What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many things to take into consideration when buying commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the volume, the intended use, and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system gives 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 optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is designed to handle a much more volume of coffee than a home espresso machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also help workers connect. Oftentimes teams of people will 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 help new workers to feel at comfortably in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Certain models are completely automated while others are able to program espresso shots in advance so that operators don't have to guess the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for companies that employ untrained baristas since incorrect shots can alter the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks in the day. These high volume operations can cause unique health and safety risks for workers, so it's important to take into account the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are likely to use warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not regularly cleaned and descaled may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that don't have an effective seal could allow for the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing mechanism, as it might not be able to attain temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups an hour your space can accommodate when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is also important to choose a machine that offers automation features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your patrons their preferred coffee drink. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have heavier frames and larger boilers to accommodate the many group heads needed for standard cafe production. They also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually located in an indoor space (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of a number of 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 is opened and fills the boiler with fresh water. previous heating element is then shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They differ by their ability to make steam or brew by using the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to pay attention to the parts that require a deeper clean. There's going to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine, which can break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires a few extra steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used for descaling the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In certain units you might also require a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to forget but it's vital not to accumulate mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.