10 Professional Espresso Machine Techniques All Experts Recommend

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

For coffee shops and cafes looking to attract customers who have an interest in barista and espresso skills, this is a great choice. It's the official machine for the World Barista Championships, and it shows.

It comes with a water reservoir so that the barista just needs to refill it once during their shift. The machine also has steam wands that are cool-touch and a hot water tap for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine should be able to produce a huge amount of espresso-based drinks efficiently. This is why these machines are generally constructed from stainless steel, which is more robust and resistant to scratches and breaks. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to maintain and clean.

A good quality machine should include a separate shut-off valve to the water pipe, to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are restricted to the affected parts of the machine and not impact the rest your operation.

Test your water and ensure that it has been treated properly. You can remineralize distilled water by adding a few minerals. This could reduce its negative erosive properties and enhance its taste, however it could also harm certain machines. This is because the remineralized fluid will cause the boiler sensor to believe that the machine is full when it is not. This could cause the machine to overheat and become damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is a crucial component of a successful espresso maker. It grinds a raw bean and transforms it into a finely ground coffee that can be properly placed into the filter basket to create an excellent extraction.

Commercial-grade professional espresso machines typically have a built-in grinding unit that can be programmed to grind for various sizes of drinks, which ensures consistent results each time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further by automating and programmable the whole process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in Lab tests for being easy to use.

A manual or semi-automatic espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, however the quality of the final product is often worth it. This model was awarded an 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its clever dosing feature that weighs and distributes the right amount of ground coffee every time. It also comes with a low pressure pre-infusion system that allows for smooth extraction and a milk frothing wand that was a success in our test for producing thick, rich espresso machine coffee steamed milk.

Temperature

Temperature is a major aspect in espresso. If the temperature of your water isn't at a good degree, it can cause extraction to be hindered and even result in a bitter cup.

Luckily, the best espresso machines have tools that allow you to keep your water website at the correct temperature. A PID monitors and regulates the temperature of water. Double boiler systems are another method to achieve this. You can use one boiler to more info heat water and steam for tea, while using the second boiler to heat water to the brewing temperature.

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 can maintain a precise temperature and avoid numerous variables that could affect the more info flavor quality. It's also much easier for baristas with more experience to get their shots just the way they prefer.

Pressure

The pressure an espresso machine uses can affect the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers notice that their coffees taste different based on the pressure employed, even when all other variables remain the same.

Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines are also likely to be pump-driven, not steam-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available they generally require a more complex group head design that can manage the higher pressure levels.

While you may see some espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally considered the most reliable standard for producing consistently great brews. These machines with higher pressure tend to be less expensive and are designed for home use.

In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times more than the pressure exerted by your car tire. The more pressure an espresso maker that is professional can apply, the better it is at separating flavor from the coffee beans you love. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that will give you the best results.

Barista Skills

A barista needs to be able take orders and process them quickly and precisely. This is especially crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. Excellent customer service skills are crucial for establishing relationships with customers and increasing the sales of the coffee shop. This includes recognizing frequent customers, working efficiently to resolve issues and remaining positive and friend even in difficult situations.

Having strong multitasking skills is usually required for baristas as they might be required to take orders, operate the cash register and also communicate orders to their coworkers and take calls at the same time. This skill allows the customer to enjoy an enjoyable coffee shop experience by ensuring that orders get delivered quickly.

It is important for a barista to have knowledge of the different styles of drinks that can be prepared with an espresso machine. You can get acquainted with the various types of espresso by reading more info about them, experimenting with the drinks in person and by watching online videos. Many baristas find it helpful to attend classes run by various organizations.