Say "Yes" To These 5 Professional Espresso Machine Tips

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

For cafes and coffee shops looking to attract customers who have a passion for espresso and barista skills this is a great choice. It's the official machine for World Barista Championships and it really shows.

It is equipped with a reservoir of water which means that the barista requires refilling it throughout their shift. It also has steam wands with cool-touch technology and hot water taps for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine should be able of producing a huge amount of espresso-based drinks effectively. That's why they are built with 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.

A high-quality espresso machine 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 are isolated to the affected components of the machine and won't impact the remainder of your operation.

When you select your water, make sure to test it and treat it correctly to ensure the best results. Remineralize distilled water by adding a few minerals. This could reduce its erosion properties and improve its flavor, but it could also harm certain machines. The remineralized wate will make the boiler sensor believe that the machine is full even though it's not. This can cause overheating and possibly damaging the machine.

Grinder

The grinder is a crucial component of a successful coffee maker. It is a process that takes a raw, unground bean and turns it into finely ground coffee that can be properly tamped into the filter basket to produce an excellent extraction.

Commercial-grade professional espresso machines typically have a built-in grinder which can be programmed to grind for different sizes of drinks, providing consistent results each time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further, implementing automation and programming the entire process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in Lab tests for their ease to use.

A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement by the barista, but the quality of the end product is often worth it. This model was awarded the 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its smart dosing feature which weighs and delivers the right amount of ground coffee each time. It also includes a low-pressure pre-infusion mechanism for smooth extraction and the milk frothing tool that did well in our tests for producing thick, rich steamed milk.

Temperature

When it is time to make espresso, temperature plays a major role in the taste and quality of your espresso. If the water isn't operating at an ideal temperature, it can slow the extraction process and result in an unpleasant cup of coffee.

Fortunately, high-quality espresso coffee maker machines come with tools that will allow you to ensure that your water is at the correct temperature. One way to do this is by using a PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another way to achieve this. This lets you utilize one boiler for tea and steam and the other one to heat water to brewing temperatures.

Carles explains that these systems can make a difference for large corporations as well as baristas who work from home. They can make it simpler for beginners to determine the ideal shot of espresso because they are able to maintain an exact temperature and eliminate some of the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It is also much easier for baristas with more experience to dial in their espressos exactly how they prefer.

Pressure

The pressure that an espresso machine utilizes can also impact the quality of coffee it makes. 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 create espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven than pumps driven. Although high-pressure machines are offered, they require a group head that is more complicated to handle the increased levels of pressure.

Although you might see buy espresso machines machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally regarded as the gold standard for making consistently excellent espressos. These machines with higher pressure are generally cheaper and intended for use at home.

In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times greater than the pressure exerted by your car tire. The more pressure an experienced espresso machine can exert, the better it will be at capturing the taste of your favorite coffee beans. For this reason, it's worthwhile to invest in a top-quality machine that will deliver the best home espresso machine possible results.

Barista Skills

A barista needs to be able take orders and handle them quickly and precisely. This is particularly important when there is a lot of activity in the coffee shop. A good customer service skill is crucial for establishing relationships with customers and boosting sales for the coffee shop. This can include recognizing regular customers, working effectively to resolve issues and being positive and helpful even in the most difficult of situations.

Baristas are often capable of multitasking, as they are expected to take orders, operate a cash register, communicate orders with coworkers and respond to phone calls at the same time. This skill allows the customer to enjoy a pleasant experience in the cafe by ensuring that orders are delivered promptly.

It is essential for baristas to know the various kinds of drinks that can be made with an espresso machine. You can get acquainted with the various types of espresso by reading up on their characteristics, tasting them in person, or watching online videos. Many baristas find it beneficial to take classes offered by various organizations.