What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are several factors to consider. The volume of your cafe, the intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which espresso machine is right for your business.
Double boilers provide the capability to brew 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 is designed to handle a larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. A home espresso machine will not perform well in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality can serve up to 100 coffee cups per hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver in busy offices, as it keeps workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid in bonding between workers. Teams of employees often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which could promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different requirements. Certain models are completely automated while others allow you to pre-program espresso shots so that the operator does not have to guess at the correct shot size. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can greatly affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards to staff due to their high production.
It's important to bear in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to be operating with warm water, which can aid in the development of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with steam wands that are not sealed can let bacteria grow in the milk frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups per hour can be served when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine with automation features that make it faster and easier to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have heavier frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are typically located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with fresh water, and the heating element shuts off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by their ability to 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 allows rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are being used in many cafes since they are the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance as do cars. They require regular maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine you will get better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but it is important to be aware of those parts that require more thorough cleaning. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in best espresso maker tip-top condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few additional steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through the manual to ensure that you follow all the steps. The solution used for descaling the tank dissolves the scale. To accomplish this you'll need to place a container underneath the steam wand and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance process. It's easy to forget but it's vital not to accumulate mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to remove from the spray head.