What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

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

A double boiler system lets you to brew while steaming. It also reduces the time between pulls. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) temperature control manages on/off cycles for optimal boiler temperatures.

Productivity

A commercial espresso machine is able to handle a higher amount of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine will not perform well in a professional setting.

A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to stand for hours to get their coffee.

A coffee maker can help workers connect. Sometimes, teams of people have a turn getting coffee each other, and this can foster collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A designated coffee area can help new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, the senior employees and other workers.

Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to meet different needs. Some models are fully automatic, while others can pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators don't have to guess the correct size. This is especially crucial for companies with baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines can cost as much money as a compact car. They're also designed to churn out hundreds of drinks and shots in the day. The high volume of operations create some unique work safety and health risks for staff members, so it's important to consider the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.

Be aware that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This could encourage the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't regularly cleaned or descaled may start to accumulate spent espresso, which can turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wand without an effective seal may allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, because it might not be able temperatures sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.

Think about the kind of beverage you will serve and how many cups per hour can be served when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. You'll also want to find an espresso machine with automated features, which makes it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. In addition, you should look for a warranty that includes parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues are solved quickly and efficiently.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than the home models. This is because professional espresso machines have heavier frames and larger boilers to handle the multiple group heads required for normal cafe production. These machines also operate at a higher temperature in the ambient and are usually located in an indoor location (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in the machine breaking down.

The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use heats and stores water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. This water is used to make steam and brew espresso. The boiler is made up of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve is opened to fill the boiler with fresh water and the heating element is turned off.

There are four different types of espresso machines. They are distinguished in their capacity to steam or brew the coffee: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA allows for rapid steaming using a single boiler. HX machines are used in many cafes since they provide the highest quality in both steam and brew temperature.

Maintenance

Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.

Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's vital to also clean some parts on a deeper level. There will be traces of coffee and espresso machine grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.

Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps in comparison to regular cleaning. You'll need to read the manual to ensure that you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used to decal the water tank dissolves the scale. To accomplish this you'll need an item under the steam wand and, in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your model.

Another step in maintenance is changing the water filters. It's easy to overlook, but it is important to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which can be difficult to get rid of.