Commercial Espresso Machine: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier
Commercial Espresso Machine: 10 Things I Wish I'd Known Earlier
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What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
When buying a commercial coffee machine, there are many factors to take into account. The kind of espresso machine right for your cafe will depend on the amount and the purpose for which it is used, and the barista's skill.
Double boilers provide the ability to brew and steam simultaneously. It also reduces 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 greater volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. If you expect a home espresso maker to perform in a professional environment would be the recipe for disaster.
A high quality commercial machine will be able to serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a great help in busy offices, as it will stop workers from waiting to get their coffee.
Coffee machines at work can allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of people usually are able to take turns ordering coffee for one another, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A dedicated space for coffee is also a great way to help new workers to feel at ease in the workplace, breaking down any barriers between them and senior employees.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to meet a variety of requirements. Some models are fully automated and others are able to pre-program espresso sizes so that baristas aren't required to guess the correct size. This is especially important for businesses with untrained baristas since incorrect shots can significantly affect the intensity and flavor of espresso that is brewed. It is also recommended to buy commercial espresso machines made of ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will guarantee a high quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost more than a brand new compact car. They are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in a single day. The high volume of operations cause unique safety and health risks for workers, so it's important to take into account the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.
Remember that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This can trigger the growth of bacteria. Poorly maintained machines that are not descaled and cleaned regularly can accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid, and possibly cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without an effective seal could allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing system because it might not be able reach temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.
Consider the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour of your space can hold when selecting a commercial-grade coffee machine. You'll also want to find an espresso machine with automated features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drink. Find a warranty that includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical problems can be addressed quickly.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are significantly higher than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger capacity boilers to support multiple group heads for regular cafe production. They also operate at a much greater temperature at ambient temperatures and are typically located in indoor locations (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components can quickly overheat, resulting in the machine breaking down.
The boiler of an espresso machine designed for commercial use is heated and holds water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. The 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 is at the desired level the solenoid valve is opened and the boiler is filled with new water. The heating element is then shut off.
There are four types of espresso machines, differentiated by their ability to steam and brew: The TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using one boiler. HX machines are being used in many cafes since they are the best in steam and brew temperature.
Maintenance
Commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance, just like cars. They require maintenance to work efficiently and smoothly. If you make the effort to maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you a better tasting espresso and last longer.
Cleaning your espresso machine is a routine ritual, but it's important to clean your machine on a greater scale. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that could cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in great condition.
The majority of espresso machines in commercial use require descaling every 3 months. This procedure requires a few extra steps as opposed to normal cleaning. You'll need to read your manual so that you adhere to all the guidelines. The solution used to clean the water tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In certain models you might also require a container espresso machine uk to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the directions for your model.
A water filter change is another maintenance step. It's easy to forget, but it is important not to get mineral deposits. It is also important to look for calcification in the spray head, which is difficult to remove.