How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

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

The barista can refill the water reservoir during their shift. The machine also comes with steam wands that are cool-touch and a hot water tap for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine is required to produce a large quantity of mini espresso maker-based drinks efficiently. They are typically made of stainless steel, which is tough and resistant to breakages and scratches. Stainless steel espresso machines espresso also make it easier to keep clean and maintained.

Lastly, a good quality machine has a shut-off valve for the water line to avoid the formation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are made to the affected parts of the machine and won't impact the rest of your operation.

When selecting the water you want to drink be sure to test it and treat it appropriately to get the best results. For instance distilled water may be refining by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. This can negate it's anti-erosive properties as well as improve its taste, however it can also damage some machines. This is because the remineralized water will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is full when it's not. This can lead to overheating and damage the machine.

Grinder

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

Commercial-grade professional espresso machine for home espresso machines typically have a built-in grinding unit that can be programmed to grind various sizes of drinks, which ensures that the results are consistent every time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further by automating and programmable the entire process from brewing to dispensing. These types of machines tend to earn high scores in Lab tests due to their hands-off ease of use.

A manual or semi-automatic espresso machine requires more involvement by the barista, but the quality of the end product is often worth it. This model earned an 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its intelligent dosing system that weighs and dispenses the right amount of ground coffee and espresso maker every time. It also comes with a low-pressure pre-infusion system that allows for well-balanced extraction as well as the milk frothing wand, which performed well in our tests for producing thick, rich steaming milk.

Temperature

The temperature is a crucial factor in espresso. If the water isn't at an ideal temperature, it can hinder extraction and even cause an unpleasant cup of coffee.

Fortunately, high-quality espresso machines include tools that allow you to keep your water at the right temperature. One way to do this is by utilizing a PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Another method is using a double boiler. This lets you utilize one boiler for tea and steam, while the other heats water to brewing temperatures.

Carles explains that these systems can make a difference for large companies as well as baristas working from home. They can assist novices dial in the perfect espresso because they can keep an exact temperature and eliminate several variables that can affect the flavor quality. It also makes it easier for experienced baristas to create their espressos exactly how they want them.

Pressure

The pressure an espresso machine uses is another factor which affects the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers notice that their drinks taste different depending on the amount of pressure used, even when all other elements remain the same.

The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure to brew espresso. They also tend to be pump-driven rather than steam-driven. While there are higher-pressure machines, they often require a more intricate group head design that can handle the increased 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 consistently great brews. These machines that are higher pressure tend to be more affordable and designed for home use.

To put 9 bar of pressure into perspective, it's nearly four times the pressure that's imposed by the air inside your car tire. The greater pressure a professional espresso machine is able to apply and the more effective it will be at capturing the taste of the coffee beans you love. It's worth investing in top-quality machines that produce the highest quality results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able to accept orders from customers quickly and accurately. This is particularly crucial in busy times at the coffee shop. Good customer service skills are essential for building relationships with customers as well as increasing the sales of the coffee shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working to resolve issues efficiently and remaining optimistic and welcoming even in stressful situations.

The ability to multitask is often necessary for a barista, as they may have to take orders and operate the cash counter, communicate orders to coworkers and handle phone calls at one time. This skill helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and allows them to have an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop.

It is helpful for baristas to have knowledge of the various types of drinks that can be made using an espresso machine. Learn about the various types of espresso by reading up on them, trying the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Baristas often find it beneficial to attend classes on the subject, which are offered by several organizations.