What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The kind of espresso machine ideal for your establishment will depend on the quantity of use, the purpose, and barista's skills.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. 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 higher quantity of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine will not perform well in a professional environment.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. coffee machine espresso is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to sit around while waiting to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine at work can help workers to bond with one another. Often, teams of employees be able to swap coffee, and this can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can also help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to meet different requirements. Some models are purely automatic while others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that operators don't have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is especially crucial for companies with baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can alter the intensity and taste of espresso. In addition, it's best to purchase ethically-sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a small car. They're also designed to crank out hundreds of drinks and shots throughout the course of the day. These high-volume operations can cause unique health and safety risks for employees, which is why it's important to consider the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to utilize warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk the frothing process.
When you are choosing a commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll serve and how many cups your space can handle. You should also look for an espresso machine that has automation features, which make it faster and easier to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will guarantee that any technical issues will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to accommodate the many group heads needed for standard cafe production. They also operate at a much higher temperature in the ambient and are typically located in an indoor setting (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics can overheat quickly resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines is heated and holds pressurized drinking 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 that are 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 water that is fresh and the heating element is turned off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, distinguished by how they are able to brew and steam the water: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines since they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you should pay attention to the parts that require more thorough cleaning. There's going to be residue from milk and coffee grounds products inside the machine that can degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine functioning at its best.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This process involves a few additional steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you follow the directions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. You'll need a container to finish this task. In certain models you might also require a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions specific to your model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to overlook however it's important not to accumulate mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate from the spray head.