Anyone who owns or operates an espresso machine should know the importance of routine maintenance and repair. As with any other machinery, regular care and cleaning will help ensure that your espresso machine functions appropriately and produces high-quality drinks.
Knowing where to turn for help is essential if you encounter a problem with your machine. Many coffee shops and retailers offer espresso machine repair training, which can teach you how to troubleshoot and fix common issues. If you cannot find a training course in your area, plenty of online resources are available to walk you through the process.
Getting started with espresso machine repair may seem daunting, but with some patience and practice, you should be able to handle most repairs independently. Safety is always the top priority, so be cautious when working with electrical components or hot liquids. With some knowledge and essential tools, you can keep your espresso machine running like new for years.
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As per the latest NCA (National Coffee Association) survey, coffee intake is on the rise among Americans, with an average individual paying $1,100 for coffee yearly. Even though 79% of the surveyed people stated that they prefer home-prepared coffee, the demand for local coffee houses and brands like Starbucks increased, leading to a growing need for espresso machine repair technicians.
Espresso machine repair technicians can get training in espresso machine repair schools. In the USA and UK, the most famous Espresso Machine Repair schools are SCAE and IBTA, and in Italy, Espressoacademy. The cost of espresso machine repair training is between $250 and $3500.
While there is no standard educational criterion for espresso machine repair personnel, the aspirants can pursue relevant training courses from IBTA (International Barista Coffee Academy)
. Repair technicians perform several tasks, including maintenance, repair, and espresso machines at restaurants and cafes.
Glimpse through the detailed educational criteria, job description, salary prospects, and other information related to the profession of espresso machine repair personnel:
Educational Requirements
To enroll in an espresso machine repair school, you do not need any particular educational qualifications. Here, the aspiring technicians learn how to grind and extract the espresso product and do hands-on machine repair. Technicians also learn how to explain machines’ usage and maintenance effectively through this training.
Generally, technicians do not need a certification, license, or any other legal formalities to seek employment. However, having a certification boosts the chances of good employment opportunities.
IBCA (International Barista Coffee Academy) in Tempe, Arizona, extends advanced and basic-level courses for training technicians. Aspirants can enroll in these courses by appointment. For the introductory period, the academy charges a fee of $600, while the advanced training costs $1,400. The introductory course is a one-day course that delivers training in repairing and troubleshooting several coffee machines. On the other hand, the advanced course spans three days and covers the essential training topics as well as the following lessons:
- Electronics and Electrical Concepts
- Hydraulic circuits of semi-automatic and automatic espresso coffee machines
- Systems and machine resources
- Milk-frothing and espresso-making tricks and tips
The advanced training focuses on hands-on activities where trainers use commercial machines to teach about different components and the principles of hydraulics, electrical, electronics, and troubleshooting.
Besides the programs mentioned above, a five-day complete maintenance course includes one full day of field experience and advanced and basic course lessons. You will also be required to shadow an actual technician who will conduct three or more service calls for Tempe’s retail locations. For this program, you have to pay a price of around $2,800.
Credentialing at IBCA is accomplished through SCAE (Specialty Coffee Association of Europe). In addition to repair and maintenance courses, candidates may pursue roasting, brewing, and other barista skills. Though it is good to have several certifications, they are not compulsory for repair workers, coffee shop managers, or owners.
In the coming years, SCAE plans to launch specialized repair training programs. These programs will cover coffee preparation, shop management, electronics, hydraulics, preventative maintenance, and cleaning at advanced, intermediate, and primary levels.
Another option is to enroll at Espresso Academy, Italy. Situated in Florence, this academy offers a two-day training course in repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance. For the mandatory two days of the course, you will be charged $275, but if you opt for an additional third day, you have to pay $110 more. The optional third day aims to prepare technicians to service espresso machines at homes. Thacademy’s website lists worldwide institutes that provide training certifications in Italian Barista Techniques.
However, some technicians do not attend any such repair training course but receive on-the-job learning. This is an alternate option if you cannot participate in training for some reason. For this, you may have to work as a barista for some time, and once you have proved your skills, your employer may sponsor you for a certified training course.
The espresso machine repair training cost
- UK: Introductory Price £199 + VAT (7-hour course) per person
- USA: Five Day IBCA Course // $2,795 including all materials
- Italy online course: Espresso Machines Maintenance and Reparation Course 199 EUR
Espresso Machine Repair Job Responsibilities
Espresso machine technicians have a range of duties, including installing, maintaining, and repairing coffee machines at restaurants, cafeterias, and similar places. Some technicians also provide machine maintenance services at homes or repair shops. Small home-based coffee makers are generally repaired in shops that offer repair and maintenance services for household appliances like sewing machines and vacuum cleaners.
As a primary task, technicians install tubing and wiring systems to facilitate an espresso machine’s regular operation. With their technical knowledge, machine technicians regulate pressure, volumetric dosing, and temperature. Further, they select the appropriate filter for the machine based on hardness, alkalinity, and other essential water characteristics.
Regular maintenance usually involves the descaling and replacing burrs, gaskets, and showerheads of coffee makers.
Work Space
Repair technicians are sometimes required to work in congested spaces. They may also have to carry out duties when the restaurant or café is overcrowded with customers. Other times, technicians may need to travel to other commercial outlet locations to service the coffee machines. So, they must have reliable transport arrangements in place.
The technicians should also have the stamina to kneel, bend, and lift heavy machines, parts, and related things.
Salary Prospects
Depending on geographic location and other factors, espresso machine technicians earn around $15-35 daily. The pay is mostly higher in posh areas and big cities with higher living expenses. You may use a calculator like PayScale.com to compare the incomes and living costs of different locations across the US.
Conclusion
In conclusion, espresso machine repair training is essential for anyone who wants to work in the coffee industry. It can help you troubleshoot and fix common problems with espresso machines, making you a valuable asset to any cafe or restaurant. Plenty of online courses and tutorials are available if you want to learn more about the espresso machine you’re using.
After leaving Wells Fargo Bank in 2014, Daniel began a career as a finance consultant, advising companies and individuals on economic policy, labor relations, and financial management.
At Nimblefreelancer.com, Daniel writes about personal finance topics, value estimation, budgeting strategies, retirement planning, and portfolio diversification.
Read more on Daniel Smith's biography page.
Contact Daniel: daniel@nimblefreelancer.com