What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to take into consideration when buying commercial espresso machines. The volume of your cafe, the intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is best for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. It also speeds up the 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 amount of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine will not be able to perform in a professional environment.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it keeps employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid workers in bonding. Often, teams of employees take turns getting the coffee, and this can help encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and reduce the barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso shots so that operators aren't required to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can greatly impact the intensity and flavor of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that help the communities in which coffee is harvested. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a small car. The machines are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. Commercial espresso machines pose particular health and safety risks to employees due to their high volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines tend to use warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a a steam wand that is not sealed can allow bacteria to grow in the milk frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour can be served when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You'll also want machines that have automated features, which makes it simpler and quicker to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. You should look for a guarantee that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger boilers to accommodate several group heads to support regular cafe production. They also operate at a more elevated temperature and are typically located in an indoor setting (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronic components can overheat quickly resulting in machine failure.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines is heated and holds the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This 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 detects 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 shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by their ability to steam and brew in the form of the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are being used in many cafes since they offer the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition, you will enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular practice, but it's crucial to clean your machine at a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at to its maximum.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure involves a few additional steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll need to read your manual to ensure you follow all the steps. The solution used to clean the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. In cheap espresso machine to complete this process it is necessary to put a container underneath the steam wand and in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This is a step that can be overlooked, but it's important to keep in mind so there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. It is also important to look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.