"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Commercial Espresso Machine
From Shiapedia
What to Look For in a Commercial Espresso Machine
There are a number of aspects to consider when buying commercial espresso machines. The type of espresso machine that is ideal for your establishment will depend on the quantity, the intended use, and the barista's skill.
A double boiler system allows you to brew while steaming. It also decreases 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 more volume of coffee than an espresso machine at home. A home espresso machine would not work in a professional environment.
A high quality commercial machine will be able to serve up to 100 cups of coffee per hour at peak times. This is a huge benefit in busy offices, as it keeps employees from waiting for hours to get their coffee.
Coffee machines can aid in bonding between workers. Teams of workers often take turns getting coffee for each other, which can facilitate collaboration and teamwork within the workplace. Having a designated space for coffee is also a great way to help new workers to feel at comfortable in the workplace, and break down any barriers between them and senior staff members.
Commercial espresso machines are available in different sizes to suit a variety of needs. Some models are entirely automated, while others have the ability to prepare espresso shots beforehand so that operators don't have to guess at the correct size of each shot. This is particularly important for companies with untrained baristas as inaccurate shots can drastically affect the strength and flavor of espresso. It is also advisable to purchase commercial espresso machines made of ethically-sourced materials that support the communities where coffee beans are grown. This will ensure a top quality product that will minimize the negative impact on the environment.
Safety
Espresso machines are big heavy pieces of equipment that can cost the same as a brand new compact car. The machines are designed to produce hundreds of shots and drinks in one day. The high volume of operations result in unique safety and health risks for staff members, so it's crucial to think about the potential dangers that come with an espresso machine that is commercially used.
It's important to bear in mind that commercial cafe espresso machine machines are likely to function with warm water, which could aid in the growth of bacteria. A machine that is not maintained properly and hasn't been cleaned or descaled regularly can begin to accumulate spent espresso, which can become rancid and cause illnesses if consumed by consumers. A commercial espresso machine with steam wands that are not sealed may allow bacteria to grow in the milk that is frothing.
When selecting a commercial espresso coffee machine machine, it's important to consider the type of beverages you plan on serving and how many cups your space will be able to handle. You'll also want an espresso machine that has automated features, which make it simpler and quicker to serve your customers their preferred coffee drink. Also, look for a guarantee that covers parts and labor to ensure that any technical issues can be addressed quickly and effectively.
Energy Efficiency
The power requirements of commercial espresso machines are substantially greater than home models. Professional espresso machines are heavier and have larger boilers in order to support several group heads for standard cafe espresso machine production. These machines operate at a higher ambient temperature, and are usually located inside (such as in a coffee shop or restaurant) where the electronic components may overheat.
The boiler of a commercial espresso machine provides heat and storage for pressurized water supplied by an electric pump. This water is used to brew and steam espresso. The boiler is made up of a number of copper tubes that are heated by electric elements. When the brew level sensor is able to detect that the water has reached its goal level, a solenoid valve opens to let the boiler fill with fresh water and the heating element is turned off.
There are four distinct types of espresso machines. They are distinguished by the way they brew or steam: TX (brewing-only), TX (twin-boilers), HX (double automatic), and DA (double automated). TB and TX machines ensure stable brewing temperatures, while DA can provide rapid steaming using the use of a single boiler. Many cafes are switching to HX machines, as they have been shown to provide the best of both worlds in terms of steam and brew temperatures.
Maintenance
Commercial decent espresso machine machines need regular maintenance similar to cars. They require maintenance to function efficiently and smoothly. If you maintain your machine and you are able to enjoy a better-tasting coffee and it will last longer.
It's a routine to clean your espresso machine, but you should be aware of the parts that require a deeper clean. There will be leftovers from coffee grounds and other milk products that can cause the machine to fail over time. Regular cleaning will keep your Retro espresso maker machine in great condition.
Most commercial espresso machines require descaling every three months. This procedure involves a few additional steps compared to normal cleaning. You'll want review the manual to ensure that you follow all the steps. Descaling requires a solution that dissolves scale in the water tank. You'll need a container in order to complete this task. In some units you may also require a container to be placed under the coffee spouts. Follow the instructions for your model.
Another maintenance step includes changing the water filters. This is something that can be overlooked, but it's important to remember so that there isn't a build-up of mineral deposits. You'll also want to check for calcification within the spray head, which is difficult to eliminate.
