10 Professional Espresso Machine Techniques All Experts Recommend
10 Professional Espresso Machine Techniques All Experts Recommend
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How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine
For coffee shops and cafes seeking to attract customers with passion for barista and espresso skills, this is a great option. It's the official barista machine for World Barista Championships and it really shows.
The barista can refill the water reservoir throughout their shift. The machine has a hot water tap for tea and steam wands with cool-touch.
Water
A commercial espresso machine needs to make a large amount of espresso-based drinks efficiently. That's why these machines are built with 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.
Additionally, a top quality machine will have a separate shut off valve for the water line to avoid the formation of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are confined to the affected parts of the machine and won't impact the rest of your operation.
Check your water and make sure that it has been treated properly. Remineralize water that has been distilled by adding a few minerals. It can improve the taste and reduce its erosive characteristics, but could also cause damage to certain machines. The remineralized wate can make the boiler sensor think that the machine is full however it's not. This can cause overheating and damage the machine.
Grinder
The grinder is a crucial element of an espresso machine that works. It is used to take a raw, unground bean and transforms it into a finely ground coffee that can then be tamped into the filter basket to create an excellent extraction.
Commercial-grade professional espresso machines usually include a built-in grinder that can be programmed to grind for different sizes of drinks, providing consistency in results every time. Super-automatic espresso machines take this one step further, by automating and programming 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 from the barista, but the quality of the final result is often worth it. This model won the 2022 Good Housekeeping Coffee Award for its dosing technology that weighs and dispenses the correct amount of ground coffee each time. It also comes with a low-pressure pre-infusion system for smooth extraction and a milk frothing wand that was a success in our test for producing rich, thick steaming milk.
Temperature
When it comes to espresso temperature, it plays an important impact on the flavor and quality of your espresso. If the temperature of the water is not at its ideal degree, it can result in the extraction being impeded and can even lead to bitter cups.
High-quality get more info espresso machines come with tools to help you maintain the correct temperature of your water. A PID monitors and regulates temperature of water. Double boiler systems are another method to do this. One boiler can be used to heat steam and water for tea, and use the second for heating water to brewing temperature.
Carles mentions that these types of systems can be beneficial for large-scale businesses and home baristas alike. They can aid novices get the perfect espresso because they are able to maintain a precise temperature and avoid various variables that can alter the flavor profile. It's also easier for baristas who have more experience to dial in their espressos exactly how they want.
Pressure
The pressure an espresso machine uses can also impact the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers have noticed that their drinks have a distinct taste differently depending on the amount pressure used, despite the fact that other factors remain constant.
Most commercial machines use 9 bars of pressure to make espresso. These machines are also likely to be pump-driven instead of steam-driven. Although higher-pressure machines are available, they require a group head that is more complex to handle the higher levels of pressure.
While you may find espresso machines that advertise 15 or even 18 bars of pressure, nine bars are generally considered to be the gold standard for consistently excellent brews. These machines with higher pressures are generally more affordable and are designed for use at home.
To put 9 bar of pressure into perspective, it's over four times the amount of pressure that is exerted by the air in your car tire. The greater the pressure a professional espresso maker is able to apply, then the better at extracting flavor out of your favorite coffee beans. It's worthwhile to invest in high-end machines that produce the highest quality results.
Barista Skills
A barista must be able to accept and process orders of customers quickly and accurately. This is particularly important in busy times at the coffee shop. Good customer service skills are crucial to build relationships with customers and boosting the sales of the coffee shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working effectively to resolve issues and staying positive and friendly even when faced with difficult situations.
Baristas typically need to be adept at multitasking as they are expected to take orders and operate a cash register and communicate orders with coworkers and respond to phone calls at the same time. This skill helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer and gives them an enjoyable experience at the coffee shop.
It is helpful for a barista to be knowledgeable about the various kinds of drinks that can be made with an espresso machine. You can get acquainted with the various types of espresso by reading up on them, trying them in person, and watching online videos. Baristas often prefer to attend classes on the matter, offered by several organizations.