The 10 Scariest Things About Commercial Espresso Machine
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of things to take into consideration when buying an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe's operation, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.
A double boiler system gives the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. This reduces the time required 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 more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine would not be effective in a professional setting.
A high quality commercial machine will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour during peak times. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces by preventing employees from having to stand for a long time to get their coffee.
A coffee machine can also help workers bond. Oftentimes teams of people will have a turn getting coffee each other, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease at work and reduce the barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a range of requirements. Certain models are fully automated, while others can pre-program espresso shots so that operators don't have to guess the right size. This is especially crucial for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can affect the intensity and taste of espresso. In addition, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines which support the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and minimizes the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They are designed to produce hundreds of shots and drinks in the course of a single day. Commercial espresso machines could pose unique health and safety risks to staff due to their large volume.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines tend to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid, and potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed could allow bacteria to thrive in the milk frothing process.
When choosing an espresso machine for commercial use, it's important to consider the kind of drinks you'll be serving and the amount of cups per hour your space can accommodate. You'll want to look for an espresso machine with automation capabilities that will make it easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee beverage. Find a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than those of home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for typical cafe production. They also operate at a much greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically located in an indoor space (such as cafes or restaurants) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines is heated and holds pressurized water that is supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve is opened and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by how they are able to brew and steam the water: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes as they offer the best in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They must be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to keep your machine in good condition, it will give you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
It's a daily ritual to clean your espresso machine, but you must be aware of those parts that require an extra clean. There's going to be residue from coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that can break down various components over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this and keeps your espresso machine working at optimally.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This is a process that requires some extra steps over regular cleaning, and you'll need check your manual regularly to ensure that you're following the directions. The solution used to descal the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. To complete this task you'll need to place a container under the steam wand or, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your specific model.
A water filter replacement is a different maintenance process. This can easily be forgotten but is important to remember so that you don't build up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.