What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines . The kind of espresso machine ideal for your establishment will depend on the volume of use, the purpose, and barista's abilities.
Double boiler systems allow you to steam while brewing. It also reduces the 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 a home machine. A home espresso machine will not work in a professional environment.
A commercial machine of top quality can serve up to 100 coffee cups every hour during peak hours. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it prevents employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine at work can aid workers in bonding with each other. In many cases, teams of workers take turns getting the coffee for each other, and this can help encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at comfortably in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are purely automatic and others are able to program espresso shots in advance so that operators do not need to guess the proper size of each shot. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can significantly affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a top quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a car that is compact. They are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. The high volume of operations result in unique risk to health and safety for employees, which is why it's important to consider the potential hazards that come with the commercial espresso machine.
It's important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to operate with warm water, which can aid in the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled will accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed could let bacteria grow in the milk foaming process.
When choosing a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the kind of drinks you plan on serving and how many cups per hour your space can handle. You'll also want to find a machine that offers automated features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. In addition, you should look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than those of home models. This is because professional espresso machines have larger frames and larger boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines also operate at a much higher ambient temperature and are typically located in an indoor setting (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat rapidly, leading to the machine breaking down.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and holds pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached its target level, the solenoid valve opens and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they can steam or brew: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines since they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance as do cars. They require maintenance to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you take the time to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's essential to clean your machine on a deeper level. There's likely to be residue from the coffee grounds and milk products in the machine which could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine functioning at optimally.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This process involves a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. To complete this task, you'll need to put a container underneath the steam wand and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This can be easily forgotten however it's essential to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to remove, in the spray head.