Your Worst Nightmare About Commercial Espresso Machine Get Real
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The type of espresso machine that is suitable for your cafe will depend on the amount of use, the purpose, and barista's skills.
Double boilers provide the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This cuts down on the time to recover 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. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able serve up to 100 coffee cups per hour during peak hours. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to sit for a long time to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also aid in bonding between workers. Oftentimes teams of people will be able to swap coffee each other, and this can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. Some models are fully automatic while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the right size. This is especially crucial for businesses with inexperienced baristas, as incorrect shots can drastically affect the strength and flavor of espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee and espresso machine beans are cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They're also built to pump out a multitude of drinks and shots over the course of the day. Commercial espresso machines could pose particular health and safety hazards to employees due to their large volume.
It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to operate with warm water, which can increase the development of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid, and possibly cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, as it may not be able temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When selecting a commercial espresso machine it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll be serving as well as the amount of cups per hour your space can handle. You should look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities that will make it simpler to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. In addition, you should look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers in order to support multiple group heads in regular cafe production. These machines also operate at a more elevated temperature and are typically in an indoor setting (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components can quickly overheat, resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores the pressurized water, which is supplied 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 detects that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve is opened to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water. The heating element is turned off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, distinguished by how they are able to steam and brew with steam: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures while DA offers rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds in terms steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in top condition, it will provide you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you should also pay attention to those parts that require an extra clean. There will be a residue from the coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine which could break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this and espresso machines keeps your espresso machine working at the best ground coffee for espresso machine it can.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual to ensure you follow all the steps. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. You'll require a container to finish this task. In certain units you might also require a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on the model you have.
A water filter change is a further maintenance task. This is a step that can be easily forgotten, but it's important to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. Examine for calcification. It can be difficult to remove in the spray head.