What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of things to take into consideration. Your cafe's volume, intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which type of espresso machine is best for your business.
Double boilers provide the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. This reduces the time required to recuperate between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a greater volume of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting would be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to sit for a long time to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with one another. Teams of employees often are able to take turns ordering coffee for each other, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more at ease at work and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a range of requirements. Certain models are completely automated, while others have the ability to program espresso shots in advance so that operators don't have to guess the correct size of the shot. This is especially crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the flavor and intensity of espresso that is brewed. Additionally, it is ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that help the communities where coffee is grown. This will guarantee a high quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a compact car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of drinks and shots throughout the course of one day. professional espresso machine for home can present particular health and safety risks to staff because of their sheer volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which can become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with the steam wand that isn't sealed with an effective seal could allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing mechanism, as it might not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and how many cups an hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll also want to find machines that have automated features, which makes it simpler and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and large capacity boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are generally located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats up and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve is opened and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They are differentiated by their ability to make steam or brew by using the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes because they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They require regular maintenance in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday ritual, but it's vital to clean certain components on a deeper level. There's bound to be leftovers from coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that can cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps than normal cleaning, so it's best to go through your manual to ensure that you're adhering to the directions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. You'll require a container to complete this task. In some units there may be a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance procedure. It's easy to overlook but it's crucial to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to remove from the spray head.