What Is The Heck What Is Commercial Espresso Machine?
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are many things to take into consideration. The kind of espresso machine that is ideal for your establishment will be determined by the quantity and the purpose for which it is used, and barista skills.
Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This cuts down on the time 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.
A commercial machine that is of high quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee every hour during peak hours. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it will stop workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Having coffeee at work can assist workers in forming bonds with one another. Oftentimes teams of people will take turns getting the coffee, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee can also aid new employees in feeling at comfortable in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are entirely automated while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots, so that operators don't have to guess the proper shot size. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can drastically affect the quality and taste of espresso. Additionally, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is harvested. This will ensure a premium quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They're also built to pump out a multitude of drinks and shots throughout the course of a day. The high volume of operations result in unique risk to health and safety for staff members, so it's important to take into account the potential hazards that come with a commercial espresso machine.
It's important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to function with warm water, which can cause the development of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not descaled and cleaned regularly can build up spent espresso. This can cause it to turn rancid and may cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has the steam wand that isn't sealed with a seal that is effective could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, as it may not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial coffee machine. You'll want to choose an espresso machine with automation capabilities which will allow you to serve your customers their favorite coffee beverage. Additionally, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for standard cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are generally located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.
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 then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached the desired level the solenoid valve will open and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they be brewed or steamed the coffee: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures while DA can provide rapid steaming using a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines since they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition, you will enjoy a better tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's an everyday ritual to clean your espresso machine, however you should pay attention to those parts that require more thorough cleaning. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at the best it can.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure involves a few additional steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through your manual to ensure you follow all the instructions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. To complete this task you'll need to place a container underneath the steam wand, and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for the model you have.
Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This can be easily forgotten but is important to keep in mind so you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification in the spray head, which can be difficult to remove.