How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is a great option for cafes and coffee shops that wish to attract customers who are passionate about barista and espresso skills. coffeee.uk 's the official machine of the World Barista Championships and it really does show.
The barista is able to refill the reservoir of water throughout their shift. The machine has hot water for tea and steam wands with cool-touch.
Water
A commercial espresso machine needs to be able to create an enormous amount of espresso-based drinks efficiently. The machines are typically made of stainless steel, which is strong and resistant against breaks and scratches. Espresso machines are also easier to maintain and clean.
Additionally, a top quality machine will have a separate shut off valve for the water line to avoid the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are only limited to the affected parts of the machine and won't affect the operation of the rest.
When selecting your water ensure that you test it and treat it appropriately to ensure the best results. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding a few minerals. It can improve the taste and reduce its erosive qualities, but can also harm certain machines. The remineralized wate will make the boiler sensor think that the machine is full even though it's not. This can lead to overheating and even damage to the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is a vital component of the success of an espresso machine. It takes a raw, unground bean and turns it into finely ground coffee that can then be placed into the filter basket for an excellent extraction.
Professional espresso machines of commercial grade typically have a built-in grinder which can be programmed to grind different sizes of drinks, which ensures consistent results each time. Super-automatic machines go one step further and automatize the entire process from brewing through grinding and dispensing. These machines are often praised by Lab tests for being easy to use.
A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement by the barista, but the quality of the end result is usually worth it. This model won a Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 due to its sophisticated dosing system that measures and delivers the correct amount of coffee each time. It also comes with an infusion with low pressure for balanced extraction, and a milk frother that produced rich, thick steamed-milk in our tests.
Temperature
When it comes to espresso temperature, it plays an important factor in the taste and quality of your espresso. If the water isn't at an ideal temperature, it can slow the extraction process and cause the coffee being bitter.
Espresso machines of the highest quality come with tools to help you maintain the correct temperature of your water. One method to achieve this is to use an PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Another option is using a double boiler system. This allows you to make use of one boiler for tea and steam, while the other heats water to the right temperature for brewing.
Carles says that these systems can make a difference for large businesses as well as home baristas. They can make it simpler for newbies to get the perfect espresso shot because they maintain an accurate temperature and avoid many of the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It also makes it easier for experienced baristas to make their shots exactly how they would like them.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso maker uses is another aspect which affects the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers notice that their drinks taste different based on the pressure employed, even when all other factors remain constant.
In general, most commercial-grade machines utilize nine bars of pressure to create espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven than pumps driven. Although high-pressure machines are offered however, they require a group head that is more intricate 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 the gold standard for consistently excellent espressos. These machines that are higher pressure tend to be cheaper and designed for use at home.
In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times more than the pressure applied by your car tire. The more pressure an experienced espresso machine is able to apply, the better it will be at capturing the taste of the coffee beans you love. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that produce the best results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able to accept and process customer orders quickly and efficiently. This is particularly crucial in busy times at the coffee shop. A good understanding of customer service is also crucial for establishing customer relationships and increasing sales for the shop. This includes recognizing regular customers, resolving problems efficiently, and remaining positive and friendly even in challenging situations.
Being able to multitask is a must for a barista as they could be required to take orders and operate the cash register and also communicate orders to their coworkers and answer calls at the same time. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.
It is essential that a barista's skills are developed to be able to prepare different drinks with an espresso machine. Learn about the various types of espresso by reading up on their characteristics, tasting them in person and watching online videos. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes offered by various organizations.