What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of aspects to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe's operations, service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is right for your business.
Double boiler systems allow you to steam while brewing. 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 can handle a larger quantity of coffee than a home machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to work in a professional setting could be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine that is of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 coffee cups in an hour during peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can aid workers in bonding with one another. Often, teams of employees take turns getting the coffee, and this can help encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more comfortable at work and break down the barriers between them, the senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Certain models are completely automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that operators don't have to guess the right size of the shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also best to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure a premium quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a car that is compact. They're also designed to crank out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of the day. These high volume operations can create some unique work safety and health risks for employees, which is why it's important to consider the potential risks that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
It's important to keep it in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which could cause the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not cleaned and descaled regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand that is not sealed can allow bacteria to thrive in the milk that is frothing.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and how many cups an hour your space can handle when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is also important to choose a machine that offers automation features that make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers their favorite coffee drinks. Also, 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 considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and feature larger capacity boilers to support multiple group heads in regular cafe production. They also operate at a much higher ambient temperature and are typically located in an indoor setting (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat rapidly, leading to the machine breaking down.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and stores the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its desired level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element turns off.
There are espresso coffee maker of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they can brew or steam the coffee: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's important to clean certain parts on a greater scale. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at the best it can.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few extra steps in comparison to regular cleaning. It is recommended to review your manual to ensure you follow the directions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In some models you might also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance step. It's easy to forget but it's vital to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.