What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a variety of factors to consider. Your cafe's volume, intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. 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 a home machine. A home espresso machine will not be able to perform in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups per hour in peak times. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to wait for hours to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can also help workers to bond with one another. Oftentimes teams of people will make a habit of getting coffee for each other, which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a dedicated space to enjoy coffee can help new workers to feel at ease in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet different requirements. Some models are completely automatic while others allow you to pre-program espresso shots so that the operator does not have to guess the correct size of the shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can greatly affect the flavor and intensity of espresso brewed. Additionally, it is best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is harvested. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a car that is compact. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks over the course of a day. Commercial espresso machines could pose unique health and safety risks to staff due to their large volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines tend to utilize warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly could begin to build up spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a a steam wand that is not sealed can allow bacteria to flourish in the milk foaming process.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups per hour of your space can hold when selecting a commercial coffee machine. You should look for machines with automated features that will make it simpler to serve your customers the best coffee drink. Additionally, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially greater than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for normal cafe best espresso machine production. These machines also operate at a more elevated temperature and are usually located in an indoor setting (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronic components can overheat rapidly, leading to the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed 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 consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its target 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 variants of espresso machines, distinguished by their capacity to steam and brew: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to keep your machine in top condition, it will provide you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you should pay attention to the parts that require a deeper clean. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll want review your manual so that you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used to descal the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. In order to complete this process you'll need an item under the steam wand or, in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on the model you have.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that could be easily forgotten but is essential to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate, in the spray head.