What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many aspects to consider when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The type of espresso machine that is ideal for your establishment will depend on the amount of use, the purpose, and the barista's skill.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. It also reduces 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 volume of coffee than an home machine. A domestic espresso machine to function 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 of coffee per hour in peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy offices, as it keeps employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines at work can aid workers in bonding with one another. Oftentimes teams of people will have a turn getting coffee for each other and this can encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Certain models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that operators do not have to guess the correct size. This is especially important for businesses that have untrained baristas as incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. In addition, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is grown. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large machines that weigh a lot that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks over the course of one day. These high-volume operations can result in unique safety and health risks for workers, so it's crucial to think about the risks that could be associated with the commercial espresso machine.
It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to operate with warm water, which could increase the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which can become rancid and cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to grow in the milk that is frothing.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and the number of cups per hour of your space can hold when choosing a commercial coffee maker. It is important to select an espresso machine that has automation features that make it easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably more powerful than those used in home settings. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures, and are usually located indoors (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element is shut off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They differ by the way they can make steam or brew by using the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with a single boiler. HX machines are utilized in many cafes since they provide the highest quality in steam 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 maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but it is important to be aware of the parts that need an extra clean. There's likely 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 great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires some extra steps over regular cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure you're following the directions. The solution used to descal the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a tank to complete this task. In certain models there may be an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for the model you have.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. espresso coffee makers can easily be overlooked but is important to keep in mind so there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.