What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to take into consideration when buying a commercial espresso machine. The type of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will be determined by the quantity and purpose of use and barista skills.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This can reduce the time needed to recuperate 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. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to work in a professional environment would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
coffeee.uk can serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it keeps employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker at work can allow workers to connect with each other. Often, teams of employees be able to swap coffee each other, and this can help encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A designated coffee area 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 a variety of sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are entirely automated and others are able to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators do not have to guess the right size of each shot. This is especially important for businesses that have untrained baristas as incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. They're also designed to churn out a multitude of drinks and shots in a day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards for employees due to their high volume.
It is important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to function with warm water, which could aid in the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands that don't have an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, because it might not be able temperatures that are sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
When you are choosing an espresso machine for commercial use, it is important to think about the type of beverages you'll serve and the number of cups per hour your space can accommodate. It is important to select machines with automated features that will make it easier to serve your customers the best coffee beverage. You should look for a guarantee that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical problems can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are much higher than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers that can support multiple group heads for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually placed indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up 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 water that is fresh and the heating element is turned off.
There are four types of espresso machines. They differ by the way they brew or steam: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms of steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you maintain your machine, you will enjoy a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however it is important to be aware of the parts that need a deeper clean. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure involves a few additional steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll need to read your manual to ensure you follow the directions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. In order to complete this process, you'll need to put a 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 a further maintenance procedure. This is a step that can be overlooked but is essential to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove from the spray head.