What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the amount, the intended use, and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system lets you to steam while brewing. It also reduces the 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 higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine may not perform well in a professional environment.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it will stop employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can aid workers in bonding with one another. Sometimes, teams of people take turns getting the coffee for each other, and this can foster teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and reduce the barriers between them, the senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different needs. Some models are fully automatic while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators do not have to guess the correct size. This is especially important for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will guarantee a high quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. These high-volume operations can cause unique safety and health risks for staff members, so it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with a commercial espresso machine.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are more likely to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled may start to accumulate spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing process, as it might not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and how many cups per hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll want to choose an espresso machine with automation capabilities which will allow you to serve your customers your favorite coffee beverage. Additionally, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and come with larger boilers in order to support multiple group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are usually placed in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open to fill the boiler with fresh water. The heating element turns off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by their ability to brew and steam in the form of TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures while DA allows rapid steaming from one boiler. espresso machines uk are converting to HX machines since they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They require maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to keep your machine in top condition, it will give you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, but you should be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There's likely to be residue from the coffee grounds and milk products in the machine which could cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at to its maximum.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires additional steps than regular cleaning, so be sure to go through your manual to ensure you're following the directions. The solution used to decal the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a tank to complete this task. In some units you might also require a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance process. It's easy to forget, but it is important not to build up mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.