What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many aspects to consider when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe's operations, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is right for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. It also speeds up the recovery time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for
espressomachines optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is designed to handle a much larger amount of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine to work in a professional setting could be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A high quality commercial machine will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to sit around while waiting to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can allow workers to connect with one another. Teams of workers often are able to take turns ordering coffee for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can help new workers to feel at ease in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Certain models are fully automated and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso sizes so that baristas aren't required to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the intensity and
Espressomachines flavor of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and reduce 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. They're also designed to churn out a multitude of drinks and shots throughout the course of a day. Commercial espresso machines could pose unique health and safety risks for staff due to their high volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can build up spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with steam wands that are not sealed can allow bacteria to thrive in the milk foaming process.
When deciding on the
best ground coffee for espresso machine commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can accommodate. You'll also want machines that have automation features, which make it faster and easier to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drink. In addition, 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 significantly more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and come with larger boilers to accommodate several group heads to support standard cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are usually placed in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water that has been pressurized with 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 level sensor detects that the water has reached the desired level the solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element is turned off.
There are four types of espresso machines, distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam in the form of the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes as they provide the highest quality in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance similar to cars. They require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you ensure that you keep your machine in good condition, it will give you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few more steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. To complete this task you'll need an item under the steam wand and in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is a further maintenance process. This is something that could easily be forgotten, but it's important to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of in the spray head.
