How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
For coffee shops and cafes that want to attract customers with a love of espresso and barista skills this is an excellent choice. It's an official machine for World Barista Championships, and it demonstrates.
It has a water reservoir to ensure that the barista only requires refilling it throughout their shift. It also has steam wands that are cool-touch and hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine must be able to produce large quantities of espresso-based drinks effectively. This is why these machines are built with stainless steel which is more durable and resistant to breaks and scratches. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to maintain and clean.
A top-quality machine should have an independent shut-off valve for the water pipe to avoid the accumulation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are made to the specific machine components and won't impact the rest of your operation.
Check your water and make sure it is treated properly. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding a few minerals. This could reduce its erosion properties and improve its flavor, but it can also damage some machines. Remineralized wate makes the boiler sensor think the machine is full and it isn't. This could cause overheating and damage the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential component of an espresso machine that works. The grinder converts the unground, raw coffee bean into finely-ground coffee that can be tamped properly into the filter basket to ensure the best extraction.
Professional commercial grade machines include a grinder that can be programmed for various sizes of drinks. This guarantees consistent results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further, implementing automation and programmable the whole process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These machines are often praised in Lab tests for their ease to use.
Semi-automatic and manual machines require more work from the barista but often the results are worth it. This model was awarded the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its clever dosing mechanism that measures and distributes the right amount of coffee every time. It also has a low-pressure pre-infusion system to ensure smooth extraction and the milk frothing wand, which performed well in our tests for producing thick, rich steamed milk.
Temperature
Temperature is an important aspect in espresso. If the water isn't at its ideal temperature, it can affect extraction and can result in a bitter cup of coffee.
High-quality espresso machines come with tools that help you maintain the right temperature of your water. One method for doing this is to use a PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. The other way is by utilizing a double boiler system. This allows you to utilize one boiler for steam and tea, while the other heats water to brew temperature.
Carles states that these systems can make the difference for large businesses and home baristas alike. They can help novices dial in the perfect espresso drink because they maintain the exact temperature and prevent several variables that can affect the flavor quality. It can also make it easier for baristas with experience to get their shots exactly as they want them.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso machine uses also affects the quality of coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have observed that their drinks taste differently based on the pressure used, even if all other factors are constant.
The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure in order to make espresso. These machines are also likely to be pump-driven, not steam-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available they generally require a more intricate group head design that can manage the higher pressure levels.
While you may see more info espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally regarded as the gold standard for consistently great brews. These machines with higher pressures are generally smaller and designed to be used at home.
In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times more than the pressure that is exerted by your car tire. The more pressure an espresso maker that is professional can apply, then the more effective it is at capturing the flavor of your favorite coffee beans. For this reason, it's worth investing in a premium machine that can deliver the best results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able take orders and handle them quickly and accurately. This is especially crucial during busy times at the coffee shop. Having good customer service skills is also essential for building relationships with customers and increasing sales for the shop. This could include recognizing regular customers, resolving problems efficiently, and remaining positive and friendly even in challenging situations.
Baristas frequently need to be skilled at multitasking, since they have to take orders and operate a cash register and communicate orders with coworkers and take phone calls at the same time. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer and gives them an enjoyable experience in the coffee shop.
It is important for baristas to be aware of the various styles of drinks that can be made using an espresso machine. Learn about the various kinds of espresso by studying about them, trying them in person and watching online videos. Baristas often prefer to attend classes on the topic, which are offered by several organizations.