What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

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

Double boiler systems offer the capability to brew and 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 is designed to handle a higher volume of coffee brewing than a home espresso machine. The idea of allowing a home espresso machine to perform in a professional environment would be the recipe for disaster.

A commercial machine that is of high end espresso machine quality can provide up to 100 coffee cups every hour during peak hours. This can be a lifesaver in busy workplaces, since it stops employees from waiting around to get their coffee.

Coffee machines in the workplace can also aid workers in bonding with each other. Sometimes, teams of people make a habit of getting coffee each other, and this can help encourage collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. A coffee bar can make new employees feel more at ease in their workplace and break down barriers between them, the senior staff members, and other workers.

Commercial espresso machines are available in various sizes to accommodate different needs. Some models are completely automatic, while others have the ability to program espresso shots in advance so that the operator does not have to guess the right size of the shot. This is especially important for companies that employ baristas that aren't properly trained, as inaccurate shots can impact the strength and taste of espresso. Additionally, it's best to buy ethically sourced and commercial espresso machines that support the communities where coffee is cultivated. This will ensure a premium quality product and minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines are large, heavy pieces of equipment that can cost as much as a new compact car. They are designed to create hundreds of shots and drinks in a single day. Commercial espresso machines could pose unique health and safety hazards to staff because of their sheer volume.

It's important to keep it in mind that a commercial espresso machine is likely to be operating with warm water, which could increase the development of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and isn't cleaned or descaled regularly can start to build up spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. Commercial espresso machines with a steam wand that is not sealed can let bacteria grow in the milk frothing process.

When deciding on a commercial espresso machine it's important to consider the type of beverages you'll serve and the number of cups per hour your space will be able to handle. You should look for an espresso machine that has automation features that will make it easier to serve your customers the best coffee drink. Also, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor so that any technical issues are addressed quickly and effectively.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial espresso machines require significantly more power than home models. Professional espresso machines are more heavy and have larger capacity boilers to support several group heads for standard cafe production. They also operate at a higher ambient temperature and are typically in an indoor setting (such as a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics may quickly overheat, resulting in the machine breaking down.

The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides heat and storage for pressurized drinking water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is comprised of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its goal level the solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element is turned off.

There are four types of espresso machines, distinguished by their capacity to brew and steam with steam: TB (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming with the use of a single boiler. HX machines are utilized by many cafes as they offer the best in both steam and brew temperature.

Maintenance

Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines need regular maintenance to function smoothly and efficiently. If you take care of your machine it will provide you with a more delicious coffee and it will last longer.

Cleaning your espresso machine is an everyday practice, but it's crucial to clean certain parts at a deeper level. There's going to be residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine, which can disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning will keep your espresso machine in good condition.

Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every 3 months. This procedure requires some extra steps over normal cleaning, and you'll need check your manual regularly to ensure you're following all the directions. The solution used for descaling the tank dissolves the scale. In order to complete this process, you'll need to put an unfilled container under the steam wand and in some models, beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the steps for your particular model.

Another aspect of maintenance is changing the water filters. This is something that can easily be overlooked, but it's important to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.