What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many factors to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe, the intended use for service, and barista's experience will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.
Double boilers allow you to steam while brewing. It also reduces recovery time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.
Productivity
A commercial espresso machine is able to handle a higher quantity of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine would not be able to perform in a professional environment.
A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
The presence of a coffee maker in the workplace can aid workers in bonding with each other. Sometimes, teams of people be able to swap coffee for each other which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee can also aid new employees in feeling at comfortable in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to suit a variety of requirements. Certain models are completely automated and others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can greatly affect the flavor and intensity of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a mini-car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of one day. These high volume operations can create unique health and safety hazards for workers, so it's important to consider the potential risks that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines will likely to make use of warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and may cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands without an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, because it might not be able temperatures high enough to kill all bacteria.
Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups an hour your space can handle when choosing a commercial coffee machine. You should also look for machines that have automation features that make it easier and faster to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially greater than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers to support the multiple group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are generally located inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines provides heat and storage for the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor determines that the water has reached its desired level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with fresh water and the heating element turns off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, distinguished by how they are able to brew and steam in the form of the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, whereas DA allows for rapid steaming using the use of a single boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms of the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance just like cars. They must be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine and you are able to enjoy a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday ritual, but it's important to clean your machine at a deeper level. There's going to be residue from coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine which could disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine functioning at optimally.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires more steps over normal cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure that you're adhering to the here instructions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. To accomplish this, you'll need to put an item under the steam wand or, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to overlook, but it is important not to build up mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate from the spray head.