What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of factors to consider. The kind of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will depend on the quantity of use, the purpose, and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system allows 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 able to handle a higher volume of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine would not be effective in a professional setting.
A commercial machine of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee in an hour during peak times. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid in bonding between workers. Oftentimes teams of people will take turns getting the coffee, and this can help encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and reduce the barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to suit a variety of requirements. Certain models are completely automated and others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots, so that operators do not have to guess the proper shot size. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can significantly affect the flavor and intensity of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that support the communities in which coffee is cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of drinks and shots over the course of one day. These high-volume operations can result in unique risk to health and safety for workers, so it's crucial to think about the potential hazards that come with a commercial espresso machine.
Remember that commercial espresso machines will likely to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which could become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed can allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
When choosing the best commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll be serving and how many cups per hour your space can accommodate. You'll want to choose machines with automated features that will make it simpler to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. You should look for a guarantee that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical problems will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger capacity boilers that can support multiple group heads in regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. The water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level is at the desired level the solenoid valve is opened and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines, distinguished by their ability to brew and steam the water: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA allows rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes because they are the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance, just like cars. They need to be maintained to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, but you must be aware of the parts that need an extra clean. There will be a residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could break down various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This procedure requires additional steps over normal cleaning, so you'll want to review your manual to ensure you're following the instructions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. In order electric espresso maker to complete this process it is necessary to put a container under the steam wand, and in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for your specific model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance task. This can easily be forgotten, but it's important to keep in mind so you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.