How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

This is a fantastic option for coffee shops and cafes who want to attract customers who are passionate about barista and espresso. It's official machine for the World Barista Championships, and it demonstrates.

It also has a reservoir for water so that the barista only needs to refill it once during their shift. The machine also has cool-touch steam wands and a hot water tap for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine should be able to make a huge amount of espresso-based drinks with efficiency. That's why they are usually constructed of stainless steel which is more robust and resistant to scratches and breaks. These espresso machines are easier to maintain and keep clean.

Finally, a high-quality machine will have a separate shut off valve for the water line to avoid the build-up of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are only limited to the affected components of the machine and will not affect the operation of the rest.

When selecting your water make sure you test it and treat it properly to ensure the best ground coffee for espresso machine results. For example distillate water can be remineralized by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. It can enhance the taste and lessen its erosive properties, however it could also cause damage to certain machines. This is because the remineralized water can cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is fully stocked, but it's not. This can cause the machine to overheat and cause damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is a crucial component of a successful coffee maker. The grinder transforms the raw, unground coffee bean into a finely-ground coffee that can be tamped properly into the filter basket to ensure an excellent extraction.

Commercial-grade professional travel espresso maker machines typically have a built-in grinder which can be programmed to grind for different sizes of drinks, providing consistency in results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further, by automating and programmable the entire process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These kinds of machines are able to score high scores in Lab tests due to their hands-free user-friendliness.

A manual or semi-automatic espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, however the quality of the end result is often worth the effort. This model was awarded a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its clever dosing feature that weighs and distributes the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also features a low pressure pre-infusion for an even extraction, and an milk frother that created rich, thick steamed-milk in our tests.

Temperature

When it comes to espresso, temperature plays a major influence on the taste and quality of your shots. If the temperature of the water isn't at a good level, it can result in a slower extraction and even result in bitter cups.

Fortunately, espresso machines of high-end quality include tools that allow you to ensure that your water is at the right temperature. One method of doing this is by using an PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another way to do this. One boiler can be used to heat steam and water for tea, and use the second for heating water to brewing temperature.

Carles mentions that these kinds of systems can be beneficial for large companies and baristas at home alike. They make it easier for beginners to dial in the perfect espresso drink because they are able to maintain an exact temperature and eliminate a lot of the factors that can affect the flavor profile. It can also make it easier for experienced baristas to make their espressos exactly how they would like them.

Pressure

The pressure an espresso machine uses is another factor which affects the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste differently based on the pressure they use, even if all other elements remain the same.

In general, commercial-grade machines use nine bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven rather than pumps driven. While higher-pressure machines are readily available however they require a group head that is more complicated to handle the higher levels of pressure.

While you may find espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally regarded as the gold standard for creating consistently excellent brews. These machines with higher pressures are generally less expensive and are intended to be used at home.

To put 9 bar of pressure in perspective, it's four times the amount of pressure that's imposed by the air in your car tire. The more pressure that an espresso maker that is professional can apply, then the more effective it is at extracting flavor out of the coffee beans you love. It's worth investing in a premium machine that will give you the best possible results.

Barista Skills

Baristas must be able to take and process orders of customers quickly and accurately. This is particularly crucial during busy times at the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is also vital to establishing customer relationships and increasing business for the shop. This includes recognizing frequent customers, working effectively to resolve problems and being positive and helpful even in challenging circumstances.

Baristas typically need to be able to multitask, as they have to take orders, operate a cash register, automatic communicate orders with coworkers and take phone calls all at once. This ability allows orders to be moving quickly to the customer, and gives them an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.

It is essential for baristas to know the various kinds of drinks that can be made with an espresso machine. You can find out about the various types of espresso by studying them, trying them in person, and watching online videos. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes provided by various organizations.