What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

There are a variety of aspects to consider when buying commercial espresso machines. The volume of your cafe's operation, use of the service and barista's knowledge will determine which type of espresso machine is best for your business.

Double boiler systems offer the capability to brew 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 is designed to handle a larger amount of coffee than a home espresso machine. A domestic espresso machine may not be able to perform in a professional setting.

A commercial machine of the highest quality will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak times. This is a huge benefit for busy workplaces, keeping employees from having to wait for a long time to get their coffee.

A coffee machine at work can help workers to bond with one another. Teams of employees often make a habit of sharing coffee with each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A designated coffee area can help new employees feel more comfortable in the workplace and break down barriers between them, senior staff members and other workers.

Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a range of needs. Some models are entirely automated, while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not need to guess the correct size of the shot. This is particularly important for businesses with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can drastically affect the flavor and intensity of espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are harvested. This will guarantee a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines are massive machines that weigh a lot that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in the course of a single day. Commercial espresso machines can present unique health and safety hazards to staff because of their sheer volume.

It's important to keep it in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to run on warm water, which could increase the development of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to grow in the milk the frothing process.

When selecting a commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the type of beverages you'll be serving as well as the amount of cups per hour your space will be able to handle. You'll want to choose a machine with automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers your favorite coffee beverage. In addition, look for a warranty that includes parts and labor so that any technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger capacity boilers to accommodate several group heads for standard cafe production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature and are generally located indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.

The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats up and holds water that has been pressurized with an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor detects that the water has reached its goal level, a solenoid valve opens to allow the boiler to be filled with fresh water and the heating element is turned off.

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

Maintenance

Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance as do cars. They need to be maintained to work efficiently and smoothly. If you take the time to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.

It's a daily ritual to electric espresso maker clean your espresso machine, but you should be aware of those parts that require more thorough cleaning. There's bound to be leftovers from the coffee grounds and milk products in the machine that could degrade various components over time. Regular cleaning can help prevent this and keeps your espresso machine running its best.

Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This procedure requires a few more steps than regular cleaning, so it's best check your manual regularly to ensure that you're adhering to the instructions. The solution used for descaling the water tank dissolves the scale. To complete this task, you'll need to put an item under the steam wand, and in certain models, under the coffee spouts. Then, follow the instructions specific to your model.

Another important maintenance step is to change the water filters. It's easy to overlook, but it is important to avoid accumulating mineral deposits. Look for calcification, which can be difficult to eliminate, in the spray head.