What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are many things to take into consideration. The volume of your cafe, the intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.

Double boilers allow you to brew while steaming. It also speeds up the recovery 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 a home espresso machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to work in a professional environment would be an invitation to disaster.

A commercial machine that is of top quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This can be a great help in busy workplaces, since it keeps employees from waiting around to get their coffee.

A coffee machine can also aid workers in bonding. In many cases, teams of workers make a habit of getting coffee for each other, and this can foster teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A coffee bar can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and reduce the barriers between them, the senior staff members and other workers.

Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a range of needs. Some models are fully automatic and some can be programmed with pre-programmed espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess the right size. This is especially important for companies with untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can drastically affect the flavor and intensity of espresso. Additionally, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is grown. This will ensure a top quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines can cost as much as a small car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of one day. These high-volume operations can result in unique health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's crucial to think about the risks that could be associated with a commercial espresso machine.

It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to be operating with warm water, which can cause the development of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly could begin to build up spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands without an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing mechanism, as it might not be able temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.

When selecting a commercial espresso machine, it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll serve and the amount of cups per hour your space can handle. You'll also want to find a machine that offers automation features, which make it easier and faster to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and feature larger capacity boilers to support multiple group heads for normal cafe production. They also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually located in indoor locations (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat quickly resulting in the machine breaking down.

The dual boiler espresso machine of commercial espresso machines provides heat and storage for pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. The water is then used to brew and steaming 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 is opened and fills the boiler with new water. The heating element is then shut off.

There are four kinds of espresso machines. They are differentiated in their capacity to brew or steam by using the TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA allows for rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.

Maintenance

Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They must be maintained to function efficiently and smoothly. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.

Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's vital to also clean some parts on a more fundamental level. There will be residues from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine functioning at the best it can.

The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling at least every 3 months. This process requires more steps over normal cleaning, and you'll need to read the manual to ensure that you're following the directions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves the scale in the water tank. In order to complete this process you'll need a container under the steam wand or, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your specific model.

Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. This is something that could easily be overlooked but is essential to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove from the spray head.