How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a great choice for coffee shops and cafes who want to attract customers who are enthralled by espresso and barista abilities. It's the official machine for World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
The barista is able to refill the reservoir with water throughout their shift. The machine also has cool-touch steam wands and hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine must be able to produce a large quantity of espresso-based drinks efficiently. These machines are usually made of stainless steel, which is strong and resistant against breakages and scratches. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to keep clean and maintained.
A good machine has a shut-off valve for the water line, to prevent the buildup of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are limited to affected components of the machine, and will not impact the rest your operation.
When selecting your water be sure to test it and treat it properly to get the best results. For example the distilled water can be recycled by adding a small amount of minerals back into it. It can improve the taste of the water and eliminate its erosive characteristics, but can also damage certain machines. The remineralized wate will make the boiler sensor believe that the machine is full and it isn't. This could cause the machine to overheat and become damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential component of a successful coffee maker. It is a process that takes a raw, unground bean and transforms it into finely ground coffee that can be properly put into the filter basket to create an excellent extraction.
Professional commercial grade machines include a grinder that can be programmed to work with different sizes of drink. This guarantees constant results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further, implementing automation and programmable the entire process from brewing to dispensing. These kinds of machines tend to earn high scores in Lab tests for their hands-off accessibility.
Semi-automatic or manual machines demand more effort from the barista but often the results are worth it. This model earned a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its dosing technology which weighs and delivers the correct amount of ground coffee every time. It also includes a low-pressure pre-infusion system to ensure well-balanced extraction as well as an ice cream wand that was a success in our test for producing rich, thick steaming milk.
Temperature
When it is about espresso temperature plays a huge impact on the flavor and quality of your espresso. If the water isn't in its optimal temperature, it can affect extraction and can cause bitter coffee.
Luckily, the best espresso machines come with tools that enable you to keep your water at the right temperature. One method for doing this is by using PIDs that monitor and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another way to accomplish this. This allows you to utilize one boiler for tea and steam and the other for heating water to brew temperatures.
Carles says that these kinds of systems can make the difference for large businesses and baristas working at home. They can help novices get the perfect espresso shot because they can maintain an exact temperature while avoiding numerous variables that could affect the flavor profile. It helps experienced baristas to make their espressos exactly how they want them.
Pressure
The amount of pressure an espresso machine makes use of is another element that contributes to the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste different based on the amount of pressure they use, even if all other factors remain the same.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure in order to make espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven than pumps driven. While higher-pressure machines are readily available however they require a group head that is more sophisticated to handle the increased levels of pressure.
While you may see some espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally regarded as the gold standard for consistently great brews. These machines that are higher pressure tend to be cheaper and designed for home use.
To put 9 bars of pressure in perspective, it's nearly four times the amount that's exerted by the air inside your car tire. The more pressure an experienced espresso machine can put on and the more effective it will be at capturing the flavor of your favorite coffee beans. This is why it's worth investing in a high-quality machine that will give you the most effective results.
Barista Skills
A barista needs to be able to take and process customer orders quickly and efficiently. This is especially important during busy periods at the coffee shop. Excellent customer service skills are also important for building relationships with customers as well as increasing sales for the coffee shop. This includes recognizing frequent customers, working efficiently to resolve issues and being positive and helpful even in difficult situations.
Baristas are often able to multitask, as they are required to take orders, operate a cash register and communicate orders with coworkers and take phone calls at the same time. This skill helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer and gives them an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop.
It is crucial that a barista's skills are developed to be able make different types of drinks using an espresso machine. Learn about the various types of espresso by reading up on them, trying the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes offered by various organizations.