What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a variety of factors to consider. The type of espresso machine that is ideal for your establishment will be determined by the quantity and purpose of use and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system allows you to brew while steaming. It also decreases 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 larger amount of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine would not be effective in a professional setting.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it keeps employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid workers in bonding. Teams of people often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Certain models are fully automated while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can greatly affect the strength and flavor of brewed espresso. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that help the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks in a day. This high volume operation can create unique safety and health risks for staff members, so it's important to consider the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
It's important to keep it in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to be operating with warm water, which could cause the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly will accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and may cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands that don't have an effective seal can also permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, as it may not be able temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When you are choosing an espresso machine for commercial use, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll be serving as well as how many cups your space will be able to handle. You'll want to look for a machine with automation features that make it easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical problems will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than those of home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are typically located indoors (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and stores water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the target level, the solenoid valve opens and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, distinguished by their ability to brew and steam with steam: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes because they are the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however you should pay attention to those parts that require more thorough cleaning. There will be a residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that can degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine functioning at to its maximum.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires more steps than normal cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure that you're adhering to the directions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll require a container to finish this task. In certain models you might also require a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps specific to your model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance step. It's easy to forget but it's vital not to accumulate mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.