What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of aspects to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe's operations, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is best for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to steam while brewing. 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 designed to handle a much greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak times. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it stops employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Often, teams of employees take turns getting the coffee for each other and this can foster teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at ease in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different needs. Certain models are completely automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shots, so that operators don't have to guess the proper shot size. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can greatly impact the intensity and flavor of espresso brewed. It is also advisable to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a small car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of shots and drinks over the course of an entire day. These high volume operations can result in unique health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's important to take into account the potential risks that come with a commercial espresso machine.
Remember that commercial espresso machines will likely to utilize warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly could begin to build up spent espresso, which can become rancid and cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk that is frothing.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour can be served when choosing a commercial coffee maker. You'll also want to find a machine that offers automation features that make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. In addition, you should look for a warranty that includes parts and labor so that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and feature larger capacity boilers that can support several group heads for normal cafe production. best ground coffee for espresso machine operate at higher temperatures and are usually placed inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by their ability to brew and steam the water: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds in terms the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you should also pay attention to the parts that need more thorough cleaning. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products inside the machine which could break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at the best it can.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires additional steps over normal cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure that you're adhering to the directions. The solution used for descaling the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. To complete this task it is necessary to put a container under the steam wand or, in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance procedure. It's easy to overlook but it's vital not to build up mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.