What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of things to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe's operations, service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is right for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to steam while brewing. This cuts down on the time to recover between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
discount espresso machines can handle a larger volume of coffee than an home machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to function in a professional setting could be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine at work can assist workers in forming bonds with one another. In many cases, teams of workers make a habit of getting coffee for each other and this can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more at ease in their workplace and break down the barriers between them, the senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a range of requirements. Certain models are completely automated while others are able to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not have to guess the right size of the shot. This is especially crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of espresso. Additionally, it is ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure a high quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in the course of a single day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards for staff due to their high volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not descaled and cleaned regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed can allow bacteria to grow in the milk the frothing process.
When deciding on an espresso machine for commercial use, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll be serving and how many cups per hour your space can hold. It is also important to choose an espresso machine with automation features that make it faster and easier to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. In addition, you should look for a warranty that includes parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature, and are usually located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines provides heat and storage for pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve will open to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water and the heating element shuts off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by how they are able to brew and steam with steam: the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming with the use of a single boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes as they offer the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine it will provide you with a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you should pay attention to the parts that need a deeper clean. There's going to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine which could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This process requires a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. The solution used to descal the tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In certain models you might also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is another maintenance step. This can easily be overlooked but is important to remember so that there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.