Blog entry by Maisie Birdwood
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When purchasing a commercial coffee machine, there are a number of factors to take into account. The kind of espresso machine that is appropriate for your cafe will be determined by the quantity, the intended use, and barista's skills.
A double boiler system provides 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 and filter coffee machine machine can handle a greater quantity of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine would not work in a professional environment.
A commercial machine of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee machine in the workplace can also assist workers in forming bonds with each other. Teams of workers often are able to take turns ordering coffee for espresso machine for one another, which can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are purely automatic, while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots, so that the operator does not have to guess the proper shot size. This is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of espresso. In addition, it is recommended to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that help the communities in which coffee is harvested. This will ensure a high quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a car that is compact. The machines are designed to create hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. Commercial espresso machines can present particular health and safety risks for employees due to their high volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines tend to make use of warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can start to build up spent espresso machine coffee. This can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
Think about the kind of beverage you will be serving and how many cups an hour your space can handle when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You'll also want a machine that offers automation features, which make it faster and easier to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are much more powerful than those used in home settings. Professional espresso machine sale machines are more heavy and feature larger capacity boilers to support multiple group heads for regular cafe production. They also operate at a more elevated temperature and are typically in indoor locations (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics could overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats up and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. If the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the target level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They differ by the way they steam or brew the coffee: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines since they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds in terms the temperature of steam and brew.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance just like cars. They need to be maintained to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you take the time to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine practice, but it's crucial to also clean some parts at a deeper level. There's bound to be leftovers of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine operating at the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires more steps over regular cleaning, so you'll want to go through your manual to ensure you're following all the directions. The solution used to clean the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a tank to finish this task. In some models, you may also need a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for the model you have.
A water filter change is another maintenance process. It's easy to forget but it's crucial not to build up mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.