This information will provide general information about the commercial coffee machines used in the Coffee Industry. I apologize if I am “Teaching” you how to suck eggs. I have been involved in the Coffee World as a consultant for many years. My role was to advise clients and help them select the best equipment. Trust me when I tell you that many have asked the question “What’s an Egg?” The facts are facts, so I will share my interpretation with you.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, there have been many changes in UK’s coffee interest. There has been a dramatic increase in demand for espresso-based coffees. Instant coffee from a tin or “Pour and serve” filter coffee machines have been the most popular way to provide coffee for the past 30 years. My past experience selling espresso-based coffee machines to the food and beverage industry has taught me a lot. These types of businesses wouldn’t accept anything less than a traditional espresso machine or Bean to Cup coffee machine. The British public used “instant” coffee, and espresso was a foreign concept back then. Companies didn’t feel the need to “foreign” their business.
All that has changed, thankfully. The rise of big coffee bars on the High Street has brought about a new generation of brands. The rise in Cafe Culture in the UK, and the influence of well-known “American” food outlets. Coffee is perceived differently by the public. The UK is officially now a nation of coffee drinkers. Independent businesses have developed more advanced methods of producing coffee in order to be competitive in the coffee market. It is possible to make a variety of high-quality espresso-based coffees using a simple machine, such as the Italian-style Espresso Machine or the more sophisticated Bean to Cup automated coffee machine.
Achille Gaggia, a Milan coffee bartender filed a patent for a steam-free machine in 1938. Gaggia’s design was revolutionary because it used a piston mechanism that forced water through the grounds at high pressure. His quest for the perfect espresso in Milan in 1930s gave rise to one of Italy’s most recognizable brands. It also marked the beginning of the modern production of espresso. The traditional espresso coffee machine is the one you will find at Cafe Nero, Costa Coffee, etc. A separate Grinder is located on top of the Knockout Drawer.
This is used to dispose of coffee pucks. While most Traditional Espresso Machines now have automatic dosing, the actual coffee making process still takes place by hand (Artisan). The machine prepares the coffee shot, single or double. Steam Wand is used to foam the milk. You can then combine the coffee to make any of the most sought-after coffees. Cappuccino (Latte, Mocha, Macchiato, etc. Each preparation contributes to the “Theatre” of the Coffee Culture.
Customers perceive “Artisan Coffee” as more valuable and will pay more. To ensure consistency and quality, training is necessary. Staff will soon be able offer customers a wide range of specialty coffees. This is considered a “art form” of coffee making. There are many different types of espresso machines. It is crucial to choose the right machine for your business. A “Barista” is a person who has been serving coffee full-time for many years and has been trained in coffee preparation. This word is derived from the Italian name for a male and female bartender.
The bean to cup coffee machine is a relatively new addition to the coffee machine market. It is designed to replicate the espresso-based coffees made on espresso machines. All with the “Touch of a Button” A Barista makes coffees using an espresso machine. It is a quick process but it does not allow the Barista time to prepare other orders. A bean-to-cup machine is the perfect solution for fast food outlets where staff don’t have the time or training to make coffee. Many self-service environments, such as cafeterias and company canteens, have bean to cup machines. Bean to Cup machines have become very popular in offices. The staff want the same quality coffee as they get at their favorite coffee shop. Many people now have their own Bean to Cup machines.
Bean to Cup machines grind the coffee beans to make espresso coffee at your convenience. These machines also include automatic milk foamers, which can produce steam and foamed dairy milk simultaneously for making Lattes, Cappuccinos, and other milk-based drinks. Bean to Cup machines produce coffee in a different way than traditional espresso machines. Bean to Cup machines work in the same way as Cafetieres. After the coffee beans have been ground, a ram pushes hot water through the coffee to extract the espresso coffee. An espresso machine uses pressure to force water through the “group head” to make espresso coffee.
Bean to Cup software allows you to make many types of beverages. They will vary depending on which machine you choose. The majority of commercial Bean to Cup machines offer between 8-12 drink options. Basic and domestic bean-to-cup machines come with a separate steamer or foamer. This means that milk used for Lattes and Cappuccinos must be foamed separately. These machines are great for small offices where less than 20 drinks are needed per day. If you are using the machine in a commercial environment, a commercial warranty should be obtained. For domestic machines with low volumes, this warranty is not usually available.
Bean to Cup machines can be used for different volumes. Matching machines to daily cup/day requirements/estimates, drink sizes and the time they will be used is essential. Manufacturers’ cup/day specifications are based on an 8oz serving, with the numbers evenly distributed throughout the day. Low volume beans to cups can typically produce 50 cups per day. Machines with medium volume can produce between 100 to 150 coffees per day. 150 to 200 cups per day would be medium volume. High volume would mean 200 to 500 cups per day. Bean to Cup machines won’t do more than what they were designed to do.
They will also protest when asked to do more. Bean to Cup machines don’t require any special training. Barista skills don’t really matter. The more powerful, high-volume Bean to Cup machines may require some steaming skills. The training is about how to use the machine and how to maintain it. Bean to Cup machines require special cleaning. It is a good idea that you have some knowledge about coffee beans to help you choose the right blend for your customers.
If you want to make “real” coffee, the machines that have been around for a long time are the best. Filter coffee with pre-ground coffee. The volume of coffee required will determine the type of machine. High volumes of coffee might be needed for hotel breakfast coffees. High volumes of coffee may be required for conference breaks. There are also functions facilities, staff canteens, and theatres that require a lot of fresh coffee in a short time. Bulk-brew coffee machines are recommended in this instance.
These machines can make between 30 and 140 Litres per hour of fresh filter coffee. There are many brands that offer Bulk Brew and Pour and Serve coffee machines. You can choose from simple pour and serve coffee machines with 2 Jug filters and two hot plates, or more complex Pour and Serve machines that have multiple hot plates. Bulk Brew coffee machines are the ultimate.
These machines have either one or two brewing stations. These brewers can hold up to 40 litres of coffee and have removable brewing containers. Easy to use control panels that have an LCD display make it simple to adjust the brewing time and volume. High volumes of coffee can be served at different places simultaneously thanks to the detachable containers. Bravilor also makes the RLX coffee machine. These are fresh filter machines that can be used to make hot teas and also have steam and hot water facilities.
