How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
For cafes and coffee shops seeking to attract customers with an interest in barista and espresso, this is a great option. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships and it really shows.
It also has a reservoir for water so that the barista just needs to refill it once during their shift. The machine comes with a tea hot water tap and steam wands with cool-touch.
Water
A commercial espresso machine needs to be able to make a large volume of espresso-based drinks effectively. These machines are usually made of stainless steel, which is tough and resistant against cracks and scratches. Espresso machines are also easier to maintain and keep clean.
Additionally, a top quality machine has a shut off valve for the water line, to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are limited to the affected components of the machine and will not affect the rest of your operation.
When selecting your water, make sure to test it and treat it correctly to get the best results. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding some minerals. It can improve the taste of the water and eliminate its erosive characteristics, but can also damage certain machines. This is because the remineralized water will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is full when it's not. This could cause the machine to overheat, and eventually be damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is a crucial element of an espresso machine that is successful. It takes a raw, unground bean and turns it into finely ground coffee that is then placed into the filter basket for an excellent extraction.
Professional commercial grade machines include a grinder that can be programmed for various sizes of drinks. This ensures the same results every time. Super-automatic machines go one step further and automate the entire process from brewing, to grinding and dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in Lab tests for their ease to use.
Semi-automatic or manual machines require more effort from the barista but often the results are worth it. This model was awarded an award called the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its clever dosing system that measures and delivers the correct amount of coffee every time. It also comes with the ability to use a low pressure pre-infusion to ensure an even extraction, and an milk frother that created thick, rich steamed milk in our tests.
Temperature
The temperature is a crucial aspect in espresso. If the temperature of the water is not at the right level, it may cause extraction to be hindered and could result in an unpleasant cup.
Fortunately, top-quality espresso machines come with tools that will allow you to ensure that your water is at the right temperature. One method for doing this is to use PIDs, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Another option is using a double boiler system. This allows you to make use of one boiler for tea and steam and the other one to heat water to brew temperatures.
Carles explains that espresso makers these systems can make a difference for large companies as well as baristas who work from home. They make it easier for novices to make the perfect espresso shot because they maintain an accurate temperature and avoid some of the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It is also much easier for baristas with more experience to make their shots just the way they prefer.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso maker employs is another factor that influences the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks have a distinct taste differently based on the pressure used, despite the fact that other factors remain constant.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines also tend to be pump-driven rather than steam-driven. Although high-pressure machines are offered but they require a group head that is more complex to handle the higher levels of pressure.
While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines 9 bars are typically considered to be the standard when it comes to creating consistently great brews. These machines that are higher pressure tend to be less expensive and designed for home use.
In comparison, 9 bar of pressure is 4 times more than the pressure exerted by your car tire. The greater the pressure a professional espresso maker is able to apply, the better it is at extracting flavor out of your favorite coffee beans. This is why it's worthwhile to invest in a top-quality machine that can give you the best possible results.
Barista Skills
A barista must be able to accept and process customer orders quickly and efficiently. This is especially important when there is a lot of activity at the coffee shop. A good customer service skill is crucial to build relationships with customers as well as increasing sales for the coffee shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, resolving problems efficiently, and remaining positive and friendly even in challenging situations.
Having strong multitasking skills is often required for a barista, as they could be required to take orders and operate the cash counter and also communicate orders to their coworkers and take phone calls simultaneously. This skill allows the customer to enjoy a pleasant coffee shop experience by ensuring that orders get delivered promptly.
It is vital for baristas to be able to make different types of drinks using an espresso machine. You can find out about the various kinds of espresso by reading up on them, trying them in person, and watching online videos. Many baristas find it beneficial to take classes on the topic, which are offered by various organizations.