10 Wrong Answers To Common Commercial Espresso Machine Questions Do You Know The Right Ones?
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When you are looking to purchase a commercial coffee machine, there are a variety of factors to take into account. The kind of espresso machine suitable for your cafe will depend on the amount and purpose of use and barista's abilities.
A double boiler system provides the ability to brew as well as steam simultaneously. 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 can handle a higher quantity of coffee than a home machine. A domestic espresso machine to function in a professional setting could be a recipe for disaster.
A commercial coffee machine of good quality will be able to serve up to 100 coffee cups in an hour during peak times. This can be an enormous help in busy offices, as it keeps workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Having a coffee machine in the workplace can assist workers in forming bonds with each other. Oftentimes teams of people will have a turn getting coffee, and this can encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a dedicated space for coffee can aid new employees in feeling at comfortably in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in several sizes to meet a variety of needs. Some models are fully automatic while others have the ability to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the right size. This is especially important for companies with untrained baristas, since inaccurate shots can drastically affect the strength and flavor of espresso that is brewed. It is also recommended to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced materials that help the communities in which coffee beans are cultivated. This will ensure that the coffee is of top quality and will minimize the negative impact to the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are huge, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of drinks and shots in one day. This high volume operation can cause unique health and safety hazards for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Be aware that commercial espresso machines will likely to utilize warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A machine that isn't maintained properly and isn't descaled or cleaned regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which could become rancid and cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has a steam wands that are not sealed could allow bacteria to thrive in the milk that is frothing.
Take into consideration the type of beverage you will be serving and how many cups an hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll also want to find an espresso machine that has automated features, which make it faster and easier to serve your customers your favorite coffee drink. Also, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor, so that any technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines weigh more and have larger boilers to accommodate several group heads to support standard cafe production. These machines operate at higher temperatures and are typically located inside (such as in a cafe or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.
The boiler of commercial espresso machines heats and holds the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This water is then used for brewing and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor determines that the water level has reached the desired level, the solenoid valve opens and the boiler is filled with fresh water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines, distinguished by their ability to brew and steam: the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, TB, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines offer stable brew temperatures, whereas DA can provide rapid steaming using only one boiler. HX machines are in use by many cafes as they provide the highest quality in both brew and steam temperature.
Maintenance
Like cars require routine tune-ups, commercial espresso machines require maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will give you a more delicious coffee and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine practice, but it's crucial to also clean some parts on a more fundamental level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to degrade over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine operating at optimally.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This process requires some extra steps over regular cleaning, and you'll need to review your manual to ensure you're following the instructions. Descaling involves a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll require a container to complete this task. In some units there may be a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your model.
A water filter change is another maintenance step. This can be easily forgotten but is important to remember so that you don't get a build-up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.