What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The volume of your cafe's operation, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.
A double boiler system gives the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also decreases the 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 amount of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional space would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it prevents employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid workers in bonding. Often, teams of employees take turns getting the coffee each other, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at comfortable in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are entirely automated while others allow you to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators don't have to guess the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for businesses that have untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are large machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a new compact car. They are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in the course of a single day. The high volume of operations create some unique work risk to health and safety for staff members, so it's important to consider the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to use warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled may start to accumulate spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has the steam wand that isn't sealed with a seal that is effective could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system as it might not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
When deciding on a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll be serving as well as how many cups per hour your space can hold. best budget espresso machine 'll want to choose machines with automated features that will make it simpler to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. In addition, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially greater than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. They also operate at a more elevated temperature and are typically in an indoor space (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat quickly resulting in malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines is heated and holds pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve is opened to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water and the heating element turns off.
There are four variations of espresso machines, distinguished by how they are able to steam and brew in the form of TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, whereas DA offers rapid steaming using only one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, as they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition it will provide you with a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's important to clean your machine at a deeper level. There's bound to be leftovers of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine, which can cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at optimally.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This process requires a few extra steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used for descaling the water tank dissolves the scale. To complete this task you'll need a container underneath the steam wand and in some units, under the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
A water filter change is a further maintenance process. This is a step that can be overlooked, but it's important to keep in mind so there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.