How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

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

The barista can refill the water reservoir during their shift. The machine has a hot water tap for tea and cool-touch steam wands.

Water

A commercial espresso machine should be able to create a large volume of espresso-based drinks effectively. They are typically made of stainless steel, which is strong and resistant to scratches and breaks. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to maintain and clean.

A good machine will have a separate shut off valve for the water line in order to prevent limescale build up. This will ensure that any repairs are confined to the affected machine components and won't impact the remainder of your operation.

Test your water and make sure that it has been treated properly. You can remineralize distilled water by adding a few minerals. It can enhance the taste and reduce its erosive properties, however it could also cause damage to certain machines. This is because the remineralized water will cause the boiler sensor to believe that the machine is fully stocked, but it is not. This could cause the machine to overheat and become damaged.

Grinder

The grinder is a crucial component of an espresso machine that is successful. The grinder turns the unground, raw coffee bean into a finely ground coffee that can be tamped properly into the filter basket for an efficient extraction.

Commercial-grade professional espresso machines typically have a built-in grinder which can be programmed to grind for various drink sizes, ensuring the same results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further, by automating and programming the entire process from brewing to dispensing. These kinds of machines tend to earn high marks in Lab tests due to their hands-off simplicity of use.

A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, but the quality of the final product is often worth it. This model won the Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its smart dosing system that is able to measure and delivers the correct amount of coffee every time. It also comes with a low-pressure pre-infusion system to ensure an even extraction, as well as a milk frothing wand that excelled in our test for producing rich, thick steamed milk.

Temperature

When it is about espresso machine coffee temperature plays a huge influence on the taste and quality of your shots. If the water isn't in its ideal temperature, it can affect extraction and can lead to the coffee being bitter.

Luckily, the best espresso machines include tools that allow you to keep your water at the right temperature. A PID monitors and regulates the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are another way to accomplish this. You can use one boiler to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second to heat the water to brewing temperature.

Carles explains how these systems can make a difference for large companies as well as baristas at home. They can assist novices get the perfect espresso because they are able to maintain an exact temperature and eliminate many variables that can affect the flavor of the flavor. It can also make it easier for experienced baristas to get their shots exactly the way they want them.

Pressure

The pressure that an espresso machine uses is another aspect which affects the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers notice that their coffees taste different depending on the pressure employed, even when all other elements remain the same.

Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven than pumps-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available but they require a group head that is more sophisticated to handle the increased levels of pressure.

While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines nine bars are usually considered to be the standard for making consistently excellent brews. The higher-pressure machines tend to be more affordable and designed for home use.

In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times greater than the pressure applied by your car tire. The more pressure that a professional espresso maker can apply, the better at capturing the flavor of your favorite coffee beans. It's worth investing in a high-end machine that will give you the best possible results.

Barista Skills

A barista should be able to take orders and handle them quickly and accurately. This is especially important during busy times at the coffee shop. Good customer service skills is essential to build customer relationships and increasing business for the shop. This could include recognizing regular customers, working efficiently to resolve problems and being positive and helpful even when faced with difficult situations.

A strong ability to multitask is usually required for a barista as they may be required to take orders, operate the cash register, communicate orders to coworkers and take phone calls at the same time. This ability allows customers to enjoy a pleasant coffee shop experience by ensuring that orders are served quickly.

It is essential that a barista's skills are developed to be able to prepare various types of coffee using an espresso machine. This can be mastered by reading up on the different kinds of coffees, trying them in person, and watching videos online. Many baristas find it helpful to attend classes offered by various organizations.