What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe's operation, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. This reduces the time required 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 much higher volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional space would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it keeps employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Teams of employees often have coffee in a rotating manner for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can also help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of needs. Some models are purely automatic and others can prepare espresso shots beforehand so that the operator does not have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly crucial for companies with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. In addition, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities where coffee is produced. This will ensure a premium quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. These high volume operations can cause unique risk to health and safety for staff, so it's important to consider the potential risks that come with the commercial espresso machine.
It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which could increase the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which may become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that don't have an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system as it might not be able to attain temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type website of beverage you will be serving and how many cups per hour your space can handle when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. You should also look for an espresso machine with automation features that make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and feature larger capacity boilers to accommodate multiple group heads for regular cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are generally located inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and stores water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes 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 fresh water, and the heating element turns off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are differentiated by their ability to be brewed or steamed: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes because they provide the highest quality in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to keep your machine in top condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but you should be aware of the parts that need a deeper clean. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at the best it can.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This is a process that requires more steps over normal cleaning, and you'll need to go through your manual to ensure that you're following the directions. The solution used to descal the tank dissolves the scale. In order to complete this process you'll need to place an unfilled container under the steam wand and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is another maintenance task. It's easy to forget however it's important not to get mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to remove.