A Step-By-Step Guide To Professional Espresso Machine From Beginning To End

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

This is a great option for cafes and coffee shops that want to attract customers who are passionate about barista and espresso skills. It's the official machine for World Barista Championships and it really does show.

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

Water

A commercial espresso machine must be able to produce a huge amount of espresso-based drinks in a timely manner. This is why they are usually constructed of stainless steel, which is more robust and resistant to breakage and scratches. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to maintain and clean.

Finally, a high-quality machine has a shut-off valve for the water line to avoid the formation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are limited to the affected parts of the machine and will not impact the rest your operation.

Test your water and make sure it's being treated correctly. For instance distilled water may be recycled by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. It can enhance the taste and negate its erosive properties, however it can also damage certain machines. This is because the remineralized fluid will cause the boiler sensor to believe that the machine is filled, when it is not. This could cause the machine to overheat and cause damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is an essential element of a successful espresso maker. It is a process that takes a raw, unground bean and transforms it into finely ground coffee that can be properly tamped into the filter basket for an excellent extraction.

Professional commercial machines come with grinders that can be programmed for various sizes of drinks. This ensures consistent results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further, by automating and programmable the whole process from brewing to dispensing. These types of machines typically get high scores in Lab tests due to their hands-free simplicity of use.

Manual or semi-automatic machines require more effort from the barista but often the results are worth it. This model earned an 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its clever dosing feature that weighs and dispenses the right amount of ground coffee each time. It also has a low-pressure pre-infusion system for well-balanced extraction as well as a milk frothing wand that did well in our tests for producing rich, thick steamed milk.

Temperature

Temperature is a key aspect in espresso. If the water isn't at an ideal temperature, it may hinder extraction and even cause a bitter cup of coffee.

Fortunately, high-quality espresso machine espresso machines have tools that allow you to ensure that your water is at the correct temperature. A PID monitors and regulates temperature of the water. The other way is by making use of a double boiler. This allows you to use a single boiler to tea and steam while the second one heats water to brewing temperatures.

Carles mentions that these kinds of systems can make a big difference for large businesses as well as home baristas. They make it easier for beginners to dial in the perfect espresso because they are able to maintain an exact temperature and eliminate all the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It helps experienced baristas to get their shots exactly how they would like them.

Pressure

The pressure an espresso machine employs is another factor that affects the quality of the coffee it produces. Many best espresso machine drinkers notice that their drinks taste different based on the pressure used, even when all other factors remain constant.

The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure in order to make espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven instead of pumps-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are also available however they require a group head that is more intricate to handle the higher levels of pressure.

While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines 9 bars are typically considered to be the gold standard for making consistently great espressos. These higher-pressure machines are typically less expensive and designed for home use.

In comparison, 9 bar of pressure is four times more than the pressure applied by your car tire. The greater the pressure a professional espresso maker can apply, then the better it is at extracting flavor out of the coffee beans you love. Therefore, it's worthwhile to invest in a top-quality machine that can give you the highest quality results.

Barista Skills

A barista must be able to take and process customer orders quickly and efficiently. This is particularly crucial in busy times in the coffee shop. Effective customer service skills are crucial for establishing relationships with customers and boosting sales for the coffee shop. This includes recognizing frequent customers, working efficiently to resolve issues and remaining friendly and positive in challenging circumstances.

Baristas frequently need to be adept at multitasking as they must take orders as well as operate a cash register as well as communicate orders to coworkers and take phone calls at the same time. This ability allows customers to enjoy an enjoyable coffee shop experience by ensuring that orders are delivered promptly.

It is crucial for baristas to be able to prepare various types of coffee using an espresso machine. Learn about the different types of espresso by studying them, experimenting with them in person, and watching online videos. Baristas often find it beneficial to attend classes on the topic, which are provided by several organizations.