What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are many aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The kind of espresso machine appropriate for your cafe will be determined by the quantity and purpose of use and the barista's skill.
Double boiler systems offer the ability to brew as well as 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 designed to handle a much greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to function in a professional space would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine of top quality can provide up to 100 cups of coffee in an hour during peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it stops employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
A coffee maker can help workers connect. Teams of employees often are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which could promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can also aid new employees in feeling at comfortably in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to cater for different requirements. Certain models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators don't have to guess the right size. This is particularly crucial for companies with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is grown. This will ensure a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also designed to crank out a multitude of drinks and shots over the course of an entire day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety hazards for employees due to their large volume.
It's important to bear in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to operate with warm water, which can contribute to the development of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid and could cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands without an effective seal could permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing mechanism, as it may not be able reach temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.
When selecting the best commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the type of beverages you plan on serving and how many cups per hour your space can handle. You should also look for an espresso machine with automation features, which make it much easier and quicker to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably more powerful than those used in home settings. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger capacity boilers in order to support multiple group heads in regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are generally located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. espresso machines uk is used to brew and steam 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 goal level the solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element turns off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, distinguished by their capacity to steam and brew in the form of TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA allows rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines since they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance as do cars. They need to be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine you will get more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, however you must pay attention to those parts that require a deeper clean. There's bound to be leftovers of coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that could cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at optimally.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every three months. This procedure requires additional steps than regular cleaning, so you'll want check your manual regularly to ensure that you're adhering to the instructions. The solution used to clean the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container to finish this task. In certain units you might also require a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for the model you have chosen.
Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that could easily be forgotten but is important to keep in mind so you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to eliminate.