In the fast-paced world of hospitality, a steady flow of coffee is essential to keeping customers satisfied and revenue assured. It starts by choosing a reliable coffee machine brand, but it certainly doesn’t end there. Here are our five top tips for keeping your dream coffee machine in top condition and minimising down-time:
1. Implement Regular Machine Cleaning and Maintenance Systems
Regular cleaning and maintenance are vital to keeping commercial coffee machines operating at their best. Following manufacturer guidelines, develop a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance schedule that includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. Depending on whether you have an automatic or traditional coffee machine, this can involve descaling, backflushing or group-head cleaning. By providing suitable employee training and adhering to a routine, you can prevent the buildup of coffee and milk residues, ensure consistent flavour, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and avoid prolonged shut-downs.
Need advice on coffee machine cleaning? Contact us for support.
2. Stock up on Cleaning Materials:
Maintaining an inventory of essential cleaning materials is crucial to producing quality drinks and avoiding unexpected down-time. Ensure you have an adequate supply of manufacturer-approved cleaning solutions and tools necessary tools to perform regular maintenance tasks. In the event of a cleaning cycle command, having these materials readily available will help you continue operations without disruption.
Need to stock up on cleaning products? Contact us for advice and orders.
3. Plan Order Cycles for New Beans:
To avoid running out of coffee beans, it is essential to establish a well-planned order cycle. Monitor your coffee consumption patterns and set up a system that ensures you always have an adequate supply of fresh beans. Consider factors such as seasonality, customer preferences, and lead times when determining your order quantities. By keeping a close eye on your inventory, you can avoid the inconvenience of running out of coffee beans during peak hours.
You’ll soon be able to order your beans online. For now, please contact us to place you order.
4. Partner with a Reliable Service Company:
A coffee machine is much like a car, in that regular servicing is advised to keep everything in good working order. Booking in an annual service visit is a prudent approach to maintaining your coffee equipment in good order. For both annual checks and unplanned faults, choose a service provider experienced in repairs and maintenance of your specific coffee machine brand, and with a reputation for service excellence. When the worst happens, many issues can be resolved by experts over the phone, but if it comes to it, a specialist engineer with access to the relevant parts, should be able to attend in person within 24 hours. Having a reliable coffee machine service partner on a suitable service & maintenance contract will ensure that any issues are addressed efficiently, minimising downtime, and keeping your customers happy.
Find out more about Caffeine Limited’s Technical Service provision here.
5. Don’t forget the PSSR checks (Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000)
If you own or operate a traditional espresso machine in the UK, you are legally obliged to obtain an annual PSSR certificate stating that your coffee machine boiler has been safety checked. Choose a technical service partner that has certified PSSR engineers to carry out the inspections for you, as is the case at Caffeine Limited! Boilers left unchecked pose a major risk to the public, so it’s a responsibility to be taken very seriously!
For more information, or to book your PSSR check, simply contact us today!
Remember, a well-maintained coffee machine and a ready supply of beans are the beating heart of your hot drink operation. With proper care and planning you can keep the coffee flowing and business booming.
If you want to talk about coffee machines, technical service, training or support for your business, please don’t hesitate to contact us at any time.
The Caffeine Limited Team
