If you're a coffee enthusiast or a professional barista, you must have come across the term "volumetric" when exploring the world of high-end espresso machines. Whether it's La Marzocco, Slayer Espresso, or Kees Van Der Westen, volumetric espresso machines are often highly regarded by coffee connoisseurs and professionals.
In this blog post, we'll take a deep dive into what "volumetric" means in the context of espresso machines and why it matters in the pursuit of the perfect espresso shot.
Defining "Volumetric" in Espresso Terms
What are volumetric espresso machines? To understand this term we’ll first unpack how an espresso shot is created. A barista grinds a specific amount of coffee into the portafilter and packs it down with a tamper. Let’s use 18 grams of coffee as an example. The espresso machine then forces water through that “puck” of coffee at high amounts of pressure. The resulting amount of espresso is called the “yield” and might be somewhere between 20 and 50 grams.
Using their palette and perhaps electronic tools like a refractometer, the barista determines what the correct yield should be for the coffee they’re using. For our example let’s say the barista determines that the dose of 18g needs a yield of 36g.
In the past, this was an entirely manual process, and the barista would need to watch the shot and stop the machine once it reached the correct yield. Stopping early or late would change the yield, and the taste of the espresso would suffer.
In essence, volumetric espresso machines offer the ability to program and control the volume or amount of water used to extract a shot of espresso. This feature allows baristas to precisely control the brew time and, consequently, the extraction yield of the espresso shot.
For our example, the barista would then program the volumetric button on the espresso machine to push through water equal to that 36g yield, every time! The result is a consistent and reproducible cup of espresso, which is crucial in commercial settings and specialty coffee shops where quality and consistency are paramount.
La Marzocco Espresso Machines and Volumetric Technology
La Marzocco, a renowned name in the espresso machine industry, offers several models with volumetric capabilities. One of their iconic machines, the La Marzocco Linea Classic S, comes in various configurations, and some of them have programmable volumetric dosing. The La Marzocco KB90, known for its innovative technologies, also boasts volumetric controls to provide baristas with more precision during the brewing process.
Slayer Espresso Machines - Craftsmanship and Control
Slayer Espresso machines are revered for their exquisite craftsmanship and unique design. Along with manual control options, some of their machines, like the Slayer Steam LP, incorporate volumetric controls. This combination of manual and volumetric allows baristas to unleash their creativity while maintaining consistency, making Slayer machines a favorite in specialty coffee establishments.
Kees Van Der Westen Espresso Machines - Where Art Meets Technology
Kees Van Der Westen espresso machines are a perfect blend of art and technology. The Kees Van Der Westen Spirit is available in 1 to 4 groups and attract baristas who seek a harmonious balance between artistry and precision in crafting the perfect espresso.
Customize your Kees Van Der Westen espresso machine HERE!
The inclusion of "volumetric" capabilities in custom espresso machines brings a new level of control and consistency to the art of coffee-making. Whether it's the renowned La Marzocco Linea or the artistically crafted Kees Van Der Westen machines, volumetric technology empowers baristas to produce exceptional espresso shots with precision and ease. Paired with top-of-the-line commercial coffee grinders, such as Mahlkönig with grind-by-weight features, and complemented by innovative barista tools like the PUQpress tamper, the espresso-making process becomes a harmonious symphony of art and science.
So, the next time you step into a specialty coffee shop or witness a barista confidently crafting a velvety-smooth espresso, take a moment to appreciate the magic of "volumetric" technology and the skillful hands behind it. Cheers to the pursuit of the perfect espresso shot!
BREW YOUR BEST!