What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of aspects to consider when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The kind of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the quantity, the intended use, and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew as well as 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 designed to handle a much larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine may not be effective in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it prevents workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers bond. Teams of employees often make a habit of sharing coffee with each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee can aid new employees in feeling at peace in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs. Certain models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can greatly affect the strength and flavor of brewed espresso. In addition, it's best to buy ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure a top quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of drinks and shots in one day. This high volume operation can create some unique work health and safety risks for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines will likely to utilize warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly will accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and potentially cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal can also permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing system because it might not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
Consider the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour of your space can hold when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. It is important to select an espresso machine with automation capabilities which will allow you to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger boilers to support several group heads to support regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually placed in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and stores water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. espresso coffee machines consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with water that is fresh and the heating element turns off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, differentiated by how they are able to steam and brew in the form of TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They must be maintained in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine and you are able to enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's essential to clean your machine at a deeper level. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine operating at the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires some extra steps than normal cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure you're following all the instructions. The solution used to descal the water tank dissolves the scale. In order to complete this process, you'll need to put a container under the steam wand and in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions specific to your model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance process. It's easy to overlook, but it is important not to build up mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.