How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

This is an excellent choice for coffee shops and cafes that want to attract customers who are enthralled by espresso and barista abilities. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships, and it shows.

It comes with a water reservoir to ensure that the barista only needs to refill it throughout their shift. It also has steam wands with cool-touch technology and hot water taps for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine (click to read) must be able to make a large amount of espresso-based drinks efficiently. That's why they are built with stainless steel which is more durable and resistant to breakage and scratches. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to keep clean and maintained.

A good quality machine should include an additional shut-off valve that is connected to the water pipe in order to prevent limescale build-up. This will ensure any repairs are limited to the affected components of the machine and not interfere with the other operations.

Check your water to ensure it is treated properly. For instance distillate water can be restored by adding a tiny amount of minerals back into it. It can enhance the taste and reduce its erosive properties, however it can also harm certain machines. The remineralized wate will make the boiler sensor think that the machine is full, even though it isn't. This can cause the machine to overheat, and eventually be damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is a crucial component of an espresso machine that works. The grinder transforms an unground, raw coffee bean into finely-ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket for an outstanding extraction.

Professional espresso machines of commercial grade typically include a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind for various sizes of drinks, providing that the results are consistent every time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further, automating and programming the entire process from brewing to dispensing. These machines are often praised in Lab tests for being easy to use.

A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, but the quality of the final product is often worth it. This model was awarded an award known as the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its intelligent dosing system that is able to measure and dispensing the correct amount of coffee each time. It also has a low-pressure pre-infusion system that allows for an even extraction, as well as a milk frothing wand that did well in our tests for producing thick, rich steaming milk.

Temperature

When it comes to espresso temperature plays a huge influence on the taste and quality of your coffee. If the water isn't operating at an ideal temperature, it can affect extraction and can lead to a bitter cup of coffee.

Espresso machines of the highest quality come with tools that help you maintain the right temperature of your water. A PID monitors and regulates temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another way to do this. This lets you use one boiler for tea and steam, while the other heats water to the right temperature for brewing.

Carles points out that these systems can be beneficial for large companies as well as home baristas. They can help novices to dial in the perfect espresso shot because they are able to maintain an exact temperature while avoiding numerous variables that could affect the flavor profile. It's also easier for baristas with more experience to get their shots just the way they would like.

Pressure

The pressure that an espresso machine is using also affects the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste differently based on the pressure that is used, even though all other variables remain the same.

The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure in order to brew small espresso machine. 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 intricate to handle the increased levels of pressure.

While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure on their machines 9 bars are typically considered to be the standard for creating consistently great brews. These higher-pressure machines are typically smaller and designed for use at home.

To put 9 bars of pressure in perspective, it's four times the pressure that is exerted by the air in your car tire. The more pressure an espresso maker with professional quality can apply, the more effective it is at extracting flavor out of the coffee beans you love. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that will give you the best results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able take orders and handle them quickly and precisely. This is especially crucial during busy times at the coffee shop. A good customer service skill is essential for building relationships with customers and increasing sales for the coffee shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working to resolve issues efficiently and remaining positive and welcoming even in stressful situations.

Having strong multitasking skills is a must for a barista, as they may be required to take orders, operate the cash register and then communicate orders to coworkers and take phone calls simultaneously. This skill allows the customer to enjoy a pleasant coffee shop experience by ensuring that orders are served quickly.

It is vital for a barista's education in order to make various drinks using an espresso machine. This can be gained through studying the various kinds of coffees, trying them out in person, or watching videos online. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes run by various organizations.