What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The volume of your cafe's operation, service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is the best for your business.
A double boiler system provides the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. It also speeds up the recovery time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a higher amount of coffee than a home machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to work in a professional setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak times. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to wait for a long time to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of workers often make a habit of sharing coffee with each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more at ease in their workplace and reduce the barriers between them, senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a range of needs. Certain models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is especially crucial for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. It is also recommended to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will guarantee a high quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
espresso machine with frother can cost as much money as a mini-car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots in a day. These high-volume operations can result in unique health and safety hazards for workers, so it's important to consider the potential hazards that come with a commercial espresso machine.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled can build up spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing system, because it might not be able to attain temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When choosing a commercial espresso machine it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll be serving and the number of cups per hour your space can handle. You'll also want to find an espresso machine that has automated features, which makes it faster and easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. Also, 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 much higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger capacity boilers to accommodate multiple group heads in normal cafe production. They also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically in an indoor location (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve is opened to allow the boiler to be filled with water that is fresh and the heating element shuts off.
There are four types of espresso machines that are distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam with steam: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, whereas DA allows for rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, as they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They need to be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's important to also clean some parts on a greater scale. There's going to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine, which can break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at to its maximum.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you follow the directions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. In order to complete this process it is necessary to put a container underneath the steam wand and in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for the model you have.
A water filter change is another maintenance step. This is something that could be overlooked, but it's important to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove, in the spray head.