What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The volume of your cafe's operation, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which espresso machine is right for your business.
A double boiler system provides the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also speeds up the recovery 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 quantity of coffee than a home machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine of top quality will be able serve up to 100 coffee cups every hour during peak hours. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines at work can help workers to bond with one another. Sometimes, teams of people make a habit of getting coffee for each other and this can foster collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area could help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and break down the barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of needs. Some models are fully automatic while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots so that operators don't have to guess the correct size. espresso machine small is particularly crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas as inaccurate shots can significantly affect the quality and taste of espresso that is brewed. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a car that is compact. The machines are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. The high volume of operations create some unique work health and safety hazards for workers, so it's important to take into account the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
It's important to keep it in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which can contribute to the development of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with the steam wand that isn't sealed with an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, as it may not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
When selecting the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll be serving as well as how many cups your space will be able to handle. You'll also want to find an espresso machine that has automated features, which make it faster and easier to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially higher than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger capacity boilers that can support several group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are usually placed 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 by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open to let the boiler fill with fresh water and the heating element shuts off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They differ in their capacity to brew or steam by using the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with only one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines since they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds in terms the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance similar to cars. They must be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular practice, but it's crucial to clean certain components on a greater scale. 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 functioning at optimally.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This process requires a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you follow all the instructions. The solution used to clean the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In certain units there may be a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your specific model.
A water filter change is another maintenance step. This is something that can easily be forgotten but is essential to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.