Marisol Mott

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

This is an excellent choice for cafes and coffee for espresso machine shops that wish to attract customers who are enthusiastic about espresso and barista skills. It's the official machine of the World Barista Championships and it really does show.

The barista is able to refill the water reservoir during their shift. The machine is equipped with a hot water tap for tea and steam wands that cool-touch.

Water

A commercial espresso machine needs to produce a high volume of decent espresso machine-based drinks efficiently. That's why these machines are built with stainless steel, which is more durable and resistant to breaks and scratches. mini espresso maker machines made of stainless steel make it easier to keep clean and maintained.

A good machine has a shut-off valve for the water line, to prevent 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, make sure to test it and treat it properly to get the best results. For example distillate water can be remineralized by adding a small amount of minerals back into it. It can enhance the taste and negate its erosive properties, but could also cause damage to certain machines. This is because the remineralized water will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is full, even though it's not. This can cause the machine to overheat and become damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is a crucial element in the success of an espresso machine. It takes a raw, unground bean and transforms it into finely ground coffee that is then placed into the filter basket to produce an excellent extraction.

Commercial-grade professional espresso machines usually come with a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind for various sizes of drinks, ensuring the same results every time. Super-automatic machines go one step further and automatize the entire process from brewing through grinding and dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in Lab tests for being easy to use.

A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista but the quality of the end product is often worth it. This model earned the 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its dosing technology that weighs and dispenses the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also comes with a low pressure pre-infusion system that allows for well-balanced extraction as well as the milk frothing tool that was a success in our test for producing thick, rich steaming milk.

Temperature

When it is time to make espresso temperature plays a huge factor in the taste and quality of your shots. If the water isn't operating at an optimal temperature, it could hinder extraction and even cause bitter coffee.

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

Carles points out that these systems can make the difference for large businesses and baristas working at home. They can make it easier for beginners to determine the ideal shot of espresso because they are able to maintain an accurate temperature and avoid a lot of the factors that can alter the flavor profile. It is also easier for baristas who have more experience to make their espressos exactly how they prefer.

Pressure

The amount of pressure an espresso machine uses is another factor that affects the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste differently depending on the amount pressure used, even if other factors remain constant.

In general, commercial grade machines utilize nine bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam driven than pumps-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available however, they require a group head that is more sophisticated to handle the increased levels of pressure.

While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines nine bars are usually considered to be the gold standard for making consistently excellent brews. These machines with higher pressures are generally less expensive and are intended for home use.

To put 9 bar of pressure in perspective, it's more than four times the amount which is emitted by the air in your car tire. The greater pressure a professional espresso machine can exert, the better it will be at removing the flavor from the coffee beans you love. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that will give you the most effective results.

Barista Skills

A barista needs to be able to accept and process orders from customers quickly and accurately. This is especially crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is also essential for building relationships with customers and generating more business for the shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, resolving issues efficiently and remaining optimistic and helpful in difficult situations.

Baristas frequently need to be capable of multitasking, as they are required to take orders and operate a cash register, communicate orders with coworkers, and answer telephone calls at the same time. This skill allows them to keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and ensures that customers have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.

It is crucial for baristas to be able to prepare different drinks with an espresso machine. This can be gained through reading up on the different kinds of coffees, trying the drinks in person and watching videos on the internet. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes provided by various organizations.