How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

For coffee shops and cafes looking to attract customers with an interest in barista and espresso, This is a great option. It's the official barista machine for World Barista Championships and it really does show.

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

Water

A commercial espresso makers machine is required to produce a high volume of espresso-based drinks efficiently. These machines are usually made of stainless steel, which is strong and resistant to scratches and breaks. Espresso machines are also easier to maintain and keep clean.

Lastly, a good quality machine has a shut off valve for the water line to prevent limescale build up. This will ensure that any repairs are isolated to the affected components of the machine and won't impact the rest of your operation.

When choosing your water be sure to test it and treat it correctly to get the best results. Remineralize distilled water by adding a few minerals. It can improve the taste and reduce its erosive characteristics, but can also damage certain machines. This is because the remineralized water will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is filled, when it is not. This can cause the machine to overheat and be damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is a crucial part 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 for an excellent extraction.

Commercial-grade professional espresso machines typically have a built-in grinder which can be programmed to grind for different sizes of drinks, providing consistent results each time. Super-automatic espresso machine espresso machines go one step further, implementing automation and programmable the whole process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These machines are often praised by Lab tests for their ease to use.

A semi-Automatic espresso Machine 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 clever dosing feature that weighs and dispensing the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also includes a low-pressure pre-infusion mechanism for smooth extraction and an ice cream wand that performed well in our tests for producing rich, thick steamed milk.

Temperature

The temperature is a crucial factor in espresso. If the water isn't in its ideal temperature, it can slow the extraction process and cause bitter coffee.

High-quality espresso coffee maker machines come with devices that allow you to maintain the right temperature of your water. One method to achieve this is to use PIDs that monitor and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another method to accomplish this. One boiler can be used to heat water and steam for tea, while using the second boiler to heat water to the brewing temperature.

Carles explains that these systems can be beneficial for large corporations as well as home-based baristas. They can aid novices dial in the perfect espresso shot since they can keep the exact temperature and prevent numerous variables that could affect the flavor profile. It is also much easier for baristas with more experience to make their espressos just how they would like.

Pressure

The pressure that an espresso machine utilizes can also impact the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso home machine drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste different based on the pressure used, even when all other elements remain the same.

The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure in order to brew espresso. These machines also tend to be pump-driven, not steam-driven. While there are higher-pressure machines but they usually require a more complicated group head design to handle the higher pressure levels.

While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure on their machines 9 bars are typically considered to be the standard when it comes to making consistently excellent brews. These machines with higher pressure are generally cheaper and intended for use at home.

In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is 4 times more than the pressure applied by your car tire. The more pressure a professional espresso machine can exert to the coffee, the better it will be at extracting flavor from the coffee beans you love. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that can give the most effective results.

Barista Skills

A barista must be able to take orders and handle them quickly and accurately. This is particularly crucial during busy periods in the coffee shop. Good customer service skills is also crucial for establishing customer relationships and increasing business for the shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working efficiently to resolve issues, and being positive and helpful even in the most difficult of situations.

The ability to multitask is usually required for baristas as they could be required to take orders as well as operate the cash register and then communicate orders to coworkers and take phone calls at one time. This ability allows customers to enjoy an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop by ensuring that orders are served promptly.

It is vital for a barista's knowledge to be able to prepare different types of drinks using an espresso machine. This can be mastered by reading up on the different types of coffee, trying them out in person, or watching videos online. Baristas often find it beneficial to attend classes on the topic, which are provided by a variety of organizations.