What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are many factors to take into account. The volume of your cafe's operation, service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is ideal for your business.

A double boiler system allows you to steam while brewing. 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 can handle a larger volume of coffee than a home machine. Expecting a domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting would be an invitation to disaster.

A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it keeps employees from having to wait around to get their coffee.

Coffee machines can help workers bond. Teams of employees often make a habit of sharing coffee with one another, which could encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space to enjoy coffee can aid new employees in feeling at comfortably in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and the senior employees.

Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a range of needs. Some models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that operators aren't required to guess the correct size. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can drastically affect the flavor and intensity of espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines that are made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are grown. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines are huge machines that weigh a lot that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also built to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks throughout the course of one day. Commercial espresso machines could pose particular health and safety hazards to staff because of their sheer volume.

Be aware that commercial espresso machines tend to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which could 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 the growth of bacterial in the milk frothing mechanism, since it might not be able to attain temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.

Take into consideration the type of beverage you will serve and how many cups an hour of your space can hold when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. You should also look for an espresso machine with automated features, which make it faster and easier to serve your patrons their preferred coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger capacity boilers in order to support several group heads to support standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are usually placed in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.

The boiler of a commercial espresso machine heats and holds the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler consists of multiple copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level has reached the desired level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.

There are four kinds of espresso machines that are distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam the water: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, whereas DA cafe espresso machine provides rapid steaming with only one boiler. HX machines are being used by many cafes since they offer the best in both steam and brew temperature.

Maintenance

Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance just like cars. They require regular maintenance in order to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition it will provide you with a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.

Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular practice, but it's crucial to also clean some parts on a deeper level. There's going to be residue from coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine operating at its best.

The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires more steps than regular cleaning, so you'll want check your manual regularly to ensure that you're following the directions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. To do this you'll need to place an unfilled container under the steam wand and in some units, under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for the model you have.

A water filter change is another maintenance step. It's easy to forget, but it is important not to accumulate mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which is difficult to get rid of, in the spray head.