5 Professional Espresso Machine-Related Lessons From The Professionals
5 Professional Espresso Machine-Related Lessons From The Professionals
Blog Article
How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
This is an excellent choice for cafes and coffee shops who want to attract customers who are enthralled by barista and espresso skills. It's the official machine of the World Barista Championships and it really does show.
The barista is able to refill the reservoir of water throughout their shift. The machine is equipped with an hot water tap for tea and steam wands with cool-touch.
Water
A commercial espresso machine needs to produce a high volume of espresso based drinks efficiently. This is why these machines are typically built from stainless steel, which is more durable and resistant to scratches and breaks. Espresso machines made of stainless steel make it easier to keep clean and maintained.
A good machine will have a separate shut-off valve for the water line to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure any repairs are limited to the affected components of the machine, and will not affect the operation of the rest.
When selecting your water make sure you test it and treat it properly to ensure the best results. For instance distilled water may be remineralized by adding a small amount of minerals back into it. It can improve the taste and reduce its erosive characteristics, but can also harm certain machines. This is because the remineralized liquid will cause the boiler sensor to believe that the machine is full, even though it is not. This could cause the machine to overheat and be damaged.
Grinder
The grinder is a vital element in an espresso machine that is successful. The grinder transforms the raw, unground coffee bean into a finely ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket for an excellent extraction.
Professional espresso machines of commercial grade typically include a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind various sizes of drinks, which ensures the same results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines go one step further, by automating and programmable the whole process from brewing to dispensing. These kinds of machines typically get high scores in Lab tests due to their hands-free simplicity of use.
A semi-automatic or manual espresso machine requires more involvement from the barista, however the quality of the final product is often worth it. This model won an 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its intelligent dosing system that weighs and dispensing the correct amount of ground coffee every time. It also has a low-pressure pre-infusion system for an even extraction, as well as an ice cream wand that was a success in our test for producing rich, thick steaming milk.
Temperature
When it is time to make espresso temperature, it plays a significant impact on the flavor and quality of your espresso. If the temperature of your water is not at the right level, it could result in the extraction being impeded and even result in bitter coffee.
Luckily, the best espresso machines come with tools that will allow you to keep your water at the right temperature. One method of doing this is with PIDs that monitor and adjusts the temperature of the water. The other way is by using a double boiler. You can use one boiler to heat water and steam for tea, and use the second to heat water to brewing temperature.
Carles explains that these systems can be beneficial for large corporations as well as baristas at home. They can aid novices get the perfect espresso drink because they can keep the exact temperature and prevent numerous variables that could affect the flavor quality. It is also easier for baristas with more experience to dial in their shots just the way they want.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso machine employs is another factor that influences the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their coffee tastes different based on the amount of pressure that is used, even though all other factors are constant.
In general, commercial-grade machines utilize nine bars of pressure to create espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam driven than pumps-driven. Although there are machines with higher pressures but they usually require a more complex group head design that can take on the higher pressures.
Although you might see espresso machines advertising 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally considered to be the gold standard for making consistently excellent brews. These machines with higher pressure tend to be less expensive and designed for use at home.
To put 9 bar of pressure in perspective, it's more than four times the amount that is exerted by the air in your car tire. The greater pressure a professional espresso machine is able to apply to the coffee, the better it will be at removing the flavor from your favorite coffee beans. This is why it's worthwhile to invest in a top-quality machine that will deliver the best possible results.
Barista Skills
A barista should be able to accept orders from customers quickly and accurately. This is particularly important during busy times in the coffee shop. Good customer service skills are crucial for establishing relationships with customers as well as increasing sales for the coffee shop. This includes recognizing regular customers, resolving problems efficiently, and remaining positive and welcoming even in stressful situations.
Baristas are often adept at multitasking as they are expected to take orders and operate a cash register and communicate orders with coworkers and handle phone calls more info all at once. This skill helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and will allow them to have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.
It is helpful for baristas to have knowledge of the various kinds of drinks that can be made with an espresso machine. This can be gained through reading about the various kinds of coffee, testing them out in person, or watching videos online. Many baristas find it helpful to attend classes provided by various organizations.