How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a great option for cafes and coffee shops which want to draw customers who are passionate about barista and espresso skills. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships, and it displays.
The barista is able to refill the reservoir of water throughout their shift. It also has steam wands with cool-touch technology and hot water taps for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine has to produce a high volume of espresso-based drinks efficiently. The machines are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to cracks and scratches. Espresso machines are also simpler to maintain and clean.
A good machine will have a separate shut off valve for the water line, to prevent the formation of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are limited to the affected parts of the machine and will not impact the rest your operation.
When choosing your water make sure you test it thoroughly and treat it in a way to ensure the best results. For example distillate water can be restored by adding a tiny amount of minerals back into it. This can reduce its negative erosive properties and enhance its flavor, but it may also damage machines. Remineralized wate makes the boiler sensor believe that the machine is full however it's not. This can cause the machine to overheat and be damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is a crucial part of a successful espresso maker. The grinder converts an unground, raw coffee bean into a finely ground coffee which can be tamped correctly 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 different sizes of drinks, ensuring consistent results each time. Super-automatic machines go further and automatize the entire process, from brewing to grinding and dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in Lab tests for being easy to use.
Semi-automatic or manual machines require more effort from the barista but often the results are worth it. This model won the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its smart dosing mechanism that measures and delivers the correct amount of coffee every time. It also features an infusion with low pressure for well-balanced extraction, as well as a milk frother that produced rich, thick steamed-milk during our tests.
Temperature
Temperature is a key element in espresso. If the temperature of your water is not at the right level, it may result in the extraction being impeded and can even lead to bitter coffee.
Espresso machines that are of high-quality come with tools that help you maintain the proper temperature of your water. A PID monitors and regulates the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another method to do this. One boiler can be used to heat water and steam for tea, and use another to heat the water to brewing temperature.
Carles states that these types of systems can be beneficial for large companies and home baristas alike. They can aid novices get the perfect espresso shot since they maintain the exact temperature and prevent various variables that can alter the flavor profile. It also makes it easier for baristas with experience to get their shots exactly as they want them.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso maker makes use of is another element that affects the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers notice that their beverages taste different based on the amount of pressure used, even when all other factors remain the same.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure in order to make espresso. These machines also tend to be pump-driven rather than steam-driven. Although there are machines with higher pressures however, they typically require a more complex group head design that can handle the increased pressure levels.
While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines nine bars are usually considered to be the standard when it comes to making consistently great espressos. These higher-pressure machines are typically more affordable and are designed to be used at home.
To put 9 bar of pressure in perspective, it's nearly four times the amount that is exerted by the air inside your car tire. The more pressure an espresso maker with professional quality can apply, the more effective it is at capturing the flavor of the coffee beans you love. For this reason, it's worth investing in a high-quality machine that can give you the highest quality espresso and filter coffee machine results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able take and process orders quickly and accurately. This is particularly important when there is a lot of activity at the coffee shop. Good customer service skills are crucial for establishing relationships with customers and boosting the sales of the coffee shop. This can include acknowledging regular customers, working to resolve issues efficiently and remaining optimistic and amiable in tough situations.
Baristas frequently need to be adept at multitasking as they are required to take orders and operate a cash counter, communicate orders with coworkers and respond to phone calls all at once. This skill allows the customer to enjoy a pleasant experience in the cafe by ensuring that orders get delivered quickly.
It is important for baristas to be able to make various types of coffee using an espresso machine. This can be learned by studying the various types of coffee, attempting the drinks in person and watching videos on the internet. Many baristas find it helpful to attend classes provided by various organizations.