What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a variety of aspects to take into consideration. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
A double boiler system provides the capability to brew and 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 higher volume of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine may not be able to perform in a professional environment.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour in peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to stand around while waiting to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also help workers to bond with each other. Teams of employees often make a habit of sharing coffee with each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more comfortable at work and break down the barriers between them, senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet different requirements. Some models are purely automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shots, so that operators do not have to guess the proper size of each shot. italian espresso machines is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can greatly affect the quality and taste of espresso that is brewed. Additionally, it's best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is produced. This will ensure a top quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a mini-car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks in an entire day. These high-volume operations can create some unique work risk to health and safety for workers, so it's crucial to think about the potential hazards that come with the commercial espresso machine.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has the steam wand that isn't sealed with an effective seal may allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing process, as it might not be able to reach temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour can be served when choosing a commercial coffee maker. You'll also want an espresso machine that has automation features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. In addition, you should 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 substantially higher than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have larger frames and larger boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located indoors (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and stores the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its goal level, a solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water and the heating element shuts off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by their capacity to steam and brew: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds in terms the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They must be maintained in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday practice, but it's crucial to also clean some parts on a deeper level. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires some extra steps than normal cleaning, so it's best check your manual regularly to ensure you're following all the instructions. The solution used for descaling the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. To accomplish this it is necessary to put an item under the steam wand or, in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance procedure. It's easy to forget but it's vital not to build up mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to eliminate, in the spray head.