What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many things to take into consideration when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The kind of espresso machine appropriate for your cafe will be determined by the quantity and purpose of use and barista's skills.
Double boilers provide the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This cuts down on the time to recuperate between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is able to handle a higher amount of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine may not be effective in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of top quality will be able serve up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker at work can assist workers in forming bonds with one another. In many cases, teams of workers be able to swap coffee each other, which can promote teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A designated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and reduce the barriers between them, the senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. Some models are purely automatic while others are able to program espresso shots in advance so that the operator does not have to guess the right shot size. This is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. They're also designed to churn out a multitude of drinks and shots in an entire day. The high volume of operations create unique health and safety hazards for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential risks that come with the commercial espresso machine.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a a steam wand that is not sealed can allow bacteria to flourish in the milk the frothing process.
When choosing the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll be serving as well as the number of cups per hour your space can handle. It is important to select machines with automated features that will make it simpler to serve your customers the best coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
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 required for standard cafe production. They also operate at a more elevated temperature and are typically located in an indoor setting (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial here use heats and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler consists of multiple 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 new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They differ in their capacity to make steam or brew: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition you will get better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's essential to clean certain parts on a greater scale. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine working at optimally.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps than normal cleaning, and you'll need to review your manual to ensure that you're following the instructions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves scale in the water tank. To complete this task, you'll need to put a container underneath the steam wand or, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your specific model.
A water filter change is another maintenance task. It's easy to forget however it's important not to get mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.