What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of aspects to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe, the intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which espresso machine is right for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This decreases the time it takes to recover 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 much more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.
A commercial machine of the highest quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to sit around while waiting to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of people often have coffee in a rotating manner for one another, which can help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease in their workplace and break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators do not have to guess at the right size. This is especially crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas, as incorrect shots can significantly affect the strength and flavor of espresso brewed. Additionally, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks over the course of an entire day. This high volume operation can create some unique work health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's important to consider the potential risks that come with a commercial espresso machine.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are more likely to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal can also allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing system since it might not be able to reach temperatures that are sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour of your space can hold when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine that has automation features that make it much easier and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and feature larger capacity boilers in order to support multiple group heads in normal cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are usually placed in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and stores water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve will open and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They differ by the way they can make steam or brew by using TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with one boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes since they provide the highest quality in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you must pay attention to the parts that require a deeper clean. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine, which can disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require here descaling every 3 months. This procedure requires a few extra steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you follow the directions. The solution used to decal the water tank disintegrates the scale. To do this, you'll need to put a container underneath the steam wand or, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have.
A water filter change is a further maintenance task. It's easy to forget but it's vital not to get mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate in the spray head.