What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are many aspects to take into consideration. The type of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the quantity, the intended use, and barista's skills.
A double boiler system gives the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. It also reduces the time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is able to handle a higher volume of coffee than an home machine. A home espresso machine will not perform well in a professional setting.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it will stop employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can also aid workers in bonding with each other. Teams of employees often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which could facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more comfortable at work and help break down barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automatic and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators aren't required to guess the right size. This is especially important for companies with untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can significantly affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is produced. This will ensure a top quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a compact car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in the course of a single day. This high volume operation can create unique risk to health and safety for employees, which is why it's important to consider the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing process, because it might not be able to attain temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When selecting an espresso machine for commercial use, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll be serving as well as how many cups your space can accommodate. It is also important to choose an espresso machine that has automated features, which makes it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly more powerful than those used in home settings. Professional espresso machines weigh more and feature larger capacity boilers that can support multiple group heads in regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually placed inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. The 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 is able to detect that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve is opened and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by their capacity to steam and brew with steam: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's essential to clean your machine at a deeper level. There's going to be residue from the coffee grounds and milk products inside espresso machines uk the machine that 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 3 months. This is a process that requires some extra steps than regular cleaning, and you'll need check your manual regularly to ensure that you're following the instructions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll need a container to complete this task. In some models, you may also need a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. It's easy to overlook, but it is important not to get mineral deposits. It is also important to look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.