20 Myths About Commercial Espresso Machine: Debunked

What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine

There are a myriad of factors to consider when purchasing commercial espresso machines. Your cafe's volume, intended service use and barista knowledge will determine which espresso machine is right for your business.

A double boiler system allows you to steam while brewing. This decreases the time it takes to recover 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 an espresso machine at home. A domestic espresso machine may not be able to perform in a professional environment.

A high quality commercial machine can serve up to 100 cups per hour at peak times. This can be a lifesaver for busy workplaces, preventing employees from having to sit for hours to get their coffee.

coffee machines espresso machines in the workplace can aid workers in bonding with each other. Teams of employees often make a habit of sharing coffee with each other, which can promote collaboration and teamwork in the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee is also a great way to assist new employees to feel at comfortable in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior employees.

Commercial espresso machines come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different requirements. Some models are fully automatic and others are able to pre-program espresso shot sizes so that the operators do not have to guess at the correct size. This is particularly crucial for businesses that have untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can significantly affect the quality and taste of brewed espresso. It is also recommended to purchase commercial espresso machines made from ethically sourced products that benefit the communities where coffee beans are harvested. This will ensure a premium quality product, and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Safety

Espresso machines can cost as much as a car that is compact. They're also designed to pump out hundreds of shots and drinks in the day. These high volume operations can create unique safety and health risks for staff, so it's crucial to think about the potential hazards that come with an espresso machine in a commercial setting.

It's important to bear in mind that commercial espresso machines are likely to be operating with warm water, which can increase the growth of bacteria. Machines that are poorly maintained and not cleaned and descaled regularly will accumulate spent espresso. This can cause it to go rancid and may cause illness if consumed by customers. A commercial espresso machine that has steam wands that don't have an effective seal may allow for bacterial growth within the milk frothing system because it might not be able to attain temperatures high enough to eliminate all bacteria.

Consider the type of beverage you'll be serving and how many cups an hour can be served when selecting the right commercial coffee machine. You'll also want to find an espresso machine with automation features, which make it faster and easier to serve your customers your preferred coffee drink. Look for a warranty which includes both labor and parts. This will ensure that any technical issues can be resolved quickly.

Energy Efficiency

The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are considerably higher than those of home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger capacity boilers in order to support several group heads for normal cafe production. These machines operate at a higher temperature and espresso machines are generally located in indoor areas (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components could overheat.

The boiler of an espresso machine for commercial use heats and stores water which has been pressurized using an electric pump. The water is then used to brew and steaming espresso. The boiler is comprised of several copper tubes heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor senses that the water has reached its target level the solenoid valve is opened to let the boiler fill with water that is fresh and the heating element is shut off.

There are four types of espresso machines, distinguished by how they are able to brew and steam: TBS (brewing only), TX (twin boilers) HX, DA (double automatic). TB and TX machines provide stable brew temperatures, whereas DA offers rapid steaming using one boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines since they have been shown to offer the best of both worlds, in terms of steam and brew temperatures.

Maintenance

Like cars that require regular tune-ups commercial espresso machines need maintenance to continue working smoothly and efficiently. If you take the time to maintain your machine in good condition, it will provide you better tasting coffee and last longer.

Cleaning your espresso machine is a daily ritual, but it's essential to clean certain components at a deeper level. There's likely to be residue from milk and coffee grounds products in the machine that could disintegrate various components over time. Regular cleaning can prevent this from happening and helps keep your espresso machine working at to its maximum.

Most commercial espresso machines need descaling every three months. This process requires a few more steps when compared to normal cleaning. It is recommended to review the manual to ensure that you follow all the instructions. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale from the water tank. To accomplish this you'll need an item under the steam wand or, in some models, underneath the coffee spouts. Follow the guidelines for your specific model.

Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This is a step that can easily be forgotten but is essential to keep in mind so you don't build up of mineral deposits. You should also look for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to get rid of.