How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
For cafes and coffee shops looking to attract customers who have a passion for barista and espresso skills, this is a great choice. It's the official machine of the World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
It has a water reservoir so that the barista only needs to refill it throughout their shift. The machine has a tea hot water tap and steam wands that cool-touch.
Water
A commercial espresso machine is required to create a huge amount of espresso based drinks efficiently. The machines are typically made of stainless steel, which is strong and resistant against breakages and scratches. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to clean and maintain.
Additionally, a top quality machine will have a separate shut off valve for the water line to prevent the formation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are limited to the affected components of the machine, and will not impact the rest your operation.
Check your water to ensure it's being treated correctly. For instance the distilled water can be refining by adding a small amount of minerals back into it. This can negate it's negative erosive properties and enhance the taste, but it could also harm certain machines. This is because the remineralized fluid will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is fully stocked, but it is not. This can lead to excessive heat and damage to the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is a key element of an espresso machine that works. It grinds a raw bean and turns it into a finely ground coffee that is then placed into the filter basket to produce an excellent extraction.
Professional-grade commercial machines include a grinder that can be programmed for various sizes of drinks. This guarantees the same results every time. Super-automatic machines go one step further and automatize the entire process from brewing to grinding and dispensing. These machines are often praised by Lab tests for their ease to use.
A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, however the quality of the final result is often worth it. This model was awarded the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its smart dosing system, which measures and dispenses the right amount of coffee every time. It also includes a low-pressure pre-infusion mechanism for well-balanced extraction as well as an ice cream wand that did well in our tests for producing rich, thick steaming milk.
Temperature
The temperature is a crucial aspect in espresso. If the temperature of the water is not at the right degree, it can result in a slower extraction and even result in a bitter cup.
Fortunately, high-quality espresso machines include tools that allow you to keep your water at the correct temperature. One method for doing this is to use an PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a different way to do this. italian espresso machine lets you make use of one boiler for steam and tea, while the other heats water to the right temperature for brewing.
Carles states that these kinds of systems can make a difference for large corporations and baristas at home alike. They can make it simpler for beginners to determine the ideal espresso shot because they 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 make their shots exactly as they want them.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso maker uses is another factor that contributes to the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste differently depending on the amount pressure they use, even if all other elements remain the same.
In general, most commercial-grade machines use nine bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven than pumps driven. Although higher-pressure machines are also available but they require a group head that is more complicated to handle the increased levels of pressure.
Although you might see espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally considered the most reliable standard for producing consistently excellent brews. The higher-pressure machines tend to be less expensive and designed for home use.
In comparison, 9 bar of pressure is four times more than the pressure applied by your car tire. The greater pressure a professional espresso machine can apply and the more effective it will be at removing the flavor from your favorite coffee beans. Therefore, it's worth investing in a high-end machine that will give you the best results.
Barista Skills
A barista must be able to accept and process customer orders quickly and efficiently. This is especially crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is also crucial for establishing customer relationships and increasing sales for the shop. This could include recognizing regular customers, working efficiently to resolve issues and staying positive and friendly even in the most difficult of situations.
A strong ability to multitask is a must for a barista as they may have to take orders, operate the cash register and also communicate orders to their coworkers and respond to phone calls simultaneously. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and gives them an enjoyable experience in the coffee shop.
It is important for a barista to be aware of the various kinds of drinks that can be prepared with an espresso machine. Learn about the different types of espresso by studying about them, experimenting with them in person, and watching online videos. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes run by various organizations.