How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
For cafes and coffee shops that want to attract customers with an interest in barista and espresso skills, This is a great option. It's the official machine for World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
It also has a reservoir for water which means that the barista needs to refill it once during their shift. The machine is equipped with an hot water tap for tea and cool-touch steam wands.
Water
A commercial espresso machine is required to make a large amount of espresso based drinks efficiently. These machines are usually made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant against scratches and breaks. These espresso machines are also simpler to maintain and clean.
A good quality machine should include an additional shut-off valve that is connected to the water pipe in order to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are limited to affected components of the machine, and will not impact the rest your operation.
Check your water and make sure it is treated properly. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding some minerals. It can improve the taste of the water and eliminate its erosive characteristics, but could also cause damage to certain machines. The remineralized water will make the boiler sensor think that the machine is full, even though it isn't. This can cause the machine to overheat, and eventually be damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential part of a successful espresso maker. The grinder transforms the raw, unground coffee bean into a finely-ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket for an excellent extraction.
Professional espresso machines of commercial grade typically come with a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind for various sizes of drinks, providing the same results every time. Super-automatic machines go a step further and automatize the entire process from brewing to grinding and dispensing. These kinds of machines tend to earn high marks in Lab tests due to their hands-free user-friendliness.
Semi-automatic and manual machines require more effort from the barista but often the results are worth it. This model was awarded a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its smart dosing feature that weighs and dispenses the right amount of ground coffee each time. It also includes a low-pressure pre-infusion system to ensure well-balanced extraction as well as a milk frothing wand that performed well in our tests for producing thick, rich steamed milk.
Temperature
When it is time to make espresso, temperature plays a major influence on the taste and quality of your coffee. If the water isn't in its ideal temperature, it may cause a delay in extraction, and could lead to an unpleasant cup of coffee.
Fortunately, espresso machines of high-end quality come with tools that will allow you to ensure that your water is at the right temperature. One method for doing this is by using a PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another way to achieve this. This lets you make use of one boiler for steam and tea, while the other heats water to brewing temperatures.
Carles says that these systems can make the difference for large companies and home baristas alike. They make it easier for beginners to get the perfect shot of espresso because they are able to maintain an accurate temperature and avoid all the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It can also make it easier for experienced baristas to create their shots exactly the way they want them.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso machine utilizes also affects the quality of coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their coffee tastes different depending on the pressure used, even if all other variables remain the same.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure in order to brew espresso. These machines tend to be driven by pumps rather than steam-driven. Although there are machines with higher pressures but they usually require a more sophisticated group head design that can handle the increased pressure levels.
While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines 9 bars are typically considered to be the gold standard for creating consistently great brews. The higher-pressure machines tend to be more affordable and designed for home use.
In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times greater than the pressure applied by your car tire. The more pressure a professional espresso maker is able to apply, then the more effective it is at capturing the flavor of your favorite coffee beans. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that can give the highest quality results.
Barista Skills
A barista must be able to take and process orders of customers quickly and efficiently. This is especially crucial during busy times at the coffee shop. Good customer service skills are also important for building relationships with customers and increasing the sales of the coffee shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working efficiently to resolve problems and remaining friendly and positive in challenging circumstances.
Being able to multitask is a must for a barista, as they might be required to take orders as well as operate the cash register and then communicate orders to coworkers and answer phone calls at one time. This ability allows customers to enjoy coffee for espresso machine an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop by ensuring that orders are served quickly.
It is essential for baristas to be aware of the various kinds of drinks that can be made with an espresso machine. You can learn about the various types of espresso by studying about them, trying the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Many baristas prefer to attend classes on the matter, offered by several organizations.