10 Professional Espresso Machine Tricks All Experts Recommend

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

This is a fantastic option for cafes and coffee shops who want to attract customers who are passionate about espresso and barista skills. It's the official machine used for World Barista Championships, and it shows.

It is equipped with a reservoir of water so that the barista only has to refill it during their shift. The machine is equipped with a tea hot water tap and steam wands that cool-touch.

Water

A commercial espresso machine has to produce a high volume of espresso-based drinks in an efficient manner. That's why they are built with stainless steel which is more robust and resistant to breakage and scratches. These espresso machines are easier to maintain and clean.

Additionally, a top quality machine has a shut off valve for the water line to avoid the formation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are limited to affected components of the machine and will not impact the rest your operation.

When you select your water be sure to test it and treat it properly to ensure the best results. Remineralize distilled water by adding some minerals. It can enhance the taste and lessen its erosive properties, but can also damage certain machines. This is because the remineralized liquid will cause the boiler sensor to believe that the machine is full, even though it's not. This could cause overheating and even damage to the machine.

Grinder

The grinder is a vital element in an espresso machine that is successful. It takes a raw, unground bean to cup espresso machines and turns it into a finely ground coffee that can be placed into the filter basket to produce an excellent extraction.

Commercial-grade professional espresso machines typically have a built-in grinding unit that can be programmed to grind for various drink sizes, ensuring consistent results each time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further, implementing automation and programmable the entire process from brewing to grinding to dispensing. These machines are often praised in Lab tests for their ease to use.

Semi-automatic or manual machines require more effort from the barista but often the results are worth the effort. This model earned the 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its dosing technology that weighs and distributes the right amount of ground coffee every time. It also includes a low-pressure pre-infusion system for smooth extraction and a milk frothing wand that did well in our tests for producing thick, rich steaming milk.

Temperature

When it is time to make espresso temperature, it plays a significant factor in the taste and quality of your espresso. If the temperature of your water is not at a suitable level, it may cause extraction to be hindered and even result in a bitter cup.

Fortunately, espresso machines of high-end quality come with tools that enable you to keep your water at the right temperature. One method of doing this is by utilizing a PID, which monitors and adjusts the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a second method to achieve this. This lets you use a single boiler to tea and steam and the other for heating water to brew temperature.

Carles states that these systems can make a difference for large corporations and baristas working at home. They can make it much easier for beginners to get the perfect espresso drink because they can maintain an accurate temperature and avoid all the variables that can alter the flavor profile. It is also much easier for baristas with more experience to dial in their espressos exactly how they prefer.

Pressure

The amount of pressure an espresso coffee machine home machine uses is another aspect that affects the quality of the coffee it makes. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks taste different based on the amount of pressure used, even when 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 instead of pumps driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available however, they require a group head that is more sophisticated to handle the increased levels of pressure.

While you may see some espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars is generally considered the gold standard for creating consistently excellent brews. These higher-pressure machines are typically cheaper and intended for home use.

In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times higher than the pressure applied by your car tire. The more pressure that a professional espresso maker can apply, then the better it is in bringing out the flavor of your favorite coffee machine espresso beans. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that can give the most effective results.

Barista Skills

Baristas must be able to accept orders from customers quickly and efficiently. This is particularly important during busy times at the coffee shop. Effective customer service skills are also important for building relationships with customers and boosting the sales of the coffee shop. This could include recognizing regular customers, working efficiently to resolve problems and remaining friendly and positive when faced with difficult situations.

Baristas are often skilled at multitasking, since they have to take orders, operate a cash register as well as communicate orders to coworkers and respond to phone calls at the same time. This ability allows customers to enjoy an enjoyable coffee shop experience by ensuring that orders get delivered quickly.

It is beneficial for baristas to be knowledgeable about the different styles of drinks that can be made using an espresso machine. This can be accomplished by reading about the various kinds of coffees, trying them in person, and watching videos on the internet. Baristas often find it beneficial to attend classes on the matter, offered by several organizations.