Introduction to Thermoplan espresso makers

An Introduction to Thermoplan

Thermoplan is a Swiss company known for its versatile and accessible coffee machines, which it has developed and sold worldwide for more than 30 years. Thermoplan's latest model, the Black&White4, employs innovative milk foam technology, advanced software, and serves as the official coffee maker of the annual World Latte Art Championship. KaTom offers both the CTM-P-RL 59000.0016 model and CTM-P-RL 59000.0006 model to help high-volume operations automate their drink-making process.

Thermoplan's all-in-one coffee machines have dual boilers that can serve up to 500 cups per day, as well as two bean hoppers with the option to add powder for drinks like hot chocolate. They also include milk refrigerators to accommodate multiple milk options. The Black&White4's tablet-sized touchscreen display enables precise barista adjustments and simple navigation in self-service settings.

How Do Thermoplan Espresso Machines Work?

Thermoplan machines' two separate hoppers can each hold over 3 pounds of beans, which empty into automatic grinders. A fully automatic brewing system prepares espresso, tea, hot chocolate, and more, while a built-in milk refrigerator supplies multiple types of milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. Certain models have a milk lance for frothing milk or drawing milk substitutes from containers to dispense hot or cool frothy milk via the product outlet.

The machine is operated with a 10-inch touchscreen that can be set to self-service mode, which is locked on easy-select options, or barista mode, which provides greater setting and information access. ThermoplanConnect technology enables operators to remotely monitor multiple devices and access analytics that provide information on product popularity, bean supply, and service needs. The machine also provides automatic cleaning cycles that help maintain consistent daily performance.

Additional Thermoplan Features:

  • Tall Feet: Simplify cleaning underneath the unit
  • Adjustable Product Outlet: Automatically lowers to cup on certain models
  • Stainless Steel Finish: Creates a sleek design
  • Mostly Recycled Materials: Improve sustainability
  • Personalized Screen Savers: Enable product promotion
  • Optional Dual Milk Refrigerator: Serves traditional and alternative milks
Diagram of Thermoplan Black&White4

How to Use a Thermoplan

Thermoplan super-automatic espresso machines are plumbed and require a secure water connection, filter, and drain hose. Before using a machine, ensure proper electrical and water fixtures and keep ambient temperature and humidity at manageable levels.

  1. Raise the product outlet to the highest level and remove the coffee grounds container and the refrigerator drip tray. Flip the machine and refrigerator switches on and replace parts
  2. Fill the bean hoppers and milk container. Ensure milk is cold before placing it in the refrigerator
  3. Wipe the milk lance with a cloth
  4. Perform preliminary contamination rinses
  5. When the machine is ready for use, place a cup underneath the dispenser and adjust the dispenser height. On automatic models, the dispenser will adjust to the correct height by itself
  6. Select a drink, choose any extra options (such as milk type), and press start. Multiple drinks can be queued for simultaneous production

How to Clean a Thermoplan

Thermoplan Black&White4 espresso machines require daily automatic cleaning. You'll need a bucket, warm soap solution, cleaning cloths, and Thermoplan cleaning tablets. Refer to the owner's manual for a step-by-step guide.

  1. Remove the grounds container and insert milk and coffee cleaning tablets into their respective keys
  2. Follow on-screen prompts to run the cleaning cycle
  3. Clean the product outlet
  4. Remove and clean the milk container, hoses, and refrigerator
  5. Remove and clean drip trays
  6. Carefully clean out the grounds container
  7. Reassemble all parts, clean exterior surfaces, purge and wipe the milk lance, and disinfect the display with glass cleaner

Note: Thermoplan recommends cleaning bean hoppers with soap and water once a week. Be careful around grinder blades when removing bean hoppers.

Which Operations Benefit From Thermoplan Espresso Makers?

Thermoplan espresso machines come with unique advantages that grow customer satisfaction and revenue in many locations:

  • Improve coffee quality and drink options in office breakrooms
  • Outfit a luxury drink station in waiting rooms or sales floors
  • Provide 24/7 access to fresh coffee in hotel lobbies
  • Expand drink menus in busy restaurants or catering businesses
  • Enhance consistency and connectivity in chain cafes

Shop Thermoplan Espresso Machines at KaTom

KaTom offers Thermoplan's Black&White4 CTM Plus models with a milk lance and with a powder bin. Both versions offer high-volume service and standard features like multiple hoppers and milk storage. For more information or to purchase a Thermoplan espresso maker, contact a KaTom Foodservice Equipment Specialist.