What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of factors to consider when purchasing a commercial espresso machine. The volume of your cafe’s operation, use for service, and barista’s experience will determine which espresso machine is best home espresso machine for your business.
Double boilers provide the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. This cuts down on the time 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 a home espresso machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine (this page) to perform in a professional space would be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour in peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to wait around while waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers bond. Teams of people usually take turns getting coffee for one another, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can make new employees feel more comfortable at work and reduce the barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet different needs. Some models are fully automatic and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that operators don’t have to guess the correct size. This is particularly important for businesses that have untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure a top quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a small car. They are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety risks to staff due to their high production.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled can build up spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal could permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, as it might not be able reach temperatures that are sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
When selecting an espresso machine for commercial use, it’s important to consider the kind of drinks you’ll serve and how many cups per hour your space will be able to handle. You’ll want to look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities which will allow you to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. Also, look for a warranty that covers 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 weigh more and feature larger capacity boilers to accommodate multiple group heads for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and holds pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of 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 the solenoid valve is opened to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element is shut off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they be brewed or steamed in the form of the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, whereas DA offers rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been shown to offer the best coffee espresso machine of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance similar to cars. They must be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
It’s a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however you must pay attention to the parts that require more thorough cleaning. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine sale machine in good condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires additional steps over normal cleaning, and you’ll need to read the manual to ensure that you’re adhering to the directions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. You’ll need a tank to complete this task. In certain models you might also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your specific model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance procedure. It’s easy to overlook, but it is important to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. You’ll also want to check for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.