Commercial Espresso Machine: 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known Earlier
Commercial Espresso Machine: 10 Things I'd Love To Have Known Earlier
Blog Article
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a myriad of things to take into consideration when buying commercial espresso machines. The volume of your cafe's operation, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which espresso machine is the best for your business.
A double boiler system gives the capability of brewing and steam simultaneously. This can reduce the time needed 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 much larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to work in a professional space would be an invitation to disaster.
A commercial machine of high quality will be able serve up to 100 coffee cups per hour during peak hours. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it keeps employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine at work can allow workers to connect with one another. Sometimes, teams of people make a habit of getting coffee for each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. The presence of a space specifically to enjoy coffee can help new workers to feel at comfortably in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a range of requirements. Some models are entirely automated while others can program espresso shots in advance so that operators do not have to guess the correct size of each shot. This is especially crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can drastically affect the flavor and intensity of espresso that is brewed. It is also recommended to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced products that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and minimizes the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive machines that weigh a lot that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of the day. Commercial espresso machines could pose particular health and safety risks to staff due to their large volume.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are likely to make use of warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not cleaned and descaled regularly will accumulate spent espresso. This could cause it to go rancid and could cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to grow in the milk the frothing process.
Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and the number of cups an hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial coffee maker. You'll also want to find machines that have automated features, which makes it easier and faster to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. Also, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and come with larger boilers in order to support several group heads for standard cafe production. They also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are typically located in indoor locations (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the website electronic components can overheat rapidly, leading to the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water that has been pressurized by an electric pump. This 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 level sensor detects that the water has reached its desired level the solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with fresh water. The heating element shuts off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines. They differ in their capacity to steam or brew by using TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming using the use of a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, since they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines require maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's important to clean certain components at a deeper level. There are traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this and keeps your espresso machine operating at optimally.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires a few additional steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. To accomplish this, you'll need to put a container underneath the steam wand or, in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.
A water filter change is another maintenance step. This can be easily forgotten, but it's important to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to remove from the spray head.