The 3 Greatest Moments In Commercial Espresso Machine History
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a variety of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. The type of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the volume and purpose of use and barista's abilities.
Double boiler systems offer the capability to brew and steam simultaneously. 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 designed to handle a higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to function in a professional environment would be the recipe for disaster.
A commercial machine that is of high quality can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy workplaces, since it stops employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines in the workplace can also help workers to bond with one another. Often, teams of employees be able to swap coffee for each other, and this can encourage teamwork and collaboration in the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more comfortable in their workplace and help break down barriers between them, senior staff members, and other workers.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are purely automatic and others can pre-program espresso shots, so that operators don't have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can drastically affect the strength and flavor of espresso that is brewed. It is also recommended to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced materials that benefit the communities in which coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure that the product is of top quality and minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are massive heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a brand-new compact car. They're also designed to churn out a multitude of shots and drinks in a day. The high volume of operations create some unique work health and safety risks for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are more likely to use warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't cleaned or descaled regularly could begin to build up spent espresso. This can become rancid and cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wands that are not sealed can allow bacteria to grow in the milk that is frothing.
Consider the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial coffee maker. It is also important to choose machines that have automated features, which makes it much easier and quicker to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. Make sure you get a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have more powerful frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines also operate at a much more elevated temperature and are typically in an indoor space (such as the cafe or restaurant) where the electronics may overheat quickly, resulting in the machine failing.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and stores pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the target level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then turned off.
There are four kinds of espresso machines, distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam in the form of The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming using only one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds in terms steam temperature and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars that require regular tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you keep your machine in good condition and you are able to enjoy a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's vital to also clean some parts on a more fundamental 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 prevent this and keeps your espresso machine working at its best.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling at least every 3 months. This procedure requires some extra steps over normal cleaning, so be sure to review your manual to ensure you're following all the instructions. Descaling involves using a solution to dissolves scale in the water tank. To do this, you'll need to put a container underneath the steam wand and, in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your specific model.
A water filter change is a further maintenance step. This can be easily forgotten but is essential to remember so that there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. Be sure bean to cup espresso machine look for calcification, which can be difficult to remove, in the spray head.