How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a great option for coffee shops and cafes who want to attract customers who are passionate about espresso and barista abilities. It's the official machine for World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
The barista is able to refill the water reservoir throughout their shift. The machine has hot water for tea and cool-touch steam wands.
Water
A commercial espresso machine needs to be able to produce a huge amount of espresso-based drinks in a timely manner. This is why these machines are generally constructed from stainless steel, which is more robust and resistant to scratches and break. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to keep clean and maintained.
Lastly, a good quality machine has a shut off valve for the water line, to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs will be isolated to the affected machine components and won't impact the remainder of your operation.
When you select your water ensure that you test it thoroughly and treat it in a way to ensure the best results. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding some minerals. This could reduce its anti-erosive properties as well as improve its taste, however it may also damage machines. This is because the remineralized liquid will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is filled, when it's not. This can cause overheating and possibly damaging the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential component of a successful coffee maker. It is used to take a raw, unground bean and turns it into a finely ground coffee that is then tamped into the filter basket to create an excellent extraction.
Professional espresso machines of commercial grade typically come with a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind various drink sizes, ensuring consistent results each time. Super-automatic machines go further and automatize the entire process from brewing through grinding and dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in Lab tests for being easy to use.
Semi-automatic or manual machines require more work from the barista but often the results are worth it. This model was awarded the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its smart dosing mechanism that measures and dispensing the correct amount of coffee each time. It also comes with the ability to use a low pressure pre-infusion to ensure balanced extraction, and the milk frother produced rich, thick steamed-milk during our tests.
Temperature
The temperature is a crucial aspect in espresso. If the temperature of your water is not at the right level, it could result in a slower extraction and even result in a bitter cup.
Fortunately, high-quality espresso machines have tools that allow you to keep your water at the correct temperature. One method for doing this is by utilizing PIDs that monitor and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a different way to achieve this. You can use one boiler to heat steam and water for tea, while using another to heat the water to brewing temperature.
Carles states that these kinds of systems can make a big difference for large companies and home baristas alike. They can help novices get the perfect espresso because they can keep an exact temperature while avoiding various variables that can alter the flavor profile. It is also much easier for baristas with more experience to dial in their shots just the way they want.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso machine is using can also impact the quality of coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have observed that their drinks taste different based on the amount of pressure used, despite the fact that all other elements remain the same.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines are also likely to be pump-driven rather than steam-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available however, they typically require a more complex group head design to handle the higher pressure levels.
While you may see espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered to be the gold standard for making consistently excellent brews. These machines with higher pressures are generally less expensive and are intended to be used at home.
In comparison, 9 bar of pressure is four times more than the pressure that is exerted by your car tire. The greater the pressure that a professional espresso machine is able to apply more pressure, the better it'll be at removing the flavor from your favorite coffee beans. It's worth read more investing in top-quality machines that produce the best results.
Barista Skills
Baristas must be able to take orders from customers quickly and efficiently. This is particularly crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. Having good customer service skills is also crucial for establishing customer relationships and increasing business for the shop. This includes recognizing regular customers, working to resolve issues quickly and remaining positive and amiable in tough situations.
Being able to multitask is a must for baristas, since they could be required to take orders as well as operate the cash register and also communicate orders to their coworkers and handle phone calls at one time. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop.
It is essential for baristas to be able to make various drinks using an espresso machine. You can learn about the different types of espresso by reading up on the various types, trying them in person, or watching online videos. Baristas often find it beneficial to take classes on the topic, which are provided by several organizations.