What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying a commercial espresso machine. The kind of espresso machine that is right for your cafe will depend on the quantity of use, the purpose, and barista’s skills.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. 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 machine is designed to handle a more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine would not work in a Professional Espresso machine environment.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee in an hour during peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it prevents employees from waiting around to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can help workers connect. Teams of employees often take turns getting coffee for each other, which can help to encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior employees and other employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different requirements. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas aren’t required to guess the correct size. This is especially crucial for businesses with untrained baristas as incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it is best to buy ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is produced. This will ensure a premium quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much as a compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in the course of a single day. Commercial espresso machines pose unique health and safety hazards to staff because of their sheer volume.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn’t maintained properly and hasn’t been cleaned or descaled regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a a steam wand that is not sealed could allow bacteria to thrive in the milk frothing process.
When deciding on a commercial espresso machine, it’s important to consider the kind of drinks you plan on serving and the amount of cups per hour your space can accommodate. You should also look for an espresso machine with automated features, which make it faster and easier to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues will be solved quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines have larger frames and larger boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually placed in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and holds pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished in their capacity to be brewed or steamed the coffee: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming with only one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to provide the best espresso machine of both worlds, in terms of steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Just like cars need routine tune-ups, commercial 9 bar espresso machine machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to keep your machine in top condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it’s vital to also clean some parts at a deeper level. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning helps to prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine espresso functioning at optimally.
Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires more steps than normal cleaning, so be sure check your manual regularly to ensure you’re following the instructions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. In order to complete this process, you’ll need to put a container under the steam wand, and in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your model.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance process. It’s easy to forget but it’s crucial not to get mineral deposits. Be sure to look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate, in the spray head.