How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
For cafes and coffee shops looking to attract customers with a passion for barista and espresso skills, This is a great option. It's the official machine used for the World Barista Championships, and it displays.
It has a water reservoir so that the barista just needs to refill it throughout their shift. It also has steam wands with cool-touch technology and hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine should be able to produce a large volume of espresso-based drinks efficiently. They are usually constructed of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant against cracks and scratches. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to maintain and clean.
Lastly, a good quality machine will have a separate shut-off valve for the water line in order to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are restricted to the affected parts of the machine, and will not interfere with the other operations.
When choosing your water, make sure to test it and treat it appropriately to ensure the best results. For example, distilled water can be refining by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. It can enhance the taste and negate its erosive properties, but can also damage certain machines. The remineralized water will make the boiler sensor think the machine is full however it's not. This can cause overheating and possibly damaging the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential part of a successful espresso maker. It is a process that takes a raw, unground bean and transforms it into a finely ground coffee that can then be put 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 various sizes of drinks, which ensures that the results are consistent every time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further by automating and programmable the whole process from brewing to dispensing. These machines are often praised by Lab tests for being easy to use.
Semi-automatic or manual machines demand more effort from the barista, but the results are worth it. This model was awarded a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its smart dosing feature which weighs and delivers the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also comes with a low-pressure pre-infusion mechanism for well-balanced extraction as well as an ice cream wand that was a success in our test for producing rich, thick steamed milk.
Temperature
When it comes to espresso temperature, it plays a significant factor in the taste and quality of your shots. If the water temperature is not at the right level, it could cause extraction to be hindered and can even lead to a bitter cup.
Luckily, the best espresso machines have tools that allow you to ensure that your water is at the correct temperature. One way to do this is by using a PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a different way to do this. You can use one boiler to heat steam and water for tea, while using the second boiler to heat water to the brewing temperature.
Carles explains how these systems can make a difference for large companies as machines coffee well as baristas working from home. They can assist novices to dial in the perfect espresso shot since they maintain a precise temperature and avoid various variables that can alter the flavor quality. It also makes it easier for experienced baristas to create their espressos exactly how they want them.
Pressure
The pressure that an espresso machine makes use of is another element that affects the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers notice that their coffees taste different depending on the pressure they use, even if all other factors remain constant.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to brew espresso. They also tend to be pump-driven instead of steam-driven. While higher-pressure machines are readily available but they require a group head that is more sophisticated to handle the increased levels of pressure.
While you may find espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally regarded as the gold standard for consistently excellent espressos. These machines with higher pressure are generally less expensive and are intended to be used at home.
To put 9 bar of pressure into perspective, it's over four times the pressure that is exerted by the air in your car tire. The greater pressure an espresso maker that is professional can apply, the better it is at extracting flavor out of your favorite coffee beans. It's worth investing in high-quality machines that can produce the highest quality results.
Barista Skills
A barista needs to be able take and process orders quickly and accurately. This is especially crucial during busy periods in the coffee shop. Excellent customer service skills are essential for building relationships with customers and boosting the sales of the coffee shop. This could include recognizing regular customers, working to resolve problems efficiently, and remaining positive and amiable in tough situations.
Having strong multitasking skills is often necessary for baristas as they may be required to take orders, operate the cash register, communicate orders to coworkers and respond to calls at the same time. This ability allows customers to enjoy a pleasant experience in the cafe by ensuring that orders get delivered promptly.
It is helpful for a barista to be knowledgeable about the different styles of drinks that can be made with an espresso machine. You can get acquainted with the various types of espresso by studying about their characteristics, tasting the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Many baristas find it helpful to attend classes offered by various organizations.