10 Professional Espresso Machine Tricks All Experts Recommend

· 4 min read
10 Professional Espresso Machine Tricks All Experts Recommend

How to Build a Professional Espresso Machine

For cafes and coffee shops that want to attract customers with passion for barista and espresso skills, This is a great option. It's the official machine for World Barista Championships and it really does show.

The barista can refill the reservoir with water throughout their shift. The machine is equipped with a tea hot water tap and steam wands with cool-touch.

Water

A commercial espresso machine is required to make a large amount of espresso-based drinks in an efficient manner. That's why these machines are typically built from stainless steel, which is more durable and resistant to breakage and scratches. Espresso machines are also easier to maintain and keep clean.

Finally, a high-quality machine will have a separate shut off valve for the water line, to prevent the build-up of limescale. This will ensure that any repairs are isolated to the affected components of the machine and won't impact the rest of your operation.

When you select your water, make sure to 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 to it. It can enhance the taste and lessen its erosive properties, however it can also damage certain machines. The remineralized wate can make the boiler sensor think that the machine is full and it isn't. This can cause excessive heat and damage to the machine.

Grinder

The grinder is an essential element in an espresso machine that works. The grinder transforms an unground, raw coffee bean into a finely-ground coffee which can be tamped correctly into the filter basket for an efficient 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 machine s go one step further, implementing automation and programmable the whole process from brewing to dispensing. These machines are frequently praised in 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 final result is usually 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 every time. It also comes with an low-pressure pre-infusion system for well-balanced extraction, as well as a milk frother that produced dense, thick steamed milk during our tests.

Temperature

When it comes to espresso temperature, it plays a significant factor in the taste and quality of your coffee. If the water isn't at its ideal temperature, it can affect extraction and can cause an unpleasant cup of coffee.

Fortunately, top-quality espresso machines come with tools that will allow you to keep your water at the right temperature. A PID monitors and regulates the temperature of the water. Double boiler systems are a different way to achieve this. This lets you make use of one boiler for steam and tea and the other for heating water to the right temperature for brewing.

Carles states that these kinds of systems can make a difference for large corporations and baristas at home alike. They can assist novices to dial in the perfect espresso drink because they can keep a precise temperature and avoid several variables that can affect the flavor of the flavor. It helps experienced baristas to get their shots exactly the way they would like them.

Pressure

The pressure an espresso maker uses is another factor that affects the quality of the coffee it produces. Many espresso drinkers notice that their beverages taste different based on the amount of pressure that is used, even though all other factors remain constant.

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 there are higher-pressure machines, they often require a more complicated group head design that can manage the higher pressure levels.

While some espresso machines advertise 15 or 18 bars of pressure in their machines nine bars are usually considered to be the standard for making consistently excellent espressos. These machines with higher pressure are generally cheaper and intended to be used at home.

In comparison, 9 bars of pressure is four times more than the pressure that is exerted by your car tire. The more pressure a professional espresso machine is able to apply, the better it will be at extracting flavor from the coffee beans you love. It's worth investing in a premium machine that can give you the best results.

Barista Skills

A barista must be able to take and process customer orders quickly and efficiently. This is particularly crucial during busy times in the coffee shop. Excellent customer service skills are also important for building relationships with customers as well as increasing sales for the coffee shop. This includes acknowledging regular customers, working efficiently to resolve issues, and being positive and helpful even in challenging circumstances.

Baristas are often able to multitask, as they are required to take orders and operate a cash register as well as communicate orders to coworkers and respond to phone calls at the same time. This ability helps keep orders moving quickly to the customer, and allows them to have a pleasant experience in the coffee shop.


It is essential for baristas to know the various types of drinks that can be prepared by an espresso machine. This can be learned by researching the different kinds of coffees, trying them in person, and watching videos on the internet. Many baristas find it beneficial to attend classes offered by various organizations.