What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of factors to consider when purchasing a commercial espresso machine. The type of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will be determined by the quantity of use, the purpose, and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. 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 is designed to handle a larger amount of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine would not be effective in a professional environment.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy offices, as it stops employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can allow workers to connect with one another. Teams of people usually make a habit of sharing coffee with each other, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee can help new workers to feel at peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are fully automated while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess the correct size. This is especially crucial for businesses with baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can alter the intensity and taste of espresso. Additionally, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of shots and drinks in a single day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards to employees because of their sheer volume.
It's important to bear in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to operate with warm water, which could cause the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with the steam wand that isn't sealed with an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing process, as it might not be able temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When selecting the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the type of beverages you plan on serving and how many cups per hour your space will be able to handle. It is important to select machines with automated features which will allow you to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than those of home models. This is because professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures, and are usually located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides heat and storage for the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes 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 fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They differ by the way they can make steam or brew by using TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes as they are the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine and you are able to enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday ritual, but it's important to clean your machine on a more fundamental level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine working at to its maximum.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process involves a espresso coffee machine few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves scale from the water tank. To do this, you'll need to put an item under the steam wand or, in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have chosen.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This can be easily forgotten but is essential to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate, in the spray head.