What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to consider when purchasing a commercial espresso machine. The type of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the volume of use, the purpose, and barista's abilities.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. This cuts down on the time to recover between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine can handle a larger quantity of coffee than a home machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional setting could be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy workplaces, since it stops employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can aid workers in bonding with one another. Teams of people often have coffee in a rotating manner for each other, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. A coffee bar 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 are available in various sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Certain models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess the right size. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the intensity and flavor of espresso brewed. Additionally, it is recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is grown. 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 small car. They're also designed to crank out hundreds of drinks and shots throughout the course of an entire day. Commercial espresso machines pose particular health and safety risks for employees because of their sheer volume.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and possibly cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed may let bacteria grow in the milk the frothing process.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour of your space can hold when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is important to select a machine with automation features that make it easier to serve your customers their preferred coffee beverage. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have heavier frames and get more info large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually located in an indoor space (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics may quickly overheat, resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats up and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level is at the desired level the solenoid valve is opened and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are differentiated by the way they make steam or brew the coffee: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). 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 since they are the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance similar to cars. They must be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine you will get better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you must be aware of the parts that need a deeper clean. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires additional steps over normal cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure you're following the instructions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. You'll require a container to complete this task. In certain units, you may also need an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions specific to your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. It's easy to forget but it's vital not to get mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.