Espresso Blog

Coffee Operation Pop Quiz

As a coffee retailer, you probably have a solid working knowledge of the coffee world, as so many new products, purchasing decisions, and flavors continue to surround such an antique drink.  While your understanding is important to running a successful business, it is just as vital that your staff understands the product they are serving as well, as they are the link between the customer and that cup of joe. Here are a few basic questions that your staff should be able to answer:

How does the cost of the coffee relate to its quality?

Oftentimes, the cost of specialty coffee pertains to the...

Avoid the Common Coffee Mistakes

Freshness:

One of the biggest issues in terms of quality problems is the freshness.  Oftentimes, it is recommended that you don’t brew more coffee than you can use in 45 minutes. Brewing an overabundance of coffee and leaving it to sit on heating elements until it is gone drastically changes the flavor of the coffee, regardless of the quality of the beans.

Cleaning:

One of the most common problems is also one of the most basic: cleaning. Especially if you are switching between regular and flavored coffee, a thorough cleaning regimen is of the utmost importance, as the oils will linger and...

Choosing the Proper Commercial Espresso Equipment, by Peter Kelsch

The "specialty" appeal of specialty coffee has already been established, and consumers have now come to expect high-quality, great-tasting product.  To meet customer expectations, retailers focus on creating exciting beverage offerings prepared by knowledgeable employees and served in an ambience that is inviting.  While all can directly affect your business' bottom line, one of the most fundamental requirements to create these specialty beverages is to have the appropriate equipment. Therefore, the decision on which equipment to purchase should not be taken lightly.

Be it an espresso...

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...

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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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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