What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

There are a variety of things to consider when purchasing an espresso machine for commercial use. The volume of your cafe's operation, service usage, and barista's expertise will determine which espresso machine is the best coffee espresso machine for your business.

A double boiler system allows you to steam while brewing. 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 can handle a greater quantity of coffee than a home machine. A home espresso machine would not perform well in a professional environment.

A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour during peak hours. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to stand for a long time to get their coffee.

Coffee machines in the workplace can also assist workers in forming bonds with one another. Often, Professional Espresso machine teams of employees make a habit of getting coffee each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A designated coffee area can help new employees feel more at ease in the workplace and reduce the barriers between them, senior employees and other workers.

Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to meet different needs. Certain models are completely automated while others are able to pre-program espresso shots, so that operators don't have to guess the proper size of the shot. This is especially crucial for companies with baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. Additionally, it's ideal to purchase ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure that the product is of good quality and minimizes the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines are big machines that weigh a lot that can cost as much as a new compact car. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks over the course of the day. This high volume operation can result in unique risk to health and safety for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential hazards that come with the commercial espresso machine.

Remember that commercial espresso machines are more likely to utilize warm water. This can lead to the growth of bacteria. Unmaintained machines that are not cleaned and descaled regularly can build up spent espresso. This could cause it to turn rancid and may cause illness when consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with the steam wand that isn't sealed with an effective seal may permit bacterial growth in the milk frothing mechanism, because it might not be able reach temperatures that are sufficient to kill all bacteria.

Think about the kind of beverage you'll serve and the number of cups an hour your space can accommodate when choosing a commercial-grade coffee machine. It is also important to choose an espresso machine with automation features, which make it easier and faster to serve your patrons their favorite coffee drinks. In addition, look for a warranty that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be resolved quickly and efficiently.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial espresso machines require considerably more power than home models. This is because Professional espresso Machine espresso machines have more powerful frames and large capacity boilers to handle the multiple group heads required 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 designed for commercial use heats up and holds water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. This water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached the desired level, a solenoid valve opens to fill the boiler with water that is fresh and the heating element is turned off.

There are four types of espresso machines, differentiated by how they are able to brew and steam in the form of the TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers), HX, and DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA offers rapid steaming using the use of a single boiler. Many cafes are converting to HX machines as they have been proven to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of brew and steam temperatures.

Maintenance

Like cars require routine tune-ups commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine, you will enjoy a more flavorful coffee and will last longer.

Cleaning your espresso machine is a regular ritual, but it's essential to clean certain parts on a more fundamental level. There will be traces of coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to breakdown over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in top condition.

Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure requires a few more steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll need to go through the manual to ensure that you follow the directions. The solution used to clean the tank dissolves the scale. You'll need a container to complete this task. In certain models you might also require a container underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions on your model.

Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This can easily be forgotten however it's essential to remember so that there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. Also, you should look for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.