5 Reasons Professional Espresso Machine Is Actually A Good Thing
5 Reasons Professional Espresso Machine Is Actually A Good Thing
Blog Article
How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
For coffee shops and cafes that want to attract customers with an interest in barista and espresso, this is a great option. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships and it truly shows.
The barista is able to refill the reservoir of water throughout their shift. It also has steam wands with cool-touch technology and a hot water tap for tea.
Water
A commercial espresso machine must be able to make a large amount of espresso-based drinks efficiently. The machines are typically made of stainless steel, which is tough and resistant against breaks and scratches. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to clean and maintain.
A good machine has a shut-off valve for the water line to prevent limescale build up. This will ensure that any repairs are isolated to the affected parts of the machine and won't affect the rest of your operation.
Test your water to ensure it is being treated correctly. For example distilled water may be recycled by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. This can reduce its erosion properties and improve its taste, however it can also damage some 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 can cause overheating and possibly damaging the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is a crucial element of a successful espresso machine. It is used to take a raw, unground bean and turns it into finely ground coffee that can then be placed into the filter basket to produce an excellent extraction.
Professional commercial machines come with grinders that can be programmed to work with different sizes of drink. This guarantees consistent results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further, automating and programmable the entire process from brewing 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 end result is often worth it. This model was awarded a Good Housekeeping Coffee Award in 2022 for its intelligent dosing mechanism that measures and distributes the right amount of coffee each time. It also comes with a low pressure pre-infusion system to ensure well-balanced extraction as well as a milk frothing wand that excelled in our test for producing thick, rich steamed milk.
Temperature
When it comes to espresso temperature plays a huge impact on the flavor and quality of your espresso. If the water isn't in its optimal temperature, it can slow the extraction process and result in the coffee being bitter.
Espresso machines that are of high-quality come with tools that help you maintain the proper temperature of your water. One method of doing this is to use an PID, which monitors and adjusts the best espresso maker temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a different way to do this. This lets you utilize one boiler for steam and tea, while the other heats water to brew temperature.
Carles mentions that these kinds of systems can make a difference for large companies and baristas working at home. They can make it easier for beginners to dial in the perfect espresso drink because they can maintain an exact temperature and eliminate some of the factors that can affect the flavor profile. It is also easier for baristas with more experience to get their espressos just how they want.
Pressure
The amount of pressure an espresso machine uses is another factor that influences the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste different based on the pressure they use, even if all other elements remain the same.
In general, commercial-grade machines use nine bars of pressure to brew espresso. These machines tend to be pump-driven, not steam-driven. While higher-pressure machines are readily available, they require a group head that is more complicated to handle the higher levels of pressure.
While you may see some espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered the gold standard for consistently great brews. These machines with higher pressure are typically less expensive and are designed for home use.
To put 9 bar of pressure into perspective, it's nearly four times the amount that is exerted by the air in your car tire. The more pressure a professional espresso maker can apply, then the better it is at separating flavor from the coffee beans you love. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that can produce the most effective results.
Barista Skills
A barista needs to be able take and process orders quickly and precisely. This is especially crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. Being able to provide excellent customer service is also vital to establishing relationships with customers and generating more business for the shop. This includes recognizing regular customers, resolving issues quickly and remaining positive and friendly even in challenging situations.
A strong ability to multitask is often required for a barista as they may have to take orders as well as operate the cash register and also communicate orders to their coworkers and respond to calls at the same time. This skill helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and ensures that customers have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.
It is beneficial for baristas to know the various styles of drinks that can be prepared using an espresso machine. This can be accomplished by researching the different kinds of coffee, testing them out in person and watching videos online. Many baristas find it beneficial to take classes offered by various organizations.