A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right Professional Espresso Machine

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

For coffee shops and cafes that want to attract customers with passion for barista and italian espresso machines, this is a great option. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships and it truly shows.

It is equipped with a reservoir of water which means that the barista requires refilling it throughout their shift. The machine is equipped with a tea hot water tap and steam wands that cool-touch.

Water

A commercial espresso machine needs to be able to make an enormous amount of espresso-based drinks efficiently. This is why they are usually constructed of stainless steel which is more durable and resistant to breakage and scratches. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to clean and maintain.

A high-quality machine must have a separate shut-off valve for the water pipe in order to prevent limescale accumulation. This will ensure that any repairs are confined to the specific machine components and won't affect the rest of your operation.

Test your water to ensure it's being treated correctly. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding some minerals. It can enhance the taste of the water and eliminate its erosive properties, but could also cause damage to certain machines. The remineralized wate can make the boiler sensor believe that the machine is full and it isn't. This can cause overheating and damage the machine.

Grinder

The grinder is an essential component of a successful espresso maker. It takes a raw, unground bean and turns it into finely ground coffee that can be properly put into the filter basket to produce an excellent extraction.

Professional espresso machines of commercial grade typically include a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind for different sizes of drinks, providing that the results are consistent every time. Super-automatic machines go a step further and automate the entire process from brewing through grinding and dispensing. These kinds of machines are able to score high marks in Lab tests for their hands-off user-friendliness.

Semi-automatic or manual machines demand more work from the barista but often the results are worth it. This model earned an 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its dosing technology that weighs and dispensing the correct amount of ground coffee every time. It also comes with an low-pressure pre-infusion system for an even extraction, and a milk frother that produced dense, thick steamed milk during our tests.

Temperature

When it is about espresso temperature plays a huge influence on the taste and quality of your shots. If the water isn't at an optimal temperature, it can cause a delay in extraction, and could lead to 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 to use PIDs that monitor and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another method to accomplish this. You can use one boiler to heat water and steam for tea, and use another for heating water to brewing temperature.

Carles mentions that these systems can be beneficial for large corporations as well as home baristas. They can make it simpler for novices to determine the ideal espresso shot since they can keep an exact temperature and eliminate many of the factors that can alter the flavor profile. It helps experienced baristas to create their shots exactly the way they want them.

Pressure

The amount of pressure an espresso machine employs is another factor that contributes to the quality espresso machine of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have observed that their drinks taste differently based on the pressure used, despite the fact that other factors remain constant.

In general, most commercial-grade machines use nine bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven instead of pumps driven. Although high-pressure machines are offered however, they require a group head that is more complex to handle the increased levels of pressure.

Although you might see espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered the gold standard for creating consistently great brews. These higher-pressure machines are typically more affordable and are designed for use at home.

To put 9 bar espresso machine bar of pressure into perspective, it's over four times the amount of pressure that's exerted by the air inside your car tire. The more pressure a professional espresso machine can exert, the better it will be at capturing the taste of the coffee beans you love. It's worth investing in top-quality machines that can produce the highest quality results.

Barista Skills

A barista must be able to accept and process orders of customers quickly and accurately. This is particularly crucial during busy times at the coffee espresso machine shop. Good customer service skills is also essential for building relationships with customers and generating more business for the shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working efficiently to resolve problems and remaining positive and friend even when faced with difficult situations.

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

It is helpful for baristas to be aware of the different styles of drinks that can be prepared by an espresso machine. This can be mastered by studying the various types of coffee, trying the drinks in person and watching videos online. Baristas often find it beneficial to take classes on the topic, which are offered by many organizations.