What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The volume of your cafe's operation, service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.
A double boiler system gives the ability 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 more volume of coffee than a home espresso machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to work in a professional space would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality can serve up to 100 coffee cups per hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to wait for hours to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also help workers to bond with one another. In many cases, teams of workers make a habit of getting coffee each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable at work and help break down barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a range of needs. Some models are purely automatic while others have the ability to program espresso shots in advance so that operators do not need to guess the correct size of the shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas since incorrect shots can significantly affect the quality and taste of espresso. In addition, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that support the communities in which coffee is produced. This will guarantee a high quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to create hundreds of drinks and shots in the course of a single day. The high volume of operations result in unique health and safety hazards for employees, which is why it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines will likely to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not descaled and cleaned regularly can build up spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid and may cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to grow in the milk the frothing process.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups an hour your space can accommodate when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You should also look for a machine that offers automation features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads needed for standard cafe production. These machines also operate at a higher temperature in the ambient and are typically in an indoor setting (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components can quickly overheat, machine espresso resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use is heated and holds water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve is opened to fill the boiler with fresh water, and the heating element turns off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by their capacity to brew and steam with steam: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures while DA provides rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's essential to clean certain components on a greater scale. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine that could break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine operating at the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps than normal cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure you're following all the instructions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll require a container to finish this task. In some models you may also require a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps specific to your model.
A water filter change is another maintenance step. This is a step that can be overlooked, but it's important to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.