do cars. best espresso maker must be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine and you are able to enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however you should also be aware of the parts that need more thorough cleaning. There's likely to be residue from coffee grounds and milk products in the machine which could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you follow the directions. The solution used for descaling the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll require a container to complete this task. In certain models you may also require a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
A water filter change is another maintenance procedure. This is something that could easily be overlooked however it's essential to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to remove from the spray head.