What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are a number 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 the best for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. 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 is designed to handle a greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour in peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it prevents employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also help workers to bond with one another. Oftentimes teams of people will be able to swap coffee for each other, which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee is also a great way to help new workers to feel at peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Certain models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess the correct size. This is especially important for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the quality and taste of espresso that is brewed. In addition, it is best to buy ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure a top quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of drinks and shots throughout the course of an entire day. This high volume operation can cause unique health and safety risks for workers, so it's important to consider the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wands that are not sealed could let bacteria grow in the milk foaming process.
When deciding on a commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll be serving as well as the amount of cups per hour your space will be able to handle. You'll also want machines that have automation features that make it faster and easier to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. You should look for a guarantee that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than those of home models. This is because professional espresso machines have heavier frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are generally located indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and stores pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its target level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with fresh water. The heating element turns off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are distinguished in their capacity to brew or steam in the form of The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) espresso coffee machines uk HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes as they are the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine it will provide you with a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine practice, but it's crucial to clean certain parts on a more fundamental level. There's likely to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps than normal cleaning, so it's best to review your manual to ensure you're following the directions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll need a container to complete this task. In certain models there may be a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your particular model.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance task. It's easy to overlook, but it is important not to build up mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to remove from the spray head.