In order to keep your espresso machine running well and making delicious espresso you need to make sure your machine gets proper maintenance. The Bean Doctor is here to help with all of your commercial espresso machine needs. Not everyone in the world has an affinity for espresso, but those who do know what they like. Therefore, it is extremely important to make sure your barista is supplied with proper equipment to provide the best espresso in town.
In order to make the perfect espresso, hot water must be forcefully pushed through tightly compacted grounds at high pressure. Your pressure bar should reach the number 9, which is 9 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level. This process is extremely delicate and requires a superior espresso machine. If your espresso machine is not functioning properly then the taste of your espresso could be compromised. Your flavors will also be compromised depending on when your beans were ground, and where they were stored after grounding. There are some beans which can lose their flavor 20 minutes after being ground. It is extremely important to make sure your beans are ground very close to the time you are going to use them.
Freshen Up with The Bean Doctor
Any espresso machine you purchase is going to have boilers and heating elements. These parts will bring your water up to the right temperature. Pressure is controlled by either a piston or steam power. The older machines are going to have pistons, as steam power is a newer development. When you are using a commercial machine, there is a rotary pump to help keep a constant pressure. When the heat and pressure combine, they help to process your coffee quickly. Espresso should take approximately 30 seconds to make. The longer it takes to process your espresso, the fresher it is. Commercial espresso machines will have a double boiler, one to keep the heat the water for the brew and the other for the steam.
In order to make sure your equipment keeps working properly, there are many tasks you will need to perform. Below you will find a breakdown of what you can do daily, weekly, and yearly to ensure your machine keeps working properly.
Daily
- The portafilter and group should be wiped down after each use to make sure there is no residual debris.
- To ensure the perforated basket is clean you will need to run water through the group.
- Using a skinny brush, make sure to wipe the grinder clean of any espresso dust.
- Each machines should have a removable basket in the portafilter. Make sure to remove these and replace it with a solid one. This will let you backflush the machine by allowing water to run through for several minutes.
- The steam wand should be purged after each use. At the end of the day you should remove the wand, and place in detergent for 15 minutes. When you return the wand to its proper location, you should purge it again to guarantee there is no left over detergent in the steam wand.
Weekly
- Use a detergent specifically made for commercial espresso machines to clean and backflush the machine completely. Always refer to the owner’s manual because not all machines will allow you to backflush.
- Using a detergent, soak your portafilter and baskets for approximately 30 minutes then scrub and rinse them clean.
Yearly
- No matter how much maintenance you do weekly and monthly, your machine should be serviced on a yearly basis by The Bean Doctor. With The Bean Doctor, we will make a difference in how your machine runs and functions each day.
Espresso machines cost a lot of money and you want to make sure you are able to get your moneys worth. You want to make sure you fully understand how your machine works before you begin use. Make sure you figure out proper heat and pressure because these are very important when making espresso.
