What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of things to consider when purchasing a commercial espresso machine. The volume of your cafe's operation, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which espresso machine is best for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A home espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it prevents workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Teams of people often take turns getting coffee 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 peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a range of needs. Some models are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas do not have to guess at the correct size. This is especially crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas since incorrect shots can drastically affect the quality and taste of espresso brewed. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a top 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 one day. This high volume operation can cause unique health and safety hazards for staff, so it's important to take into account the potential risks that come with a commercial espresso machine.
It's important to keep it in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to be operating with warm water, which could aid in the development of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly will accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and potentially cause illness when consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed may let bacteria grow in the milk the frothing process.
Consider the type of beverage you will serve and the number of cups per hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose a machine that offers automated features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines also operate at a much higher temperature in the ambient and are often located in an indoor space (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can quickly overheat, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached the desired level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam in the form of the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, whereas DA can provide rapid steaming using only one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, as they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance similar to cars. They require maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine you will get more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however you should be aware of the parts that require a deeper clean. There's likely to be residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine that could disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at optimally.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires a few more steps than normal cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure you're following the instructions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. To accomplish this, you'll need to put an unfilled container under the steam wand and, in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is a further maintenance process. This can be easily forgotten, but it's important to keep in mind so you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove from the spray head.