What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

There are many things to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. Your cafe's volume, intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is ideal for your business.

A double boiler system provides 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 can handle a higher amount of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine to perform in a professional setting would be a recipe for disaster.

A commercial coffee machine of good quality will be able to serve up to 100 coffee cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it keeps workers from waiting to get their coffee.

A coffee maker can help workers connect. Sometimes, teams of people have a turn getting coffee for each other and this can encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can also help new workers to feel at peace in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and the senior staff members.

Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different requirements. Some models are entirely automated, while others allow you to pre-program espresso shots, so that operators don't have to guess the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can alter the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines are big, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They're also designed to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks throughout the course of a day. This high volume operation can result in unique risk to health and safety for employees, which is why it's important to take into account the potential risks that come with the commercial espresso machine.

It is important to keep in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which can increase the development of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't cleaned or descaled regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a espresso machine uk steam wands that are not sealed can allow bacteria to thrive in the milk foaming process.

Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can handle when choosing the right commercial coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine with automation features, which make it faster and easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee drinks. Also, look for a warranty that includes 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 home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and large capacity boilers to accommodate the many group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.

The boiler of a commercial espresso machine is heated and holds pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. The water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve will open to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water, and the heating element is turned off.

There are four types of espresso machines. They are differentiated by their ability to brew or steam the coffee: The TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automated) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, whereas DA provides rapid steaming with one boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds in terms of the temperature of steam and brew.

Maintenance

Commercial espresso machines require regular maintenance, just like cars. They need to be maintained to operate efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine, you will enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.

It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, but you must pay attention to the parts that need an extra clean. There's likely to be residue of coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that could cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning can help 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 additional steps than regular cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure that you're adhering to the instructions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves the scale in the water tank. You'll need a container in order to complete this task. In certain models you may also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on the model you have.

A water filter change is an additional maintenance step. This can easily be overlooked but is essential to keep in mind so you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate in the spray head.