Blog entry by Maisie Birdwood
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe's operations, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which espresso machine is best espresso machine under 500 for your business.
Double boilers allow you to brew while steaming. This decreases the time it takes to recuperate 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. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to function in a professional setting would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of top quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy offices, as it will stop workers from waiting to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can help workers bond. Sometimes, teams of people take turns getting the coffee for each other, and this can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can also help new workers to feel at comfortably in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different needs. Some models are entirely automated and others can pre-program espresso shots, so that operators don't have to guess the right shot size. This is especially crucial for businesses with baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can affect the quality and taste of espresso. In addition, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is grown. This will ensure a premium quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
cheap espresso machine machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of drinks and shots in a single day. Commercial espresso machines pose particular health and safety hazards for staff due to their high production.
It is important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to operate with warm water, which could aid in the growth of bacteria. Inefficiently maintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can build up spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid, and potentially cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing process, because it might not be able temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When selecting an espresso machine for commercial use, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll be serving and the number of cups per hour your space can handle. You should look for an espresso machine that has automation features which will allow you to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. You should look for a guarantee that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues are resolved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial 9 bar Espresso machine machines require considerably more power than the home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have heavier frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. They also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are often located in indoor locations (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in machine failure.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats up and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its desired level, a solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with fresh water, and the heating element shuts off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by their ability to steam and brew with steam: the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines have stable brew temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with only one boiler. HX machines are being used in many cafes since they are the best in both steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you maintain your machine and you are able to enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you must be aware of the parts that need an extra clean. There will be a residue from the coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. The solution used to decal the 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 your specific model.
A water filter change is another maintenance procedure. It's easy to forget but it's crucial not to get mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.