How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is an excellent choice for cafes and coffee shops which want to draw customers who are passionate about espresso and barista skills. It's the official machine of the World Barista Championships and it really shows.
It has a water reservoir to ensure that the barista only needs to refill it once during their shift. travel espresso maker comes with an hot water tap for tea and steam wands with cool-touch.
Water
A commercial espresso machine needs to be able to produce an enormous amount of espresso-based drinks effectively. The machines are typically made of stainless steel, which is strong and resistant against scratches and breaks. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to clean and maintain.
A good quality machine should include a separate shut-off valve to 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 affect the rest of your operation.
Test your water to ensure it is treated properly. For instance, distilled water can be refining by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. It can enhance the taste of the water and eliminate its erosive qualities, but could also cause damage to certain machines. This is because the remineralized water can cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is full, even though it's not. This can cause the machine to overheat, and eventually be damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is a vital element of a successful espresso machine. The grinder turns a raw, unground coffee bean into a finely-ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket for the best extraction.
Commercial-grade espresso machines usually have a built-in grinder which can be programmed to grind different sizes of drinks, providing that the results are consistent every time. Super-automatic machines go a step further and automatize the entire process, from brewing to grinding and dispensing. These kinds of machines are able to score high scores in Lab tests due to their hands-free simplicity of use.
A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement by the barista, but the quality of the final result is often worth it. This model earned a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its smart dosing feature which weighs and delivers the correct amount of ground coffee every time. It also has a low-pressure pre-infusion system that allows for an even extraction, as well as the milk frothing tool that was a success in our test for producing thick, rich steamed milk.
Temperature
When it is time to make espresso temperature plays a huge role in the taste and quality of your coffee. If the water isn't operating at an ideal temperature, it can hinder extraction and even lead to the coffee being bitter.
High-end espresso machines have devices that allow you to maintain the correct temperature of your water. One method to achieve this is with a PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Another method is making use of a double boiler. One boiler can be used to heat steam and water for tea, while using the other to heat water to brewing temperature.
Carles explains how these systems can be beneficial for large companies as well as baristas who work from home. They can make it easier for newbies to determine the ideal espresso drink because they are able to maintain an accurate temperature and avoid many of the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It's also much easier for baristas with more experience to get their shots just the way they would like.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso maker uses is another factor that contributes to the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have observed that their drinks taste different depending on the pressure they use, even if all other factors are constant.
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 higher-pressure machines are also available however they require a group head that is more complicated to handle the higher levels of pressure.
While you may find espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally regarded as the most reliable standard for producing consistently excellent brews. These machines with higher pressures are generally more affordable and are designed for home use.
In comparison, 9 bar of pressure is four times greater than the pressure exerted by your car tire. The greater pressure a professional espresso maker can apply, the more effective it is at capturing the flavor of your favorite coffee beans. It's worth investing in a high-quality machine that will give you the best possible results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able to take orders and handle them quickly and precisely. This is especially important when there is a lot of activity at the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is also crucial for establishing customer relationships and increasing business for the shop. This can include acknowledging regular customers, resolving issues efficiently and remaining positive and friendly even in challenging situations.
Baristas typically need to be able to multitask, as they are required to take orders and operate a cash counter and share orders with colleagues and respond to phone calls at the same time. This skill allows them to 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 make different drinks with an espresso machine. You can find out about the different types of espresso by reading up on them, trying the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Many baristas prefer to attend classes on the topic, which are offered by several organizations.