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 barista and espresso. It's the official machine for World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
The barista is able to refill the reservoir of water throughout their shift. The machine also features cool-touch steam wands and hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine needs to produce a large quantity of espresso-based drinks efficiently. They are usually constructed of stainless steel, which is strong and resistant to breakages and scratches. These espresso machines are easier to maintain and keep clean.
Lastly, a good quality machine has a shut off valve for the water line in order to prevent limescale build up. This will ensure that any repairs are isolated to the affected machine components and won't affect the rest of your operation.
Test your water to ensure it is treated properly. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding some minerals. small espresso machine can improve the taste and lessen its erosive properties, however it can also damage certain machines. The remineralized wate will make the boiler sensor think the machine is full and it isn't. This can cause overheating and possibly damaging the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential element for an espresso machine that works. The grinder converts the unground, raw coffee bean into a finely -ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket for an outstanding 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, ensuring that the results are consistent every time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further, by automating and programming the entire process from brewing to dispensing. These machines are often praised in Lab tests for their ease to use.
A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, but the quality of the end result is often worth it. This model was awarded an award called the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its intelligent dosing system that is able to measure and delivers the correct amount of coffee every time. It also features an infusion with low pressure for an even extraction, and a milk frother that made dense, thick steamed milk during our tests.
Temperature
Temperature is a major element in espresso. If the water isn't at an ideal temperature, it may slow the extraction process and cause an unpleasant cup of coffee.
Espresso machines that are of high-quality come with tools to help you maintain the proper temperature of your water. One method for doing this is with PIDs, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another method to accomplish this. One boiler can be used to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second boiler for heating water to brewing temperature.
Carles mentions that these types of systems can make a big difference for large corporations and baristas at home alike. They can make it simpler for novices to get the perfect shot of espresso because they are able to maintain an exact temperature and eliminate all the factors that can affect the flavor profile. It can also make it easier for experienced baristas to create their espressos exactly how they would like them.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso machine is using also affects the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks have a distinct taste differently depending on the amount pressure that is used, even though all other factors are constant.
In general, commercial-grade machines use nine bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines tend to be driven by pumps rather than steam-driven. Although high-pressure machines are offered, they require a group head that is more sophisticated to handle the higher levels of pressure.
While you may find espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered the gold standard for consistently excellent brews. These higher-pressure machines are typically smaller and designed for home use.
To put 9 bar of pressure into perspective, it's four times the amount of pressure that's exerted by the air in your car tire. The greater the pressure an espresso maker that is professional can apply, the better it is in bringing out the flavor of your favorite coffee beans. It's worth investing in high-quality machines that can give the most effective results.
Barista Skills
A barista needs to be able handle orders quickly and accurately. This is especially important during busy times in the coffee shop. Excellent customer service skills are essential for building relationships with customers and boosting sales for the coffee shop. This could include recognizing regular customers, resolving problems efficiently, and remaining positive and welcoming even in stressful situations.
A strong ability to multitask is a must for a barista, as they might be required to take orders and operate the cash register, communicate orders to coworkers and take phone calls simultaneously. This ability allows orders to be moving quickly to the customer and gives them an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop.
It is important for a barista to have knowledge of the different styles of drinks that can be prepared by an espresso machine. You can find out about the various kinds of espresso by reading up on the various types, trying them in person, and watching online videos. Many baristas also find it beneficial to attend classes on the matter, offered by several organizations.