What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are several aspects to take into consideration. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which espresso machine is best for your business.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. 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 larger volume of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.
A high quality commercial machine will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of people usually 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 break down barriers between them, the senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are entirely automated while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots so that the operator does not have to guess the proper size of the shot. This is especially crucial for companies with baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can alter the intensity and taste of espresso. Additionally, it is best to purchase ethically-sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is harvested. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and minimizes the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They are designed to create hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety hazards to staff because of their sheer volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine that has a a steam wand that is not sealed can let bacteria grow in the milk foaming process.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups per hour your space can handle when choosing a commercial coffee maker. It is important to select a machine with automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers the best coffee drink. Also, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and feature larger capacity boilers that can support multiple group heads for regular cafe production. They also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically located in indoor locations (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics can overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines provides heat and storage for pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines 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 variations of espresso machines that are distinguished by their ability to brew and steam in the form of The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming with only one boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes because they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They must be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you ensure that you keep your machine in top condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, but it is important to pay attention to those parts that require a deeper clean. There's bound to be leftovers of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine which could cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires additional steps than normal cleaning, so you'll want to go through your manual to ensure that you're following the instructions. The solution retro espresso machine used to descal the tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a tank to complete this task. In certain units, you may also need a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for your specific model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance task. It's easy to forget but it's vital not to accumulate mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It is difficult to get rid of from the spray head.