Thermometers are an excellent educational tool that will allow you to know exactly the ideal temperature for preparing a cappuccino, latte or any espresso and milk-based beverage.
And if you take coffee making very seriously, temperature and time are two very important factors you need to control, as these devices will help you ensure that your mousse or coffee is never too hot or cold again.
After all, evaporating the milk will depend on applying the ideal temperature so that the full volume, texture and shine are achieved in order to properly prepare the cappuccino or latte.
On the contrary, if you don't think it's important to control this variable, what you'll get is to heat the milk above its boiling point, thereby losing all its properties.
It is also quite common for the thermometer to be used in coffee preparation methods such as filter coffee machines such as chemex or siphon coffee machines. If you do not want to burn the coffee and get a very unpleasant drink, it will be important to control the temperature of the water.
Finally, we recommend using a barista thermometer so that you always have consistency in your cappuccino, latte and other coffee varieties, especially if you are starting to take an interest in the professional world of coffee.
Why is it important to use a milk thermometer?
Although it is common practice among baristas to determine the optimal temperature of the milk by touch and sound .
Making the perfect cup of coffee is a technique of consistency, precision and lots of practice, so this tool is an essential element for any professional barista.
By this we do not mean that the technique of using the sense of touch is wrong, a thermometer will help you get a consistent coffee every day.
This can mean that you will always brew coffee of the same quality and flavor, which is especially important if you own a coffee shop and want to make sure you serve your customers the best quality coffee possible.
It is also important to understand that milk has a lower boiling point than water and therefore how milk can react to different types of temperatures.
Having a thermometer will ensure you don't overheat the milk and lose the consistency and flavor we're looking for.
Likewise, it is important to control the temperature of the water, especially when using filtering or dripping methods such as an aeropress or a piston coffee machine to prepare coffee.
Finally, we would like to emphasize that the touch and sound technique is not a bad practice, but a skill gained over time.
That's why it's important to include a thermometer in your basic barista kit if you're starting out in the professional coffee world, as it will help you a lot to start practicing and brew your first coffees without making mistakes.