What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many things to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The volume of your cafe's operation, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is right for your business.
A double boiler system allows you to brew while steaming. It also reduces recovery 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. A home espresso machine will not be able to perform in a professional setting.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy offices, as it prevents employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid in bonding between workers. Teams of people often are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which could promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can make new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are purely automatic and others are able to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not need to guess at the correct size of the shot. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can greatly affect the strength and flavor of brewed espresso. In addition, it's best to buy ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is cultivated. This will guarantee a high 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 crank out hundreds of drinks and shots throughout the course of an entire day. Commercial espresso machines can present unique health and safety hazards to employees due to their high production.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not cleaned and descaled regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid, and possibly cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing process, as it might not be able reach temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Think about best home espresso machine of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups per hour your space can handle when choosing a commercial coffee machine. You should also look for an espresso machine that has automation features that make it easier and faster to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are much greater than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and come with larger boilers to accommodate several group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats up and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water, and the heating element is shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are differentiated by the way they can steam or brew by using the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however you should pay attention to the parts that require a deeper clean. There's going to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that can cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine working at optimally.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires some extra steps than regular cleaning, so it's best to go through your manual to ensure you're following all the instructions. The solution used to decal the water tank disintegrates the scale. In order to complete this process it is necessary to put an unfilled container under the steam wand or, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is a further maintenance procedure. This is something that can be overlooked but is important to keep in mind so there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to eliminate from the spray head.