What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

There are a number of aspects to consider when buying commercial espresso machines. The volume of your cafe's operations, use for service, and barista's experience will determine which type of espresso machine is right for your business.

Double boilers provide the ability to brew as well as 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 much larger amount of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine would not be able to perform in a professional setting.

A commercial machine of top quality can provide up to 100 coffee cups per hour during peak hours. This is a great benefit for busy workplaces, stopping employees from having to wait for hours to get their coffee.

Having a coffee machine in the workplace can also allow workers to connect with each other. Teams of workers often have coffee in a rotating manner for one another, which could facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. The presence of a space specifically for coffee is also a great way to help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, removing any barriers between them and the senior employees.

Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to meet different needs. Certain models are completely automated, while others allow you to pre-program espresso shots so that operators do not need to guess the right size of the shot. This is particularly crucial for businesses with baristas who are not trained as the wrong shots can affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. Additionally, it's recommended to purchase ethically sourced and manufactured commercial espresso machines that benefit the communities where coffee is grown. This will ensure a top quality product and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines can cost as much money as a car that is compact. They are designed to make hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. Commercial espresso machines can pose particular health and safety hazards to staff due to their high production.

Be aware that commercial espresso machines tend to make use of warm water. This can encourage the growth of bacteria. A poorly maintained machine that isn't regularly cleaned or descaled can start to build up spent espresso, which could turn rancid and could potentially cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine with a steam wand without an effective seal can also allow for bacterial growth in the milk frothing system, as it may not be able to reach temperatures that are sufficient to eliminate all bacteria.

When choosing a commercial espresso machine, it is important to think about the kind of drinks you'll serve and the number of cups per hour your space can hold. You'll want to choose a machine with automation features that will make it simpler to serve your customers their preferred coffee beverage. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will guarantee that any technical issues will be solved quickly.

Energy Efficiency

Commercial espresso machines require substantially more power than home models. This is because professional espresso machines have heavier frames and larger boilers to support the multiple group heads required for typical cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and are typically located indoors (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronics could overheat.

The boiler of commercial espresso machines provides heat and storage for the pressurized water, which is supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is made up of multiple copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew sensor detects that the water level is at 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 distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished in their capacity to steam or brew: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers) HX (double automated), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brew temperatures, while DA provides rapid steaming from a single boiler. HX machines are used by many cafes because they are the best in steam and brew temperature.

Maintenance

Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to run smoothly and efficiently. If you ensure that you keep your machine in retro espresso machine good condition, it will provide you a more delicious coffee and last longer.

It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, however you must pay attention to those parts that require a deeper clean. There's going to be residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine that could cause the breakdown of various components over time. Regular cleaning helps prevent this and keeps your espresso machine functioning at to its maximum.

Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps over normal cleaning, so you'll want to read the manual to ensure that you're adhering to the instructions. The solution used for descaling the tank in the water tank dissolves scale. You'll require a container to complete this task. In certain models you may also require a container beneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your specific model.

A water filter change is another maintenance procedure. This can be overlooked, but it's important to keep in mind so you don't end up with a build-up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to remove.