How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a fantastic option for cafes and coffee shops that wish to attract customers who are enthusiastic about espresso and barista skills. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
It is equipped with a reservoir of water so that the barista just has to refill it during their shift. The machine also features steam wands that cool-touch as well as hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine should be able to make large quantities of espresso-based drinks effectively. These machines are usually made of stainless steel, which is tough and resistant against scratches and breaks. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to maintain and clean.
A high-quality machine should have a separate shut-off valve for the water pipe, to prevent limescale build-up. This will ensure that any repairs are only limited to the affected components of the machine, and will not interfere with the other operations.
When you select your water, make sure to test it and treat it properly to ensure the best results. Remineralize distilled water by adding a few minerals. It can enhance the taste and negate its erosive properties, but can also harm certain machines. This is because the remineralized liquid will cause the boiler sensor to believe that the machine is full when it's not. This could cause the machine to overheat and be damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is a vital element of the success of an espresso machine. The grinder turns an unground, raw coffee bean into a finely-ground coffee that can be properly tamped into the filter basket for an efficient extraction.
Commercial-grade espresso machines usually have a built-in grinder which can be programmed to grind different sizes of drinks, ensuring consistent results each time. Super-automatic machines go a step further and automate the entire process from brewing, to grinding and dispensing. These types of machines tend to earn high scores in Lab tests due to their hands-off accessibility.
Manual or semi-automatic machines require more effort from the barista, but the results are worth the effort. This model won a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its intelligent dosing system that weighs and distributes the right amount of ground coffee each time. It also comes with the ability to use a low pressure pre-infusion to ensure well-balanced extraction, as well as an milk frother that created thick, rich steamed milk in our tests.
Temperature
When it is time to make espresso temperature plays a huge impact on the flavor and quality of your shots. If the water isn't operating at an optimal temperature, it could slow the extraction process and lead to an unpleasant cup of coffee.
Fortunately, top-quality espresso machines come with tools that enable you to ensure that your water is at the right temperature. One way to do this is with PIDs, which monitors and adjusts coffeee machines the temperature of the water. The other way is by using a double boiler. One boiler can be used to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second boiler to heat the water to brewing temperature.
Carles points out that these types of systems can be beneficial for large-scale businesses and baristas working at home. They can make it much easier for newbies to make the perfect shot of espresso because they are able to maintain an exact temperature and eliminate all the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It's also simpler for baristas with more experience to dial in their espressos just the way they would like.
Pressure
The pressure that an espresso machine uses also affects the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their coffee tastes differently based on the pressure used, even if all other variables remain the same.
The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines also tend to be pump-driven instead of steam-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available however, they require a group head that is more intricate to handle the higher levels of pressure.
Although you might see espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered to be the most reliable standard for producing consistently excellent espressos. These machines that are higher pressure tend to be cheaper and designed for home use.
To put 9 bar of pressure in perspective, it's over four times the amount that is exerted by the air inside your car tire. The more pressure that a professional espresso maker is able to apply, then the more effective it is at capturing the flavor of your favorite coffee beans. For this reason, it's worth investing in a high-end machine that can give you the highest quality results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able take orders and handle them quickly and precisely. This is particularly crucial during busy periods at the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is essential to build relationships with customers and increasing sales for the shop. This can include acknowledging regular customers, resolving issues quickly and remaining positive and helpful in difficult situations.
A strong ability to multitask is often required for baristas as they might be required to take orders as well as operate the cash register, communicate orders to coworkers and take calls at the same time. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and gives them an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop.
It is crucial for a barista's knowledge in order to make different drinks with an espresso machine. You can find out about the different types of espresso by studying the various types, trying the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Many baristas find it helpful to attend classes provided by various organizations.