What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of factors to take into account. The volume of your cafe's operation, service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is right for your business.
A double boiler system gives the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. This can reduce the time needed 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to function in a professional setting could be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 coffee cups in an hour during peak times. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can help workers to bond with each other. Oftentimes teams of people will take turns getting the coffee for each other which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can make new employees feel more comfortable in the workplace and reduce the barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso shots so that operators aren't required to guess the correct size. This is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a top quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots over the course of one day. The high volume of operations cause unique health and safety hazards for workers, so it's important to take into account the potential risks that come with a commercial espresso machine.
Remember that commercial espresso machines tend to utilize warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid, and potentially cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing system since it might not be able to attain temperatures that are sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and how many cups an hour of your space can hold when selecting a commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose machines that have automation features that make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Also, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and come with larger boilers to accommodate multiple group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature, and are usually located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for check here commercial use heats and stores water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water. The heating element is turned off.
There are four variations of espresso machines that are distinguished by how they are able to brew and steam: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide 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 of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance similar to cars. They require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you ensure that you keep your machine in top condition, it will give you a better tasting espresso and 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 going to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine which could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you follow all the instructions. The solution used to descal the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In certain units, you may also need a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is a further maintenance procedure. This is something that can easily be overlooked however it's essential to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. It is also important to look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.