How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

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

The barista espresso machine can refill the reservoir of water throughout their shift. The machine also features steam wands that cool-touch as well as hot water taps for tea.

Water

A commercial espresso machine has to create a huge amount of espresso based drinks in an efficient manner. That's why they are generally constructed from stainless steel which is more robust and resistant to scratches and breaks. These espresso machines are easier to maintain and keep clean.

Finally, a high-quality machine has a shut-off valve for the water line to avoid the build-up of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are limited to the affected parts of the machine and not interfere with the other operations.

Check your water to ensure it's being treated correctly. You can remineralize the water you distill by adding a few minerals. It can enhance the taste and reduce its erosive properties, but could also cause damage to certain machines. The remineralized wate can make the boiler sensor think that the machine is full and it isn't. This can cause the machine to overheat and become damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is a vital element in an espresso and filter coffee machine, by Douerdun, machine that is successful. The grinder converts the unground, raw coffee bean into finely-ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket to ensure the best extraction.

Professional commercial machines come with grinders that are programmed for different drink sizes. This ensures constant results every time. Super-automatic espresso machine machines go one step further and automatize the entire process from brewing to grinding and dispensing. These kinds of machines tend to earn high marks in Lab tests due to their hands-off accessibility.

Semi-automatic or manual machines require more effort from the barista, but the results are worth it. This model won an award called the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its clever dosing mechanism that measures and dispenses the right amount of coffee each time. It also comes with a low pressure pre-infusion system for an even extraction, as well as a milk frothing wand that was a success in our test for producing rich, thick steamed milk.

Temperature

Temperature is an important aspect in espresso. If the water isn't at an optimal temperature, it can cause a delay in extraction, and could lead to a bitter cup of coffee.

Espresso machines that are of high-quality come with tools that can help you keep the proper temperature of your water. One method to achieve this is to use a PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Another method is making use of a double boiler. You can use one boiler to heat water and steam for tea, while using the second boiler for heating water to brewing temperature.

Carles points out that these systems can make the difference for large companies and home baristas alike. They can make it simpler for novices to make the perfect espresso drink because they maintain an exact temperature and eliminate some of the variables that can throw off the flavor profile. It also makes it easier for experienced baristas to get their shots exactly as they want them.

Pressure

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

The majority of commercial machines utilize 9 bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven instead of pumps driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available however, they typically require a more complicated group head design that can manage the higher pressure levels.

While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure on their machines Nine bars are generally considered to be the standard when it comes to making consistently excellent espressos. These higher-pressure machines are typically more affordable and are designed to be used at home.

To put 9 bar espresso machine bars of pressure into perspective, it's over four times the amount that's imposed by the air in your car tire. The more pressure a professional espresso maker is able to apply, then the better at extracting flavor out of your favorite coffee beans. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that will give you the best results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able take orders and process them quickly and accurately. This is especially crucial in busy times at the coffee shop. Being able to provide excellent customer service is essential to build relationships with customers and increasing sales for the shop. This could include recognizing regular customers, resolving issues quickly and remaining positive and amiable in tough situations.

Being able to multitask is often necessary for baristas, since they might be required to take orders and operate the cash register and then communicate orders to coworkers and respond to phone calls at the same time. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer and ensures that customers have an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop.

It is essential for baristas to be able to make various drinks using an espresso machine. This can be gained through studying the various kinds of coffees, trying them in person, and watching videos online. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes on the topic, which are offered by a variety of organizations.