What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of 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 lets you to brew while steaming. It also speeds up the recovery time 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 higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. A home espresso machine will not work in a professional environment.
A commercial machine of the highest quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it will stop employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
espresso coffee machine uk can aid in bonding between workers. Teams of people often are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which could encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at peace in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines come in various sizes to meet different requirements. Some models are entirely automated while others can program espresso shots in advance so that the operator does not have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for businesses that have untrained baristas since incorrect shots can impact the strength and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines which support the communities in which coffee is grown. This will ensure a high quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They're also built to pump out a multitude of shots and drinks over the course of a day. Commercial espresso machines can present particular health and safety risks for staff because of their sheer volume.
Keep in mind that commercial espresso machines tend to utilize warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can build up spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid, and potentially cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without a seal that is effective could permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing system since it might not be able to reach temperatures sufficient to kill all bacteria.
When choosing a commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll be serving as well as how many cups your space will be able to handle. You'll want to look for a machine with automation features that will make it easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee beverage. In addition, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than the home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and come with larger boilers to support several group heads to support regular cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are usually placed 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 and stores water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. The water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor is able to detect that the water level has reached the target level the solenoid valve will open and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They differ by the way they be brewed or steamed by using TB (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic) and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming with the use of a single boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines, as they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds in terms of steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Similar to how cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you maintain your machine you will get better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday ritual, but it's essential to also clean some parts on a greater scale. There's likely to be residue from coffee grounds and milk products inside the machine that can disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine running its best.
The majority of commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process involves a few additional steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to read the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used to descal the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container in order to finish this task. In certain units you might also require a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions for your specific model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance process. This is a step that can easily be forgotten, but it's important to remember so that you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.