How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a great option for cafes and coffee shops that want to attract customers who are passionate about espresso and barista skills. It's the official machine of the World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
It is equipped with a reservoir of water to ensure that the barista only needs to refill it once during their shift. The machine also features steam wands that are cool-touch and hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine is required to produce a high volume of espresso-based drinks in an efficient manner. That's why they are usually constructed of stainless steel which is more durable and resistant to breaks and scratches. These espresso machines are simpler to maintain and clean.
A high-quality machine must have a separate shut-off valve to the water pipe to avoid the accumulation of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are limited to affected parts of the machine and will not affect the operation of the rest.
Check your water to ensure it is treated properly. You can remineralize the water you distill by adding a few minerals. This could reduce its erosive properties and improve the taste, but it could also cause damage to certain machines. The remineralized wate will make the boiler sensor think the machine is full even though it's not. This could cause excessive heat and damage to the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is a crucial component of a successful espresso maker. It is used to take a raw, unground bean and turns it into a finely ground coffee that can then be tamped into the filter basket to produce an excellent extraction.
Professional espresso machines of commercial grade typically include a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind different sizes of drinks, ensuring consistency in results every time. Super-automatic machines go further and automatize the entire process from brewing through grinding and dispensing. These machines are often praised by Lab tests for being easy to use.
A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, but the quality of the final product is often worth it. This model was awarded a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its dosing technology that weighs and distributes the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also comes with a low-pressure pre-infusion system to ensure smooth extraction and the milk frothing tool that was a success in our test for producing rich, thick steamed milk.
Temperature
When it is about espresso temperature, it plays an important influence on the taste and quality of your espresso. If the water isn't at an optimal temperature, it could hinder extraction and even result in an unpleasant cup of coffee.
Fortunately, high-quality espresso machines come with tools that will allow you to keep your water at the right temperature. One method to achieve this is with PIDs, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Another method is using a double boiler. You can use one boiler to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second for heating water to brewing temperature.
Carles explains that these systems can make a difference for both large-scale businesses as well as baristas who work from home. They can make it much easier for novices to get the perfect espresso shot because they are able to maintain an accurate temperature and avoid many of the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It is also simpler for baristas with more experience to dial in their espressos exactly how they prefer.
Pressure
The pressure that an espresso machine is using also affects the quality of coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have observed that their drinks taste differently based on the pressure that is used, even though all other factors are constant.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines are also likely to be pump-driven instead of steam-driven. While there are higher-pressure machines but they usually require a more complex group head design to manage the higher pressure levels.
While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines nine bars are usually considered to more info be the gold standard for creating consistently great brews. These machines that are higher pressure are generally cheaper and intended for use at home.
To put 9 bar of pressure into perspective, it's four times the amount which is emitted by the air in your car tire. The greater pressure a professional espresso maker can apply, then 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 deliver the highest quality results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able to take and process orders from customers quickly and accurately. This is particularly important during busy times at the coffee shop. Effective customer service skills are also important for building relationships with customers and boosting the sales of the coffee shop. This could include recognizing regular customers, working to resolve issues efficiently and remaining optimistic and welcoming even in stressful situations.
Being able to multitask is often necessary for a barista as they may be required to take orders and operate the cash register and communicate orders to colleagues and handle phone calls at one time. This ability allows orders to be moving quickly to the customer and will allow them to have an enjoyable experience in the coffee shop.
It is helpful for baristas to be knowledgeable about the different styles of drinks that can be made by an espresso machine. This can be mastered by reading about the various kinds of coffees, trying them out in person and watching videos online. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes offered by various organizations.