What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of things to take into consideration. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which espresso machine is right for your business.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. This reduces the time required to recover 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to function in a professional space would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of high quality will be able serve up to 100 coffee cups every hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Teams of workers often are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could make new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. Some models are fully automatic and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the correct size. This is especially important for companies with untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can greatly affect the flavor and intensity of espresso that is brewed. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will guarantee a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They're also designed to crank out a multitude of shots and drinks over the course of a day. Commercial espresso machines could pose particular health and safety risks for employees due to their high production.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This can trigger 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 could turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wands that are not sealed can allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour your space can handle when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll want to choose a machine with automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than those of home models. espresso coffee machines weigh more and have larger boilers that can support several group heads to support regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are typically located indoors (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and holds pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with fresh water, and the heating element is turned off.
There are four types of espresso machines, distinguished by how they are able to brew and steam in the form of TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance similar to cars. They must be maintained in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition you will get more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's important to clean your machine at a deeper level. There's bound to be leftovers from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine, which can break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps over normal cleaning, so you'll want to go through your manual to ensure that you're following the instructions. The solution used to decal the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. You'll require a container to complete this task. In some units you may also require a container beneath the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for your particular model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that can easily be overlooked however it's essential to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.
