What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of things to take into consideration when buying commercial espresso machines. The kind of espresso machine right for your cafe will depend on the volume, the intended use, and the barista's skill.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. It also speeds up the recovery 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 much higher volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. If you expect a home espresso maker to function in a professional setting could be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine that is of high quality will be able serve up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces by preventing employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also help workers bond. Teams of people usually take turns getting coffee for one another, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A designated coffee area can make new employees feel more comfortable in the workplace and help break down barriers between them, the senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are fully automatic while others have the ability to pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas do not have to guess at the correct size. This is particularly important for businesses that have untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of espresso. In addition, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines which support the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They are designed to produce hundreds of drinks and shots in the course of a single day. Commercial espresso machines can present unique health and safety risks for staff because of their sheer volume.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are more likely to make use of warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly could begin to build up spent espresso. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses 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, because it might not be able temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.
Consider the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups an hour can be served when choosing a commercial coffee maker. You'll want to look for an espresso machine that has automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. Additionally, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers to support multiple group heads in standard cafe production. They also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are usually located in an indoor location (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat rapidly, leading to the machine failing.
The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and stores water that is pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they steam or brew in the form of TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA allows rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you must pay attention to those parts that require more thorough cleaning. There's likely to be residue from the coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that can break down various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual to ensure you adhere to all the guidelines. mini espresso maker used to clean the water tank dissolves the scale. In order to complete this process you'll need to place an unfilled container under the steam wand, and in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your specific model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. This is a step that can easily be overlooked, but it's important to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of from the spray head.