What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of things to take into consideration when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The kind of espresso machine ideal for your establishment will depend on the quantity of use, the purpose, and barista's abilities.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. This can reduce the time needed 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 an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional space would be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of high-end quality can serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak times. This is an enormous benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can assist workers in forming bonds with each other. Oftentimes teams of people will make a habit of getting coffee, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and break down barriers between them, the senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automated while others have the ability to pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas aren't required to guess the right size. This is particularly important for companies that employ untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and reduce the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also built to pump out a multitude of drinks and shots throughout the course of a day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety hazards to employees due to their large volume.
It's important to bear in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to be operating with warm water, which can increase the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk foaming process.
When choosing an espresso machine for commercial use, it is important to think about the type of beverages you'll serve and how many cups your space will be able to handle. You'll want to look for machines with automated features which will allow you to serve your customers the best coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are substantially greater than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are typically located in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve is opened to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water, and the heating element is turned off.
There are four variants of espresso machines that are distinguished by their ability to steam and brew with steam: the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes since they provide the highest quality in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition, you will enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's essential to clean certain parts at a deeper level. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review your manual so that you follow all the instructions. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. In espresso coffee machine for home to complete this process it is necessary to put an item under the steam wand and, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions specific to your model.
A water filter change is an additional maintenance task. This can easily be forgotten but is important to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.