What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of aspects to consider when buying commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine ideal for your establishment will depend on the volume and the purpose for which it is used, and barista's skills.
A double boiler system gives 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 can handle a greater amount of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine will not work in a professional setting.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak hours. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it stops workers from waiting to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can allow workers to connect with one another. Often, teams of employees take turns getting the coffee for each other and this can help encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more comfortable in the workplace and help break down barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to meet different needs. Some models are completely automatic and others can pre-program espresso shots so that the operator does not have to guess the right size of each shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas, as incorrect shots can significantly affect the strength and flavor of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and 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 drinks and shots in a single day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety risks to employees because of their sheer volume.
It's important to keep it in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to function with warm water, which could contribute to the development of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly could begin to build up spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with the steam wand that isn't sealed with an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing system because it might not be able reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups an hour your space can accommodate when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You'll want to choose a machine with automation features that will make it easier to serve your customers the best coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that includes parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually located in indoor locations (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may quickly overheat, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and holds pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. If the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the desired level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by their ability to steam and brew with steam: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms of small espresso machine steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance as do cars. They must be maintained in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's important to clean your machine on a greater scale. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This procedure involves a few additional steps when compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual so that you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In some models, you may also need an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance task. It's easy to forget but it's vital to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.