What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe, the intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.
Double boiler systems offer the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. 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 able to handle a higher volume of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine will not be able to perform in a professional environment.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can provide up to 100 coffee cups per hour at peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also help workers connect. Teams of workers often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee is also a great way to aid new employees in feeling at ease in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and the senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are completely automatic and others allow you to program espresso shots in advance so that operators don't have to guess the correct size of the shot. www.coffeee.uk is particularly crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can alter the intensity and taste of espresso. In addition, it is recommended to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that support the communities in which coffee is grown. This will ensure a premium quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also designed to crank out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of the day. These high-volume operations can cause unique health and safety risks for employees, which is why it's important to consider the risks that could be associated with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Remember that commercial espresso machines will likely to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not descaled and cleaned regularly may accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. Commercial espresso machines with steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to flourish in the milk frothing process.
When deciding on an espresso machine for commercial use, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you plan on serving and how many cups per hour your space can hold. You should also look for an espresso machine that has automated features, which makes it much easier and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. You should look for a guarantee that includes both parts and labor. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger capacity boilers to support several group heads to support regular cafe production. They also operate at a much higher ambient temperature and are usually located in an indoor space (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat quickly, resulting in malfunctioning machines.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores the pressurized water, which is 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 is able to detect that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve is opened to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element is shut off.
There are four variants of espresso machines, distinguished by their ability to brew and steam: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA allows for rapid steaming using only one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines since they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance, just like cars. They must be maintained in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to keep your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
It's a regular practice to clean your espresso machine, but you must be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There will be a residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine which could break down various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in tip-top condition.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires some extra steps than regular cleaning, and you'll need to read the manual to ensure you're following the instructions. The solution used to descal the water tank disintegrates the scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In certain models, you may also need a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that could easily be forgotten but is important to keep in mind so there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove, in the spray head.