What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of factors to consider. The kind of espresso machine ideal for your establishment will depend on the amount and the purpose for which it is used, and the barista's skill.
Double boiler systems offer the capability 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 designed to handle a larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to perform in a professional environment would be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can also assist workers in forming bonds with each other. Sometimes, teams of people have a turn getting coffee for each other which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could help new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and reduce the barriers between them, the senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are purely automatic and others allow you to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not need to guess the correct size of the shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is best to buy ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that help the communities in which coffee is produced. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a small car. They're also designed to crank out hundreds of drinks and shots over the course of a day. These high volume operations can cause unique safety and health risks for workers, so it's important to take into account the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which may turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without an effective seal could permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing mechanism, because it might not be able temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria.
When deciding on a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll be serving as well as how many cups your space can handle. You'll want to choose machines with automated features that will make it easier to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Additionally, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and come with larger boilers in order to support several group heads for standard cafe production. They also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically located in an indoor setting (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat rapidly, leading to the machine breaking down.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides heat and storage for pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. italian espresso machine is comprised of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by how they are able to steam and brew with steam: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with a single boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes as they provide the highest quality in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to keep your machine in top condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but you should also be aware of those parts that require a deeper clean. There's bound to be leftovers from coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at its best.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires a few more steps than normal cleaning, so be sure to read the manual to ensure that you're adhering to the directions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. To accomplish this you'll need an unfilled container under the steam wand and, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have.
A water filter change is a further maintenance process. It's easy to overlook but it's crucial not to get mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of from the spray head.