The cafe coffee machine is more than just a hospitality tool - it has transformed how people enjoy their morning cup of coffee. New machine technology has elevated coffee brewing to artistry, allowing baristas to create complex and nuanced flavours with greater efficiency, quality and consistency. Let's delve into how these machines have elevated hospitality and the consumer
coffee experience.
Complex and nuanced flavours
The modern cafe coffee machine has revolutionised coffee-making, enabling baristas to craft complex and nuanced flavours. Modern machines provide precise pressure and temperature control, allowing for the extraction of flavours from coffee beans with the utmost precision.
Peter Dorkota, our Barista Trainer at Lavazza Australia, says the modern machine has empowered baristas to wield the power of flavour.
"Modern coffee machines and grinders have given baristas more control than ever before over every stage and parameter of brewing espresso. Customisation of recipes has never been easier, as most of these can now be adjusted with ease, and in many cases, automated."
Specifically, Peter notes that "modern equipment often comes equipped with adjustable parameters, including grind size, water flow rate, and pre-infusion time". These features allow baristas to fine-tune each element of the brewing process and extract previously unattainable flavours.
Pressure and temperature profiling are also standard in modern machines, allowing baristas to bring out distinct notes, balance acidity, and intensify aromas - crafting extraordinary flavours that cater to the discerning coffee aficionado.
A form of artistry
Cafe coffee machines have transformed coffee brewing into art, empowering baristas to show their expertise, experiment with flavours and showcase their creativity.
Whether it's the delicacy of pour-over coffee, the intense extraction of espresso or the slow immersion of a French press, each brewing method is unique and requires unique skills and training to master.
Espresso machine aesthetics also contribute to the artistry of coffee brewing. Modern machines often feature sleek designs, elegant displays and thoughtful details that enhance the overall visual appeal of the coffee-making process.
Peter agrees, and says that machines are just as much an artistic statement as the beverages
they brew.
"Long gone are the days of box-shaped, cumbersome machines. In many ways, espresso machines have become artistic statements that are often customised to be the centrepiece of a cafe."
High-quality coffee in every cup
The cafe coffee machine has become an exemplar for serving consistent, high-quality coffee in every cup. With precise temperature and pressure controls, baristas can ensure that each brewing cycle delivers consistent results.
Peter explains that thermal stability has long been recognised as the key to consistent and optimal extractions from bean-to-cup.
"Since the dawn of espresso, baristas have recognised the importance of thermal stability. Multi-boiler machines now offer unparalleled flexibility and consistency, allowing baristas to set and maintain temperatures to a tenth of a degree.
"Simple volumetric dosing has also become a standard, and has further evolved with gravimetric machines with in-built scales in drip trays to further increase consistency cup-to-cup."
Catering for broader tastes
The espresso coffee machine also offers greater beverage customisation. Whether it's a bold espresso shot, a smooth cappuccino, or a larger serving size, customers can enjoy a coffee tailored to their palette - creating a more inclusive and satisfying experience for more taste buds.
Peter says "there's a myriad of options for baristas looking to brew the perfect cup."
"Many machines can now also brew filter coffee, which traditionally required a separate space on coffee bars. Parameters and recipes are infinitely customisable on many machines. Even if the barista is working with multiple coffee offerings, each can be extracted optimally at the touch of a button, without requiring adjustment between beverages.
Integration, efficiency and quality
The integration of technology has revolutionised the efficiency and quality of coffee brewing. Advanced machines feature intuitive touchscreen interfaces that allow for easy control and adjustment of brewing parameters. This automation saves time and enhances accuracy, resulting in a higher quality end-product for patrons.
Connectivity and smart features have also turned these machines into intelligent brewing tools. Integrated Wi-Fi and cloud connectivity enable remote monitoring and control. When implemented correctly, a barista can manage multiple machines from a central system and get insights into brewing performance and usage patterns. In short, coffee brewing is now as much a science as art.
Transforming the morning cup
Cafe coffee machines have transformed the coffee industry and elevated how people enjoy their morning cup. The integration of technology has propelled this transformation, with advanced features allowing for greater convenience, consistency and a range of beverages to suit all tastebuds. In a world of innovation and ever-evolving consumer expectations, one cannot help but wonder about the next groundbreaking advancement and how it will continue to shape our coffee culture.
At Lavazza, we offer an extensive coffee machine portfolio and a long list of quality coffee options. Everything we do at Lavazza demonstrates our clear commitment to product excellence, sustainable agriculture and support for businesses and communities globally. Learn more about how Lavazza can support your independent cafe.