How To Choose The Right Professional Espresso Machine Online

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

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

It is equipped with a reservoir of water so that the barista only needs to refill it throughout their shift. It also has steam wands that are cool-touch and a hot water tap for tea.

Water

A commercial Italian Espresso Machine machine has to produce a large quantity of espresso-based drinks in an efficient manner. This is why these machines are usually constructed of stainless steel which is more robust and resistant to scratches and break. Stainless steel espresso machines also make it easier to keep clean and maintained.

A high-quality machine should have an independent shut-off valve for the water pipe, to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs will be isolated to the affected components of the machine and won't impact the remainder of your operation.

When selecting your water make sure you test it and treat it properly to ensure the best espresso machine results. For example distillate water can be refining by adding a small amount of minerals back to it. It can improve the taste and negate its erosive properties, however it can also damage certain machines. The remineralized wate will make the boiler sensor believe that the machine is full however it's not. This can cause excessive heat and damage to the machine.

Grinder

The grinder is an essential part of a successful espresso maker. It takes a raw, unground bean and transforms it into finely ground coffee that is then tamped into the filter basket for an excellent extraction.

Professional espresso machines of commercial grade 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 go one step further by automating and programmable the entire process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in Lab tests for their ease to use.

A manual or semi-automatic espresso machine requires more involvement by the barista, but the quality of the final product is often worth it. This model won the 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its clever dosing feature that weighs and dispensing the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also has an low-pressure pre-infusion system for an even extraction, and a milk frother that made rich, thick steamed-milk in our tests.

Temperature

When it comes to espresso, temperature plays a major factor in the taste and quality of your shots. If the temperature of the water is not at its ideal level, it can cause extraction to be impeded and could result in a bitter cup.

Espresso machines that are of high-quality come with tools that can help you keep the right temperature of your water. One method for doing this is to use PIDs that monitor and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a different way to achieve this. You can use one dual boiler espresso machine to heat steam and water for tea, and use the other for heating water to brewing temperature.

Carles explains how these systems can make a difference for both large businesses and home-based baristas. They can aid novices dial in the perfect espresso shot since they can keep the exact temperature and prevent various variables that can alter the flavor quality. It also makes it easier for experienced baristas to create their espressos exactly how they would like them.

Pressure

The pressure an espresso machine uses can also impact the quality of coffee it produces. Many espresso coffee makers drinkers notice that their beverages taste different depending on the pressure they use, even if all other elements remain the same.

In general, commercial grade machines utilize nine bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines are also more likely to be steam-driven than pumps-driven. While higher-pressure machines exist, they often require a more complex group head design that can manage the higher pressure levels.

While you may see espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally regarded as the gold standard for creating consistently great brews. These machines with higher pressure are generally smaller and designed for home use.

In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times higher than the pressure that is exerted by your car tire. The greater pressure a professional espresso machine can exert and the more effective it will be at capturing the taste of the coffee beans you love. This is why it's worth investing in a high-end machine that can give you the best possible results.

Barista Skills

A barista must be able to take and process customer orders quickly and efficiently. This is especially crucial in busy times at the coffee shop. Good customer service skills are crucial to build relationships with customers as well as increasing sales for the coffee shop. This includes recognizing frequent customers, working efficiently to resolve issues, and being positive and helpful even in difficult situations.

The ability to multitask is often required for a barista, as they may be required to take orders, operate the cash register and communicate orders to colleagues and take phone calls simultaneously. This skill allows them to keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and ensures that customers have an enjoyable time in the coffee shop.

It is important for a barista's education to be able to prepare various drinks using an espresso machine. Learn about the different types of espresso by reading about them, experimenting with them in person and watching online videos. Many baristas find it helpful to attend classes provided by various organizations.