Espresso Blog

Alysan Phillips

Recent Posts

Decaffeinated Coffee: Coffee Minus the Jolt

For many of us, it's the highly-caffeinated cup of joe that gets our mornings underway or rejuvenates our afternoon slump. Still, there are many that prefer it's less jittery cousin, commonly known as decaf. While its existence is commonplace, few stop to think about how we get to the decaffeinated version. 

There are several methods used in reducing or eliminating the caffeine content of the coffee bean, but they are all pretty similar. First, processors use water or steam to swell the green beans, then they extract the caffeine using a solvent. Water, ethyl acetate, methylene...

Super-Automatic Espresso Machines: Fast, Convenient, and Consistent

If you are in the market for a new machine, do not stop your research short of the super-automatic machines. While they run a bit steeper in price, remember to consider what you are getting in return. 

As completely automated machines,With programmable settings that allow different drinks to be created with the press of a button, these machines can replace a highly skilled, focused baristas and fill voids in high volume cafes or in circumstances that have inexperienced operators. Automatic refill devices and cleaning indicators take much of the guesswork out of creating the perfect...

Countertop Height Considerations for Your New Espresso Machine

What you ultimately decide should depend on a variety of issues that range from customer eye contact to the health department regulations.

Standard kitchen counters are typically about 36” high, and standard bar counters are typically about 42” high.  Although either counter height will work, most operators prefer to have the machine low enough to allow visual contact with the customer if the machine is located on the front bar or low enough to allow the operator to easily see into a milk frothing pitcher while steaming milk.  This would favor a counter height of 36” or less, depending upon...

Pre-Installation Requirements of your New Espresso Machine

Whether you're in the market for your first espresso machine or looking to replace or upgrade from your last machine, there are several steps and precautions that must be considered as you prepare to install your latest investment. 

First, consider your electrical source. The internal electrical components of the machine create a high demand for electricity. It is important to understand the exact wattage requirements of your new machine and to have an establishment that can fully support it. These voltage and wattage requirements will be listed in the "specifications" sections for each...

Investing in a Superautomatic: Why Cheap is not a Viable Solution

Superautomatics are appearing fantastic to most people as they miraculously produce espresso with the touch of a button every day.  Once in operation, it’s easy to forget about them.  Then, when they break down and the supplier can’t be found, doesn’t seem to know how to fix them, or doesn’t have the part, the luster is lost.  The fact is there isn’t any such thing as a “cheap” superautomatic machine.  If you’re not spending roughly $10,000, you’re probably not getting a true commercial unit. 

The answer is simple; only buy from suppliers that provide their own service. Again, check their...

Factors of a Grinder Investment

The quality of an espresso shot involves a lot of factors.  Most people focus on the espresso machine or the quality of the coffee being used.  However, as important in the production of a perfect shot of espresso is, the coffee grinder and the quality of the unit play an equally important role.  Espresso requires a very fine, consistent coffee grind to brew correctly, and thus a specifically designed and engineered professional grinder is required. Choosing the correct size and model for speed, efficiency, and consistent quality to match up with your espresso machine and peak demand is key.

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5 Keys to Operational Success

In order to run a smooth operation, much lies behind the scene. Preparing a great cup of espresso is both an art and a science, but the final product of a well-run operation is largely dependent on a few key, strategic steps.
  • If you are not pouring 20+ second shots of espresso, you are not making espresso.
  • Grinder maintenance is key to product quality, as your grinder is cutting the coffee.
  • Brewing espresso is a culinary process. Proper training, management, cleaning, and maintenance will ensure a quality product. Do not count on your taste buds or your staff’s opinions. Use your...

Your Choice in Water isn't Hard

When it comes to the water used in the espresso process, the consideration for taste, odor, and particulate matter should not be the only concern.  While the filtration process should always be included in ice and drink preparation, it is not the only precaution that should be taken.

The use of hard water (7 grains of hardness or greater) can prove itself to be a costly endeavor, as it leads the breakdown of equipment and the further pain of potentially having a business temporarily out of operation for machine repairs. If you choose to open your business in a location that has hard water, you...

Why Shopping Local Makes Sense

Personal, reputable, efficient.

In most markets it’s a good idea to shop as locally as possible, and the world of commercial espresso machines is no exception. Being clientele of a local espresso equipment vendor provides several advantages, including the ability to take a hands-on approach to your buying process. You have the opportunity to talk to their current customers and personally view the machines they sell. Additionally, the cost of ordering and time wasted on shipping are substantially reduced, not to mention the elimination of risk you would take if you were unsatisfied with your...

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