What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

There are a variety of things to consider when purchasing a commercial espresso machine. Your cafe's volume, intended service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which type of espresso machine is the best for your business.

Double boiler systems allow you to brew while steaming. This cuts down on the time 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 more volume of coffee than a home espresso machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be an unintentional recipe for disaster.

A commercial machine of top quality can provide up to 100 coffee cups in an hour during peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it will stop employees from waiting around to get their coffee.

A coffee machine at work can help workers to bond with one another. Oftentimes teams of people will make a habit of getting coffee, and this can foster teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can aid new employees in feeling at comfortable in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and senior staff members.

Commercial espresso machines are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate different requirements. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the right size. This is especially important for companies that employ baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the intensity and taste of brewed espresso. It is also best to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities in which coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the product is of high quality and minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines can cost as much as a mini-car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of shots and drinks over the course of an entire day. This high volume operation can create some unique work health and safety hazards for staff members, so it's important to take into account the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.

It's important to keep in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to be operating with warm water, which can contribute to the growth of bacteria. If a machine is not properly maintained and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly may start to accumulate spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause sickness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal can also permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing process, because it might not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.

Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and the number of cups an hour your space can accommodate when selecting a commercial coffee maker. You'll want to choose a machine with automation features which will allow you to serve your customers their favorite coffee drink. In addition, you should look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues can be solved quickly and efficiently.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. This is due to the fact that professional espresso machines are built with heavier frames and larger boilers that can handle the numerous group heads required for normal cafe production. They also operate at a greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are often located in an indoor setting (such as a restaurant or coffee shop) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.

The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and holds water that is pressurized by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached its target level the solenoid valve is opened and fills the boiler with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.

There are four variants of espresso machines, differentiated by their capacity to steam and brew: the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brewing temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming from one boiler. HX machines are utilized in many cafes since they offer the best in steam and brew temperature.

Maintenance

Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines also require maintenance to ensure that they function smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to keep your machine in top condition, it will provide you a more delicious coffee and last longer.

Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's vital to clean certain parts at a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to break down over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.

The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This process requires a few more steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. The solution used to descal the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In certain models you may also require an additional container under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your specific model.

Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. This can easily be overlooked but is essential to keep in mind so you don't end up with a cheap espresso machine build-up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.