Originally posted by 41414110220 link=1254203214/6#6 date=1254396147
Youll find the majority of commercial multi-group espresso machines are single phase only (because 3-phase is not always easy to get and is more expensive to install).
The machines rate from 15A for an average 2group up to 25A for a decent 3-group. Some of the higher-spec hi-volume units can run the larger element setup (6KW), so they are best run on a 32A supply, given the pump and other current draws on power.
The really high-end bean2cup systems placed in Maccas, Hungries and Subways used by people who are not baristas are typically 3-phase, because they have massive grinders, boilers, pumps, etc. that could be running in peak mode at times.
Some of the high-end grinders like Mazzer Roburs can be purchased as 3-phase units. A 3-phase motor has a *more efficient* starting vector than big single-phase units, can have a slightly different torque characteristic and inevitably tend to last a little bit longer (fewer start/run capacitors to blow-up).
Almost every machine on the market will have a manufacturers plate or sticker hidden somewhere on the equipment. Even if its written in a foreign language, you will find that the power rating, e.g. 2400W, 3600W, 4500W, etc. will be stamped somewhere and it will give you a clue as to its capacity requirements - just divide the power in watts by the 240V. For some espresso machines, this plate can be found under the drip tray.
Remember that 15A equipment is not protected by a 15A circuit-breaker, it needs something with a bit of "spike" headroom, e.g. 20 or 25A, so its not blowing the breaker under peak loads.
Getting back to your original question - you may find there could have been a little bit of "smoke and mirrors" there at that venue you noticed. Its possible the machines could have been "de-watted" by either replacing the standard element with a lower capacity unit that can run on 10A, e.g. 2400W, or some element setups have a *double" run with a "series/parrallel" bridge via a copper link. Removing the link "halves" the element output (only half the element is alive) meaning it takes a long time to heat up and slower recovery if used for hot water or lots steam wand use.
If you want a decent commercial-grade machine to run off standard 10A GPOs, look for a single-group unit running something between a 4-8 litre boiler and you may find it just scrapes in under the 10A threshold (sometimes with grinder plugged into a different circuit, depending upon the size of the grinder).
The machines rate from 15A for an average 2group up to 25A for a decent 3-group. Some of the higher-spec hi-volume units can run the larger element setup (6KW), so they are best run on a 32A supply, given the pump and other current draws on power.
The really high-end bean2cup systems placed in Maccas, Hungries and Subways used by people who are not baristas are typically 3-phase, because they have massive grinders, boilers, pumps, etc. that could be running in peak mode at times.
Some of the high-end grinders like Mazzer Roburs can be purchased as 3-phase units. A 3-phase motor has a *more efficient* starting vector than big single-phase units, can have a slightly different torque characteristic and inevitably tend to last a little bit longer (fewer start/run capacitors to blow-up).
Almost every machine on the market will have a manufacturers plate or sticker hidden somewhere on the equipment. Even if its written in a foreign language, you will find that the power rating, e.g. 2400W, 3600W, 4500W, etc. will be stamped somewhere and it will give you a clue as to its capacity requirements - just divide the power in watts by the 240V. For some espresso machines, this plate can be found under the drip tray.
Remember that 15A equipment is not protected by a 15A circuit-breaker, it needs something with a bit of "spike" headroom, e.g. 20 or 25A, so its not blowing the breaker under peak loads.
Getting back to your original question - you may find there could have been a little bit of "smoke and mirrors" there at that venue you noticed. Its possible the machines could have been "de-watted" by either replacing the standard element with a lower capacity unit that can run on 10A, e.g. 2400W, or some element setups have a *double" run with a "series/parrallel" bridge via a copper link. Removing the link "halves" the element output (only half the element is alive) meaning it takes a long time to heat up and slower recovery if used for hot water or lots steam wand use.
If you want a decent commercial-grade machine to run off standard 10A GPOs, look for a single-group unit running something between a 4-8 litre boiler and you may find it just scrapes in under the 10A threshold (sometimes with grinder plugged into a different circuit, depending upon the size of the grinder).
If I could I would add rep points for this post...


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