What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of aspects to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe's operation, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which espresso machine is best for your business.
A double boiler system allows you to brew while steaming. It also decreases the time 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine to work in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy offices, as it keeps employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can allow workers to connect with one another. Oftentimes teams of people will have a turn getting coffee, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee is also a great way to aid new employees in feeling at peace in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of requirements. 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 correct shot size. This is especially important for businesses that have baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can affect the quality and taste of espresso. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. espresso machines for home will ensure that the product is of high quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in the course of a single day. These high-volume operations can create unique health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's important to consider the potential dangers that come with the commercial espresso machine.
It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to be operating with warm water, which can increase the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not cleaned and descaled regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid and may cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour can be served when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose machines that have automated features, which make it faster and easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical issues can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines also operate at a much greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically in an indoor space (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can quickly overheat, resulting in machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are distinguished by their ability to brew or steam by using the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are being used in many cafes since they provide the highest quality in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance just like cars. They require maintenance to function efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine it will provide you with a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to be aware of those parts that require a deeper clean. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running to its maximum.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires some extra steps than regular cleaning, so you'll want to go through your manual to ensure you're following the directions. The solution used for descaling the water tank disintegrates the scale. In order to complete this process, you'll need to put an item under the steam wand and, in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to forget however it's important not to accumulate mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.