How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a fantastic option for coffee shops and cafes that want to attract customers who are passionate about barista and espresso. It's the official machine used for the World Barista Championships, and it shows.
The barista can refill the reservoir with water throughout their shift. The machine is equipped with a hot water tap for tea and steam wands that cool-touch.
Water
A commercial espresso machine must be able to create a huge amount of espresso-based drinks with efficiency. These machines are usually made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant against scratches and breaks. Espresso machines are also easier to maintain and keep clean.
A high-quality machine must include a separate shut-off valve to the water pipe to prevent the accumulation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are confined to the affected components of the machine and won't impact the remainder of your operation.
When selecting your water be sure to test it and treat it appropriately to get the best results. You can remineralize the water you distill by adding some minerals. It can improve the taste and negate its erosive characteristics, but could also cause damage to certain machines. This is because the remineralized fluid will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is filled, when it is not. This can cause overheating and even damage to the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential element of a successful espresso maker. The grinder converts the unground, raw coffee bean into finely-ground coffee that can be properly tamped into the filter basket for an efficient 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 consistent results each time. Super-automatic machines go 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.
A manual or semi-automatic espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista but the quality of the end result is usually worth it. This model was awarded a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its dosing technology which weighs and delivers the correct amount of ground coffee every time. It also comes with a low pressure pre-infusion for balanced extraction, and an milk frother that created rich, thick steamed-milk in our tests.
Temperature
When it is about espresso temperature, it plays an important role in the taste and quality of your espresso. If the temperature of your water is not at a suitable level, it could result in the extraction being impeded and can even lead to a bitter cup.
Luckily, the best espresso machines have tools that allow you to keep your water at the right temperature. A PID monitors and regulates temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a second method to achieve this. You can use one boiler to heat water and steam for tea, and use the other for heating water to brewing temperature.
Carles explains how these systems can be beneficial for both large-scale businesses as well as baristas who work from home. They make it easier for beginners to dial in the perfect shot of espresso because they are able to maintain an exact temperature and eliminate some of the variables that can alter the flavor profile. It can also make it easier for experienced baristas to get their shots exactly as they want them.
Pressure
The pressure that the espresso machine makes use of can also impact the quality of coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers notice that their drinks taste different depending on the pressure employed, even when all other factors remain constant.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to make espresso. They also tend to be driven by pumps rather than steam-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available, they often require a more intricate group head design that can handle the increased pressure levels.
While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure on their machines, nine bars are generally considered to be the gold standard when it comes to making consistently excellent espressos. These machines with higher pressure tend to be less expensive and designed for use at home.
To put 9 bars of pressure into perspective, it's four times the pressure that's exerted by the air inside your car tire. The greater the pressure a professional espresso maker is able to apply, the better at extracting flavor out of the coffee beans you love. For this reason, it's worth investing in a high-quality machine that can deliver the highest quality results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able to handle orders quickly and accurately. This is particularly crucial in busy times at the coffee shop. Effective customer service skills are also important for building relationships with customers and increasing sales for the coffee shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working to resolve issues efficiently and remaining optimistic and welcoming even in stressful situations.
Baristas often need to be able to multitask, as they must take orders and operate a cash counter and share orders with colleagues and take phone calls all at once. This skill allows them to keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and gives them an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.
It is important for a barista to be knowledgeable about the different styles of drinks that can be made using an espresso machine. You can find out about the different types of espresso by studying about them, trying them in person, or watching online videos. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes run by various organizations.