How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a great choice for cafes and coffee shops which want to draw customers who are enthralled by barista and espresso skills. It's official machine for World Barista Championships, and it demonstrates.
It is equipped with a reservoir of water which means that the barista needs to refill it once during their shift. The machine has an hot water tap for tea and steam wands that cool-touch.
Water
A commercial espresso machine has to create a huge amount of espresso-based drinks efficiently. These machines are usually made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to breaks and scratches. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to maintain and clean.
A high-quality machine should include a separate shut-off valve to the water pipe in order to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are limited to the affected parts of the machine and won't impact the rest your operation.
When selecting your water make sure you test it and treat it appropriately to ensure the best results. For example distillate water can be restored by adding a tiny amount of minerals back into it. This can negate it's anti-erosive properties as well as improve its taste, however it could also cause damage to certain machines. This is because the remineralized water will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is fully stocked, but it's not. This can cause excessive heat and damage to the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential component of a successful espresso machine. The grinder turns the raw, unground coffee bean into a finely ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket for an efficient extraction.
Professional-grade commercial machines include grinders that can be programmed to work with different sizes of drink. This ensures the same results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further by automating and programmable the whole process from brewing to dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in Lab tests for being easy to use.
A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, however the quality of the end result is often worth it. This model was awarded a Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 due to its sophisticated dosing system, which measures and dispensing the correct amount of coffee each time. It also comes with a low pressure pre-infusion mechanism for well-balanced extraction as well as the milk frothing tool that was a success in our test for producing rich, thick steaming milk.
Temperature
When it is about espresso temperature plays a huge influence on the taste and quality of your espresso. If the water isn't operating at an optimal temperature, it can slow the extraction process and cause bitter coffee.
Fortunately, espresso machines of high-end quality include tools that allow you to ensure that your water is at the right temperature. A PID monitors and regulates the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a different way to achieve this. One boiler can be used to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second to heat the water to brewing temperature.
Carles mentions that these types of systems can make a difference for large-scale businesses and home baristas alike. They can make it much easier for novices to dial in the perfect shot of espresso since they can keep an exact temperature and eliminate many of the variables that can alter the flavor profile. It's also easier for baristas who have more experience to dial in their espressos just the way they would like.
Pressure
The pressure that an espresso machine 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 variables remain the same.
In general, most commercial-grade machines use nine bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven than pumps-driven. Although there are machines with higher pressures, they often require a more sophisticated group head design that can manage the higher pressure levels.
Although you might see espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally regarded as the gold standard for making consistently excellent espressos. These higher-pressure machines tend to be more affordable and designed for home use.
To put 9 bean to cup espresso machine bar of pressure in perspective, it's over four times the amount that's exerted by the air in your car tire. The more pressure an espresso maker that is professional can apply, the more effective it is in bringing out the flavor of the coffee beans you love. For this reason, it's worth investing in a high-quality machine that will deliver the most effective results.
Barista Skills
Baristas must be able to take orders from customers quickly and efficiently. This is particularly crucial in busy times at the coffee shop. Good customer service skills is also essential for building relationships with customers and increasing sales for the shop. This includes recognizing regular customers, working to resolve issues quickly and remaining positive and helpful in difficult situations.
Baristas are often capable of multitasking, as they are required to take orders, operate a cash register and communicate orders with coworkers, and answer telephone calls at the same time. This ability allows orders to be moving quickly to the customer and ensures that customers have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.
It is important for baristas to have knowledge of the different styles of drinks that can be made with an espresso machine. You can learn about the various types of espresso by reading up on their characteristics, tasting them in person, and watching online videos. Many baristas find it beneficial to take classes on the topic, which are provided by various organizations.