What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of things to take into consideration. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This can reduce the time needed to recuperate between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is designed to handle a greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A home espresso machine would not work in a professional setting.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to sit around while waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can also aid workers in bonding with each other. Teams of workers often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at comfortably in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automatic and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators don't have to guess the right size. This is especially important for businesses that have baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. In addition, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks over the course of one day. Commercial espresso machines pose particular health and safety risks for staff due to their high production.
It's important to keep it in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which could increase the development of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled may start to accumulate spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand that is not sealed could let bacteria grow in the milk frothing process.
When choosing a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space will be able to handle. You'll also want a machine that offers automation features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their preferred coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and come with larger boilers to support multiple group heads for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are typically located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. If the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve will open and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they make steam or brew: TB (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 a single boiler. HX machines are being used in many cafes since they provide the highest quality in both brew and steam 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 take the time to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's vital to also clean some parts on a deeper level. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at its best.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires more steps over regular cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure that you're following the instructions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. To do this, you'll need to put an item under the steam wand or, in some units, under the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. It's easy to overlook however it's important not to build up mineral deposits. Check for top espresso machines , which can be difficult to remove in the spray head.