What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso maker machines. The type of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will depend on the amount, the intended use, and barista’s abilities.
A double boiler system provides the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. This can reduce the time needed to recuperate 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine will not be able to perform in a professional setting.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups per hour in peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine at work can assist workers in forming bonds with each other. Sometimes, teams of people take turns getting the coffee for each other, and this can encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee is also a great way to help new workers to feel at peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are fully automatic while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots so that operators aren’t required to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the intensity and flavor of espresso. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a premium quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a small car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety hazards to employees due to their high production.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines will likely to use warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn’t maintained properly and isn’t cleaned or descaled regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illness if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you will serve and the number of cups per hour your space can accommodate when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. You’ll also want an espresso machine that has automation features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers their favorite coffee drinks. In addition, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are much higher than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger capacity boilers to accommodate several group heads to support regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are generally located in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats up and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve is opened to fill the boiler with fresh water, and the heating element is turned off.
There are four types of espresso machines, distinguished by their ability to steam and brew: the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to offer the Best Budget Espresso Machine of both worlds in terms steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort 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, however it is important to be aware of the parts that require more thorough cleaning. There’s bound to be leftovers from the coffee grounds and milk products in the machine which could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at optimally.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few extra steps compared to normal cleaning. You’ll want review your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. To do this, you’ll need to put a container under the steam wand and in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your particular model.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. It’s easy to overlook but it’s vital to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate in the spray head.