What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The type of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will depend on the quantity of use, the purpose, and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system lets you to steam while brewing. 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 is able to handle a higher volume of coffee than a home machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to work in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality can serve up to 100 cups per hour in peak times. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can aid workers in bonding with each other. Teams of workers often are able to take turns ordering coffee for each other, which can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can also aid new employees in feeling at comfortable in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are purely automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not need to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can drastically affect the intensity and flavor of espresso. Additionally, it is ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines which support the communities where coffee is harvested. This will guarantee a high quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks over the course of an entire day. These high-volume operations can cause unique health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's important to consider the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
Remember that commercial espresso machines tend to make use of warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can start to build up spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal can also permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, as it might not be able reach temperatures that are sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
When you are choosing an espresso machine for commercial use, 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. You should look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities which will allow you to serve your customers the best coffee drink. In addition, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than those of home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a much higher ambient temperature and are often located in indoor locations (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached the target level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by how they are able to steam and brew: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures while DA provides rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines as they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance just like cars. They require regular maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine you will get better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's vital to also clean some parts on a deeper level. There's likely to be residue from milk and coffee grounds products inside the machine, which can cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running to its maximum.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. Full Statement used for descaling the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. In order to complete this process, you'll need to put a container under the steam wand and in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for your particular model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance task. It's easy to forget but it's crucial not to accumulate mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of from the spray head.