What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many things to consider when purchasing a commercial espresso machine. The volume of your cafe's operation, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which espresso machine is right for your business.
A double boiler system provides the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This cuts down on the time 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 would not work in a professional setting.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to sit for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Often, teams of employees have a turn getting coffee each other, and this can foster teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A designated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease in their workplace and break down the barriers between them, the senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to suit a variety of needs. Some models are purely automatic and others allow you to prepare
cheap espresso machine shots beforehand so that operators don't have to guess the proper shot size. This is particularly crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can significantly affect the flavor and intensity of brewed espresso. In addition, it is
Best Espresso Machine Under 200 to buy ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is harvested. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in the course of a single day. This high volume operation can create some unique work safety and health risks for staff, so it's important to take into account the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines will likely to utilize warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk the frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups per hour your space can accommodate when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You'll also want to find machines that have automated features, which makes it simpler and quicker to serve your customers their favorite coffee drinks. Find a warranty that includes both parts and labor. This will ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and feature larger capacity boilers to support several group heads to support regular cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are generally located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and stores water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve will open to let the boiler fill with fresh water. The heating element shuts off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by their ability to steam and brew the water: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines since they have been shown to offer the
best ground coffee for espresso machine of both worlds in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance just like cars. They require regular maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine you will get better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine practice, but it's crucial to clean certain parts on a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine working at optimally.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires some extra steps than normal cleaning, and you'll need to read the manual to ensure that you're following the instructions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. To complete this task it is necessary to put an unfilled container under the steam wand or, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance task. It's easy to overlook however it's important to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.