When I was a barista I never had to dismantle the coffee machine. :o

Did you understand what all the hoses did though? : (

I eventually learned yeah. There's the steam nozzle, and the thing where the coffee comes out. x3

Also, are you talking a coffee machine, or a cappuccino/espresso machine?

expresso machine :0

Yeah, never had to take those apart. :o

My friend worked as a barista before! I'll ask her tomorrow when I see her on campus

thank you ;_;!

Hi there!

I was a barista for Peets Coffee and Tea for five years, and I NEVER took apart a coffee machine.

I cleaned it, yes, but we had a professional drop on by when we had problems with the actual espresso machine. We did learn how to take apart and clean the Burr Grinders though.

That's for Peet's Coffee and Tea. I don't know about other coffee shops.

Ah! Thank you! I mean. Today, there was a leak coming from the machine - I suspected one of the hoses was clogged but I didn't know the exact build of the machine and didn't want to fiddle with something and possibly break it. My boss said I should have known how the machine worked. That it was a barista's job.

This confused the crap out of me because no one ever told me this while I was being trained and I just wanted a second opinion. Thanks for your input!

I'm not a barista but I do work with various coffee machines at my job - we're not expected to be able to take apart and fix them. if there is an issue with a machine we have a mechanic come in and fix it.

LOL

Baristas dont have to know the mechanics of the machines!!

That's your BOSS' JOB.

The manager reads the manuals for basic mechanics. When something goes awry, they call someone from the company that made the machine to come in and calibrate or fix the problem.

It's your choice to learn how it works.. just ask if you are wondering. Otherwise you're not required to.

Sorry for the big LOL

I thought it was funny because I use to work at Starbucks and our machines were really old and would break alot.

♥

No worries lol. I thought that was the case! I mean, if I'd been given a manual I'd find out but otherwise I'm not touching the machine.

I work at a dog wash and coffee bar...and yes, as a barista you need to dismantle and clean out the inside of the machine. (At least in our training were were told how to and it's something you *should* know) It's good to know for maintenance and keeping the machine in proper working order. ^__^

I think it really depends on where you work and what you're told to know. :P I work at an Alterra coffee shop and we were told about it. *shrugs*

Ah - here's a different opinion. The first place I worked at it wasn't required : (. Do you know anywhere I can find out how to dismantle a machine?

I was looking back at some of your replies...and your boss wanted you to know detailed technical stuff about the machine? That doesn't seem right. I know where I work the baristas should have some knowledge of opening the machine and checking the water tanks and stuff...but if there's a problem with the hoses and inner workings...that shouldn't be your problem. Your boss needs to get a repair person in there then.
I would just talk to your boss about your concern of not knowing and what he/she'd like you to know. Say you weren't told in training and would like to know if that is what's expected of you. You'll be ok! =^__^=

i was a barista for a year or so a little while back. never had to dismantle anything, espresso machine or otherwise.