What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of factors to take into account. The volume of your cafe's operation, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.
A double boiler system gives the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. This cuts down on the time to recuperate 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine may not perform well in a professional environment.
A high quality commercial machine will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it keeps workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines at work can assist workers in forming bonds with each other. Teams of people usually take turns getting coffee for each other, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and break down the barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are completely automatic and others can program espresso shots in advance so that operators don't have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can alter the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure a high quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks throughout the course of an entire day. These high-volume operations can result in unique health and safety risks for employees, which is why it's important to take into account the potential risks that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to thrive in the milk frothing process.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial coffee maker. You should look for machines with automated features that will make it easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee beverage. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger boilers to accommodate multiple group heads for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are often located in indoor locations (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components can overheat rapidly, leading to machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and holds water that has been pressurized with 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 detects that the water has reached its desired level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element turns off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines, distinguished by how they are able to steam and brew: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes since they offer the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will give you better tasting coffee and espresso coffee machine uk last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however you should be aware of those parts that require a deeper clean. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In some models there may be a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. It's easy to overlook, but it is important not to get mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to eliminate from the spray head.