What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of things to take into consideration. The type of espresso machine appropriate for your cafe will depend on the quantity and purpose of use and barista skills.
Double boilers allow you to brew while steaming. This reduces the time required 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 higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to perform in a professional setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able serve up to 100 coffee cups every hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it stops employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with each other. In many cases, teams of workers make a habit of getting coffee for each other, and this can foster collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to cater for different requirements. Some models are completely automatic and others are able to program espresso shots in advance so that operators do not have to guess the correct size of the shot. This is especially important for businesses with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can greatly affect the flavor and intensity of espresso. It is also best to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that help the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a premium quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive machines that weigh a lot that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also built to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks in the day. These high-volume operations can result in unique health and safety hazards for staff, so it's important to take into account the potential dangers that come with the commercial espresso machine.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines are likely to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not regularly cleaned and descaled will accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid and could cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wands that are not sealed may let bacteria grow in the milk foaming process.
When selecting the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you plan on serving and how many cups per hour your space will be able to handle. It is also important to choose machines that have automated features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drink. Also, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have larger frames and large capacity boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are typically located inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats up and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve is opened to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water and the heating element is shut off.
There are four variations of espresso machines that are distinguished by their ability to steam and brew: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes because they are the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition it will provide you with a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however you must pay attention to the parts that need an extra clean. There will be a residue from milk and coffee grounds products inside the machine, which can disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This process requires a few extra steps when compared to normal cleaning. best espresso machine under 500 'll need to read your manual so that you follow all the steps. Descaling is the process of using a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. To do this it is necessary to put an unfilled container under the steam wand or, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions specific to your model.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This is something that could be overlooked, but it's important to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate from the spray head.