Bloodshot Senior Member Joined: 13 May 2012 Posts: 2 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue May 15, 2012, 10:23pm Subject: Waste of time learning to service espresso machines
Been a journeyman plumber for 10 years and recently took a job as An espresso machine mechanic. I gave my notice and told my boss the position I took. He told me I was an absolute moron and was a disgrace to the trade if I couldn't learn the in's and outs of these machines within a week. Mind you, my starting wage is crap compared to what it was but I'd like to think there's a future in my decision ie: Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Second Cup, and a zillion other places with brewing equipment that needs servicing. Not only that but these things seem to be mini boiler systems with controls and the like that not just any bonehead can piss around with. I'm sticking by my guns with my decision but any opinions from people in the know would be appreciated. Cheers and much obliged.
Stuart Senior Member Joined: 9 Feb 2012 Posts: 113 Location: TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Breville Dual Boiler Grinder: Baratza Vario Roaster: Air Crazy popper
Posted Wed May 16, 2012, 4:07am Subject: Re: Waste of time learning to service espresso machines
Certainly, there's a demand -- in heavily developed urban areas. I don't know the dynamics of commercial machine maintenance, though; in another thread on this board, a would-be cafe owner was advised that the best commercial machine was the one that, in their neighborhood, had the best support program. Will you be free-lance, or attached to a company that has contracts to maintain commercial machines? If the latter, I see a continued demand for mechanics/technicians who understand the various systems that comprise espresso machines.
(the wet part is the most obvious, but superautomatics have many mechanical bits; and superautos and automatic machines have electronics ranging from relatively straightforward to fairly complex. I was advised against the home machine I bought precisely because it appears to have "no user-serviceable parts inside" [which turns out not to be strictly true] -- keeping espresso machines running is a big job.)
Posted Wed May 16, 2012, 5:17am Subject: Re: Waste of time learning to service espresso machines
I also quit a long-time position to take a job as a coffee equipment service technician. I was an airbag test technician and I grew tired of office politics and poor ethics at the company I worked for. The company I hired on with is a coffee service in southeast Michigan. We worked on our own equipment in a addition to having a service contracts with a regional chain coffee shop, a few restaurants and a large restaurant supply company.
I worked on a wide variety of equipment including Bunn, Curtis, La Cimbali, Franke, Astoria, Wega, Fetco and more. I liked the variety of work and learning about all the different types of equipment. I did not like the long hours on the road and heavy lifting. I left that position after about a year when I was offered a position with a company that concentrates on home machines. We service mostly Seaco and Delonghi, but we regularly get commercial machines as well. I still have contact with the coffee service and buy coffee from them regularly since they got their roaster running.
I think it is good to take a chance on a new opportunity. Life isn't about making a ton of money, you just need enough to pay rent and buy food. Also, If it doesn't work out for you there is always work for plumbers.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,685 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Wed May 16, 2012, 5:52am Subject: Re: Waste of time learning to service espresso machines
Well, in my humble opinion, your old boss is correct when he says there isn't a lot to learn. Espresso machines are in the lowest terms a simple temp control system and a hot water heater, that just about covers it. There are electronics on the machines but again, fairly simple stuff in the large picture of things. Most service would be changing of mechanical parts that wear and the occasional control box or two. Regular service is cleaning, descaling, changing of gaskets and minor adjustments.
Super automatic machines require a little more know how but basic trouble shooting processes should work for most of it and from what I understand, there is very little repair of faulty boards, rather it is replacement of bad boards and parts.
The above is not to say that there is no money in it or that you will find limited chances for work, I am sure there is a need for qualified techs. Only you can decide on the job options out there, the need for techs and if it will suit you.
Good luck!
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Wed May 16, 2012, 7:47am Subject: Re: Waste of time learning to service espresso machines
Bloodshot Said:
Been a journeyman plumber for 10 years and recently took a job as An espresso machine mechanic. I gave my notice and told my boss the position I took. He told me I was an absolute moron and was a disgrace to the trade if I couldn't learn the in's and outs of these machines within a week. Mind you, my starting wage is crap compared to what it was but I'd like to think there's a future in my decision ie: Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Second Cup, and a zillion other places with brewing equipment that needs servicing. Not only that but these things seem to be mini boiler systems with controls and the like that not just any bonehead can piss around with. I'm sticking by my guns with my decision but any opinions from people in the know would be appreciated. Cheers and much obliged.
Well, it depends. Having the skills of only a plumber with no electrical aptitude, then it would take much longer. If you had both, it could be done in as little as a month. This is for the basic or traditional machines with very little electronics. Once you add a complexity of different makes and models, it will take longer to learn the little different nuances between machines. Add in super automatics and no proper training, it can take months. I have been in the business 15 years, and I can say that new things are learned weekly.
In other words, there are different levels of experience brought to the table by the employee and there are different levels of needs by the employer. If you are seeking high pay similar to a unionized plumber, I would suggest you find a different career path or start your own repair business, whereby you will need to learn accounting, tax laws, customer service, pricing, marketing, and all other costs with running a business.
Sincerely, Jim Piccinich Business Partner 1st-line Equipment, LLC www.1st-line.com
"Coffee leads men to trifle away their time, scald their chops, and spend their money, all for a little base, black, thick, nasty, bitter, stinking nauseous puddle water." ~The Women's Petition Against Coffee, 1674
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