What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The volume of your cafe's operation, service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is best for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also decreases the time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is able to handle a higher amount of coffee than a home machine. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to work in a professional setting could be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 coffee cups in an hour during peak times. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it will stop employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can also assist workers in forming bonds with one another. Sometimes, teams of people be able to swap coffee for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee is also a great way to aid new employees in feeling at peace in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are completely automatic and others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that the operator does not have to guess at the correct size of the shot. This is especially crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas, since inaccurate shots can drastically affect the strength and flavor of espresso. In addition, it is ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is produced. This will guarantee a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. They are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. These high volume operations can result in unique health and safety hazards for employees, which is why it's important to consider the potential risks that come with the commercial espresso machine.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are likely to utilize warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and may cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing process, as it might not be able temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will be serving and how many cups an hour your space can handle when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine with automated features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. Also, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers in order to support multiple group heads in standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a much higher temperature in the ambient and are usually located in an indoor location (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronic components can overheat quickly resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve will open to fill the boiler with fresh water and the heating element is shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines, distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam in the form of TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, whereas DA offers rapid steaming using the use of a single boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes because they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They require maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take the time to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, but it is important to be aware of those parts that require more thorough cleaning. There's bound to be leftovers of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine, which can degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running its best.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review the manual to ensure that you follow all the instructions. The solution used for descaling the tank dissolves the scale. In order to complete this process you'll need a container under the steam wand, and in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions specific to your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This is something that can be overlooked but is important to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. You should also look cafe espresso machine for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.