How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

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

It has a water reservoir which means that the barista requires refilling it throughout their shift. The machine also comes with steam wands that cool-touch as well as a hot water tap for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine needs to be able to produce large quantities of espresso-based drinks efficiently. These machines are usually made of stainless steel, which is tough and resistant to scratches and breaks. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to keep clean and maintained.

A top-quality machine should have a separate shut-off valve for the water pipe, to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs will be isolated to the specific machine components and won't impact the rest of your operation.

When selecting the water you want to drink, make sure to test it and treat it appropriately to ensure the best results. For example distillate water can be remineralized by adding a small amount of minerals back into it. This can diminish its anti-erosive properties as well as improve the taste, coffee shops but it may also damage 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 overheating and damage the machine.

Grinder

The grinder is an essential part of a successful espresso maker. The grinder converts a raw, unground coffee bean into finely-ground coffee that can be tamped properly into the filter basket to ensure the best extraction.

Professional commercial grade machines include grinders that can be programmed for different drink sizes. This ensures consistency in results each time. Super-automatic machines go one step further and automate the entire process, from brewing to grinding and dispensing. These machines are often praised during Lab tests for their ease to use.

Semi-automatic and manual machines require more work from the barista, but the results are worth the effort. This model was awarded an 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its smart dosing feature which weighs and delivers the right amount of ground coffee every time. It also comes with a low-pressure pre-infusion system for smooth extraction and a milk frothing wand that performed well in our tests for producing rich, thick steaming milk.

Temperature

When it is about espresso temperature, it plays an important factor in the taste and quality of your shots. If the water temperature is not at the right level, it may cause extraction to be impeded and may even result in bitter cups.

High-end espresso machines have devices that allow you to maintain the correct temperature of your water. One method to achieve this is by utilizing PIDs that monitor and adjusts the temperature of the water. The other way is by utilizing a double boiler system. This allows you to make use of one boiler for steam and tea and the other one to heat water to the right temperature for brewing.

Carles explains how these systems can make a difference for large companies as well as baristas at home. They can make it simpler for novices to determine the ideal shot of espresso because they are able to maintain an accurate temperature and avoid all the variables that can alter the flavor profile. It's also easier for baristas who have more experience to dial in their shots just the way they would like.

Pressure

The pressure that an espresso machine makes use of is another element that influences the quality types of coffee the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste different depending on the pressure used, despite the fact that all other variables remain the same.

Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure in order to make espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven instead of pumps-driven. While higher-pressure machines exist however, coffee shops they typically require a more intricate group head design that can handle the higher pressure levels.

While you may see espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally regarded as the gold standard for consistently great brews. These machines that are higher pressure are generally less expensive and are intended for use at home.

To put 9 bar of pressure into perspective, it's over four times the pressure that's exerted by the air in your car tire. The more pressure an experienced espresso machine can apply, the better it will be at capturing the taste of your favorite coffee beans. It's worth investing in a high-quality machine that can deliver the highest quality results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able to take and process orders quickly and accurately. This is especially important during busy times at the coffee shop. Excellent customer service skills are essential for building relationships with customers as well as increasing sales for the coffee shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, resolving problems efficiently, and remaining positive and friendly even in challenging situations.

Baristas typically need to be skilled at multitasking, since they have to take orders and operate a cash register and communicate orders with coworkers and take phone calls all at once. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have an enjoyable experience in the coffee shop.

It is important for baristas to know the various kinds of drinks that can be made using an espresso machine. You can learn about the various kinds of espresso by studying them, experimenting with the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Baristas often consider it beneficial to attend classes on the subject, which are offered by various organizations.