How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is an excellent choice for cafes and coffee shops who want to attract customers who are enthusiastic about barista and espresso skills. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships and it really shows.
It comes with a water reservoir which means that the barista requires refilling it throughout their shift. It also has steam wands that are cool-touch and hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine must be able of producing a huge amount of espresso-based drinks in a timely manner. They are typically made of stainless steel, which is strong and resistant to scratches and breaks. Espresso machines are also easy to maintain and clean.
A high-quality machine should include a separate shut-off valve for the water pipe, to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are restricted to the affected components of the machine and not interfere with the other operations.
Test your water to ensure that it has been treated properly. For example distillate water can be recycled by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. It can enhance the taste and negate its erosive characteristics, but could also cause damage to certain machines. The remineralized water will make the boiler sensor think the machine is full even though it's not. This could cause the machine to overheat and be damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is an essential component of a successful coffee maker. It grinds a raw bean and transforms it into a finely ground coffee that can be tamped into the filter basket to create an excellent extraction.
Commercial-grade espresso machines usually have a built-in grinding unit that can be programmed to grind various drink sizes, ensuring the same results every time. Super-automatic machines go one step further and automate the entire process from brewing through grinding and dispensing. These types of machines are able to score high marks in Lab tests for their hands-off accessibility.
A manual or semi-automatic espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista but the quality of the end result is often worth it. This model won the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its intelligent dosing system that is able to measure and dispenses the right amount of coffee every time. It also includes a low-pressure pre-infusion system that allows for an even extraction, as well as an ice cream wand that excelled in our test for producing rich, thick steaming milk.
Temperature
The temperature is a crucial aspect in espresso. If the water temperature is not at a suitable degree, it can result in the extraction being impeded and can even lead to an unpleasant cup.
High-quality espresso machines come with tools to help you maintain the proper temperature of your water. A PID monitors and regulates the temperature of water. The other way is by utilizing a double boiler system. One boiler can be used to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second boiler to heat water to brewing temperature.
Carles mentions that these types of systems can make the difference for large-scale businesses and home baristas alike. They can make it much easier for newbies to determine the ideal espresso shot because they can maintain an accurate temperature and avoid all the factors that can alter the flavor profile. It is also easier for baristas with more experience to get their shots just the way they would like.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso machine is using also affects the quality of coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers notice that their coffees taste different depending on the pressure that is used, even though all other variables remain the same.
In general, most commercial-grade machines utilize nine bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines tend to be pump-driven rather than steam-driven. While higher-pressure machines exist, they often require a more complicated group head design that can handle the increased pressure levels.
While you may see espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered the gold standard for creating consistently excellent brews. These higher-pressure machines tend to be cheaper and designed for use at home.
In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is 4 times more than the pressure applied by your car tire. best coffee espresso machine experienced espresso machine can put on more pressure, the better it'll be at removing the flavor from the coffee beans you love. Therefore, it's worthwhile to invest in a top-quality machine that can give you the best results.
Barista Skills
A barista must be able to handle orders quickly and precisely. This is particularly crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is also essential for building customer relationships and increasing business for the shop. This includes recognizing frequent customers, working effectively to resolve issues and staying positive and friendly even when faced with difficult situations.
Having strong multitasking skills is often required for a barista as they could be required to take orders and operate the cash register and communicate orders to colleagues and take phone calls simultaneously. This skill allows them to keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have a pleasant experience in the coffee shop.
It is beneficial for a barista to know the various styles of drinks that can be made with an espresso machine. Learn about the various types of espresso by reading about the various types, trying the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Many baristas also find it beneficial to take classes on the topic, which are offered by various organizations.