How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

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

The barista can refill the water reservoir during 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 high volume of espresso based drinks in an efficient manner. The machines are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to cracks and scratches. Espresso machines are also easier to maintain and clean.

A good quality machine should include a separate shut-off valve to the water pipe to avoid the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are made to the specific machine components and won't impact the rest of your operation.

Check your water to ensure that it has been treated properly. For example, distilled water can be remineralized by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. It can enhance the taste and reduce its erosive qualities, but could also cause damage to certain machines. This is because the remineralized fluid will cause the boiler sensor to think that the machine is filled, when it is not. This could cause the machine to overheat, and eventually be damaged.

Grinder

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

Professional espresso machines of commercial grade typically come with a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind for different sizes of drinks, ensuring consistent results each time. Super-automatic machines go one step further and automatize the entire process, from brewing to grinding and dispensing. These machines are often praised in Lab tests for being easy to use.

A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, but the quality of the final result is usually worth it. This model won the 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its intelligent dosing system that weighs and distributes the right amount of ground coffee every time. It also has an infusion with low pressure for well-balanced extraction, as well as a milk frother that made rich, thick steamed-milk during our tests.

Temperature

When it comes to espresso temperature plays a huge role in the taste and quality of your shots. If the water isn't at an ideal temperature, it can affect extraction and can cause the coffee being bitter.

Fortunately, espresso makers machines of high-end quality come with tools that enable you to keep your water at the correct temperature. One method for doing this is with an PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a different way to accomplish this. This allows you to use a single boiler to tea and steam and the other for heating water to brewing temperatures.

Carles explains how these systems can be beneficial for large corporations as well as baristas working from home. They can assist novices create the perfect espresso drink because they are able to maintain a precise temperature and avoid several variables that can affect the flavor quality. It's also easier for baristas who have more experience to get their espressos exactly how they prefer.

Pressure

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

The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines also tend to be driven by pumps rather than steam-driven. While there are higher-pressure machines, they often require a more complicated group head design that can handle the increased pressure levels.

While you may find espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered the gold standard for creating consistently excellent espressos. These higher-pressure machines are typically less expensive and are designed for home use.

In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times higher than the pressure exerted by your car tire. The greater the pressure that a professional espresso machine is able to apply, the better it will be at capturing the flavor of your favorite coffee beans. It's worth investing in a high-quality machine that will deliver the best possible results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able take and process orders quickly and accurately. This is particularly important during busy times in the coffee shop. Having good customer service skills is also essential for building customer relationships and increasing sales for the shop. This includes recognizing regular customers, working to resolve problems efficiently, and remaining positive and welcoming even in stressful situations.

Baristas are often capable of multitasking, as they have to take orders and operate a cash register and share orders with colleagues and handle phone calls at the same time. This ability allows orders to be moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.

It is important for a barista to have knowledge of the various types of drinks that can be prepared using an espresso machine espresso. This can be mastered by researching the different kinds of coffees, trying them out in person and watching videos on the internet. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes on the subject, which are offered by several organizations.