How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

For cafes and coffee shops seeking to attract customers with an interest in barista and espresso skills, this is a great choice. It's the official barista machine for Best espresso machine World Barista Championships and it really shows.

The barista can refill the reservoir with water throughout their shift. The machine also has steam wands with cool-touch technology and hot water taps for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine needs to be able to produce 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 breaks and scratches. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to maintain and clean.

Lastly, a good quality machine will have a separate shut-off valve for the water line in order to prevent the buildup of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are limited to the affected components of the machine and won't affect the rest of your operation.

Check your water and ensure it is treated properly. For instance distilled water may be refining by adding a small amount of minerals back into it. It can improve the taste of the water and eliminate its erosive characteristics, but could also cause damage to certain machines. The remineralized wate will make the boiler sensor think the machine is full, even though it isn't. This could cause the machine to overheat and cause damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is a vital element for the success of an espresso machine. It is a process that takes a raw, unground bean and turns it into a finely ground coffee that is then put into the filter basket for an excellent extraction.

Commercial-grade professional machines include a grinder that can be programmed to accommodate different sizes of drinks. This guarantees constant results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further by automating and programming the entire process from brewing to dispensing. These types of machines typically get high marks in Lab tests for their hands-off user-friendliness.

A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement by the barista, but the quality of the final product is often worth it. This model was awarded a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its dosing technology that weighs and distributes the right amount of ground coffee each time. It also has a low pressure pre-infusion for well-balanced extraction, as well as a milk frother that produced rich, thick steamed-milk during our tests.

Temperature

Temperature is an important factor in espresso. If the temperature of your water is not at its ideal level, it can result in a slower extraction and even result in a bitter cup.

Luckily, the best espresso Machine espresso machines come with tools that enable you to ensure that your water is at the right temperature. One method to achieve this is with PIDs, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Another option is making use of a double boiler. You can use one boiler to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second to heat water to brewing temperature.

Carles explains that these systems can be beneficial for large corporations as well as baristas who work from home. They can make it simpler for newbies to make the perfect espresso drink because they maintain an accurate temperature and avoid some of the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It's also easier for baristas who have more experience to make their espressos exactly how they prefer.

Pressure

The pressure an espresso maker employs is another factor that contributes to the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their coffee tastes differently based on the pressure that is used, even though all other elements remain the same.

The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure to brew espresso machine uk. These machines are also likely to be driven by pumps rather than steam-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are also available however, they require a group head that is more complicated to handle the higher levels of pressure.

While you may see some espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered to be the gold standard for consistently excellent espressos. These machines that are higher pressure are generally less expensive and are intended for use at home.

To put 9 bar of pressure into perspective, it's nearly four times the amount of pressure that's exerted by the air inside your car tire. The more pressure an espresso maker with professional quality can apply, the better it will be at separating flavor from your favorite coffee beans. It is worth investing in top-quality machines that will give you the best results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able take and process orders quickly and precisely. This is especially crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. Having good customer service skills is also crucial for establishing relationships with customers and increasing sales for the shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, resolving issues efficiently and remaining positive and amiable in tough situations.