What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The type of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will depend on the quantity, the intended use, and barista skills.
espressomachines allow you to steam while brewing. 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 can handle a higher volume of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups per hour in peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to wait for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can allow workers to connect with each other. Oftentimes teams of people will have a turn getting coffee for each other, and this can foster collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could make new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, the senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of requirements. Some models are fully automatic and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that operators aren't required to guess the correct size. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the quality and taste of 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 high quality and minimizes the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards for employees because of their sheer volume.
It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to operate with warm water, which could contribute to the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
When you are choosing the best commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll serve and how many cups your space can handle. You should also look for an espresso machine that has automation features, which make it faster and easier to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical problems can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are significantly greater than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and feature larger capacity boilers that can support several group heads for normal cafe production. These machines also operate at a much higher ambient temperature and are typically in an indoor space (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics could overheat rapidly, leading to the machine breaking down.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water. The heating element turns off.
There are four variants of espresso machines that are distinguished by their ability to brew and steam: the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance, just like cars. They require maintenance in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's important to also clean some parts on a more fundamental level. There's bound to be leftovers of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires more steps over regular cleaning, so be sure to go through your manual to ensure you're following the directions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves scale in the water tank. To do this it is necessary to put an item under the steam wand and, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for your particular model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to overlook but it's vital not to get mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove, in the spray head.