Why Professional Espresso Machine May Be More Risky Than You Think

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

This is a great option for cafes and specialty coffee shops that wish to attract customers who are enthralled by espresso and barista skills. It's an official machine for the World Barista Championships, coffees and it displays.

It is equipped with a reservoir of water so that the barista only has to refill it during their shift. The machine is equipped with an hot water tap for tea and steam wands that cool-touch.

Water

A commercial espresso machine is required to produce a high volume of espresso based drinks in an efficient manner. This is why these machines are typically built from stainless steel which is more robust and resistant to breakage and scratches. These espresso machines are also easier to maintain and keep clean.

A high-quality machine must include an additional shut-off valve that is connected to the water pipe to prevent the accumulation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are only limited to the affected components of the machine, and will not interfere with the other operations.

Check your water and ensure it is treated properly. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding some minerals. It can enhance the taste of the water and eliminate its erosive qualities, but could also cause damage to certain machines. Remineralized wate makes the boiler sensor believe that the machine is full and it isn't. This could cause the machine to overheat and become damaged.

Grinder

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

Commercial-grade professional espresso machines usually include a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind for different sizes of drinks, which ensures consistent results each time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further, implementing automation and programmable the entire process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These machines are often praised during 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 final result is often worth the effort. This model earned a 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its smart dosing feature that weighs and distributes the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also comes with an low-pressure pre-infusion system for an even extraction, and a milk frother that produced rich, thick steamed-milk in our tests.

Temperature

Temperature is a major factor in espresso. If the water isn't at its ideal temperature, it can cause a delay in extraction, and could lead to a bitter cup of coffee.

High-end espresso machines have devices that allow you to maintain the right temperature of your water. A PID monitors and regulates the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a second method to do this. This allows you to use one boiler for tea and steam and the other one to heat water to the right temperature for brewing.

Carles mentions that these types of coffee of systems can be beneficial for large businesses and baristas at home alike. They can make it simpler for newbies to get the perfect shot of espresso since they can keep an exact temperature and eliminate some of the factors that can alter the flavor profile. It also makes it easier for experienced baristas to create their shots exactly how they would like them.

Pressure

The pressure that an espresso machine uses can affect the quality of coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their coffee tastes different based on the amount of pressure used, even if other factors remain constant.

Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven rather than pump-driven. While there are higher-pressure machines however, they typically require a more complex group head design to manage the higher pressure levels.

Although you might see espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally regarded as the gold standard for making consistently excellent brews. These higher-pressure machines tend to be more affordable and designed for home use.

To put 9 bars of pressure into perspective, it's nearly four times the pressure that is exerted by the air inside your car tire. The more pressure that an espresso maker with professional quality can apply, then the better at extracting flavor out of the coffee beans you love. For this reason, it's worth investing in a premium machine that will deliver the best results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able to take orders from customers quickly and accurately. This is especially important during busy times in the coffee shop. Excellent customer service skills are crucial to build relationships with customers and boosting the sales of the coffee shop. This includes recognizing frequent customers, working efficiently to resolve problems and staying positive and friendly even in the most difficult of situations.

A strong ability to multitask is a must for baristas as they might be required to take orders and operate the cash counter, communicate orders to coworkers and coffees handle phone calls simultaneously. This skill allows them to keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.

It is essential for baristas to have knowledge of the various types of drinks that can be prepared using an espresso machine. This can be gained through researching the different kinds of coffees, trying them out in person and watching videos online. Baristas often find it beneficial to take classes on the subject, which are offered by a variety of organizations.