What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

When you purchase a commercial espresso machine, there are a number of factors to take into account. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of 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 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 much larger amount of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine may not be effective in a professional setting.

A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour in peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it stops employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.

A coffee machine can also aid workers in bonding. Teams of employees often are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at comfortable in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and the senior employees.

Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to cater for different needs. Some models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not have to guess the correct size. This is particularly crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas, as incorrect shots can greatly impact the strength and flavor of espresso that is brewed. In addition, it's best to purchase ethically-sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities in which coffee is grown. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and minimizes the negative impact to the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines are large, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They are designed to produce hundreds of shots and drinks in a single day. Commercial espresso machines can pose unique health and safety risks to employees due to their high volume.

It's important to keep it in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to run on warm water, which could contribute to the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso, which may turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands that don't have an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, as it may not be able reach temperatures that are sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.

When deciding on the best commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll serve and how many cups per hour your space can handle. You'll want to choose an espresso machine with automation capabilities that will make it easier to serve your customers their preferred coffee beverage. You should look for a guarantee that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.

Energy Efficiency

The power requirements for commercial espresso machines are considerably more powerful than those used in home settings. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and feature larger capacity boilers to support several group heads to support regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature, and are usually located in indoor areas (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronics can overheat.

The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats up and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing 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 its target level the solenoid valve is opened and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.

There are four kinds of espresso machines, distinguished by their ability to brew and steam the water: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines as they have been proven to provide the best of both worlds in terms of steam and brew temperatures.

Maintenance

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

Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily practice, but it's crucial to clean certain components on a deeper level. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine running the best it can.

Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps when compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review the manual to ensure that you follow all the instructions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. You'll need a container to complete this task. In some units you may also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow here the steps for your particular model.

A water filter replacement is a different maintenance process. This is something that could easily be overlooked, but it's important to keep in mind so you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. Check for calcification, which can be difficult to remove from the spray head.