How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a great option for coffee shops and cafes that wish to attract customers who are passionate about espresso and barista abilities. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships and it really does show.
It comes with a water reservoir so that the barista only requires refilling it throughout their shift. The machine also has cool-touch steam wands and a hot water tap for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine must be able of producing a huge amount of espresso-based drinks efficiently. This is why these machines are usually constructed of stainless steel, which is more robust and resistant to scratches and break. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to clean and maintain.
Finally, a high-quality machine will have a separate shut-off valve for the water line to avoid the formation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are limited to the affected components of the machine and not affect the rest of your operation.
When selecting your water be sure to test it thoroughly and treat it in a way to get the best results. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding a few minerals. It can enhance the taste of the water and eliminate its erosive characteristics, but can also damage certain machines. This is because the remineralized water can cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is fully stocked, but it is not. This can cause overheating and possibly damaging the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is a key element for an espresso machine that works. The grinder transforms the unground, raw coffee bean into a finely ground coffee that can be tamped properly into the filter basket to ensure the best extraction.
Commercial-grade professional espresso machines usually have a built-in grinder which can be programmed to grind for various sizes of drinks, ensuring consistency in results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further, implementing automation and programming the entire process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These types of machines tend to earn high scores in Lab tests due to their hands-off ease of use.
Semi-automatic and manual machines require more work from the barista, but the results are worth it. This model won an award called the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its clever dosing system that measures and delivers the correct amount of coffee each time. It also has an infusion with low pressure for balanced extraction, and the milk frother produced thick, rich steamed milk in our tests.
Temperature
When it comes to espresso temperature, it plays an important influence on the taste and quality of your shots. If the water isn't in its optimal temperature, it could slow the extraction process and lead to a bitter cup of coffee.
Espresso machines that are of high-quality come with tools that can help you keep the proper temperature of your water. A PID monitors and regulates temperature of water. Double boiler systems are another method to achieve this. This allows you to make use of one boiler for steam and tea while the second one heats water to brew temperatures.
Carles mentions that these systems can make a difference for large corporations and baristas working at home. They can make it much easier for novices to make the perfect shot of espresso because they maintain an exact temperature and eliminate many of the factors that can alter the flavor profile. It is also easier for baristas who have more experience to dial in their espressos exactly how they would like.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso machine uses is another factor that influences the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks have a distinct taste differently based on the pressure used, even if all other variables remain the same.
In general, most commercial-grade machines utilize nine bars of pressure to create espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven than pumps-driven. Although there are machines with higher pressures they generally require a more intricate group head design that can handle the increased pressure levels.
While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines 9 bars are typically considered to be the gold standard for creating consistently great brews. These commercial espresso machine higher-pressure machines are typically 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 more pressure a professional espresso machine can put on more pressure, the better it'll be at capturing the flavor of the coffee beans you love. It's worth investing in a premium machine that can give you the highest quality results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able take and process orders quickly and precisely. This is particularly crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. A good customer service skill is crucial to build relationships with customers and boosting sales for the coffee shop. This can include recognizing regular customers, working effectively to resolve problems and staying positive and friendly even in challenging circumstances.
Baristas are often capable of multitasking, as they have to take orders, operate a cash register as well as communicate orders to coworkers and respond to phone calls all at once. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.
It is helpful for a barista to be knowledgeable about the different styles of drinks that can be made using an espresso machine. This can be learned by researching the different kinds of coffees, trying the drinks in person and watching videos on the internet. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes offered by various organizations.