• Latte artwork has turn out to be one of the vital recognisable symbols of specialty espresso tradition, popularised by competitions just like the World Latte Artwork Championship and latte artwork throwdowns.
• Pouring even probably the most primary patterns requires apply, and the necessity for costly tools usually serves as a barrier to entry for house baristas.
• Because the prosumer market grows, tools producers are growing merchandise, together with the new Aptitude Wizard stovetop milk steamer, that make latte artwork extra accessible at house.

There was a “house espresso” renaissance over the previous few years. What was as soon as the area of espresso professionals has turn out to be extra accessible to those that are prepared to take a position money and time in training and tools.

Many house baristas have finetuned their espresso, however milk-based drinks – full with intricate latte artwork – are nonetheless usually out of attain. The necessity for costly machines, instruments, and equipment solely presents a higher barrier.

Handbook espresso machines have helped bridge the hole, making high-quality espresso out there to extra individuals at house, however only a few additionally permit customers to steam milk.

To cater to the rising demand for milk-based drinks, producers are additionally making latte artwork extra accessible. I spoke to Charles Temkey and Jeff Walcott at Aptitude Espresso to be taught extra.

You may additionally like our article on how one can pull the right shot utilizing handbook espresso machines.

Extra persons are making espresso at house

Curiosity in espresso training spiked in the course of the pandemic. Authorities restrictions pressured many companies to shut, prompting individuals to be taught extra about making café-quality drinks at house.

Roasters and cafés revealed brew guides and weblog posts in response. Because the variety of on-line assets grew, espresso data that was as soon as confined to barista coaching programmes grew to become extra accessible.

This created a technology of extremely expert house baristas – or prosumers – invested in studying extra about extraction variables, greatest brewing practices, and the science of espresso.

“Specialty espresso, and its development and availability, has made individuals conscious of what a drink may be,” explains Charles, the Head of Product at espresso tools producer Aptitude Espresso, which not too long ago launched the Wizard stovetop milk steamer. “They don’t seem to be as happy as they had been with a mean cup of espresso, even at house.” 

Espresso consumption can also be rising in international locations just like the US, the place filter espresso was historically the most well-liked brewing methodology. In keeping with the 2025 Nationwide Espresso Information Developments Specialty Espresso Breakout report, 43% of US adults loved an espresso-based beverage up to now week.

Milk-based espresso drinks usually account for the majority of espresso store beverage gross sales. Cappuccinos, lattes, and flat whites are thought of a extra approachable, palate-friendly entry level to espresso. 

“A cappuccino, for instance, lasts considerably longer than a single shot of espresso, making the time spent with the drink extra pleasurable and intentional,” says Jeffrey, the Head of Advertising and Operations at Aptitude Espresso. “Add in the opportunity of latte artwork, and the expertise is elevated even additional.”

Latte artwork’s visible attraction – with crisp, high-contrast, and symmetrical patterns – enhances the espresso store expertise. A examine revealed within the Journal of Sensory Research discovered that persons are prepared to pay as much as 13% extra for drinks with latte artwork.

As customers proceed to demand higher-quality choices in cafés, the curiosity in replicating these drinks at house grows.

Making milk steaming extra accessible

Regardless of rising curiosity in house espresso, the monetary barrier stays substantial. Conventional espresso machines able to producing each high quality espresso and steamed milk require vital upfront funding. Premium fashions from established manufacturers can simply exceed hundreds, that means they’re out of attain for many individuals.

Handbook lever espresso machines have emerged as a compelling different, providing distinctive espresso high quality at a fraction of the price. These gadgets, together with the Aptitude 58 Plus 2, depend on user-applied strain somewhat than electrical pumps however supply secure temperatures and the flexibility to manage brewing variables. This permits expert house baristas to extract espresso just like a conventional machine.

Nevertheless, many include an inherent limitation: they lack a boiler and heating aspect, so they can’t steam milk.

To fill this hole, Aptitude Espresso not too long ago launched the Wizard, a professional-grade stovetop milk steamer priced at US$189 to decrease the barrier to entry.

“We got down to design and produce a stovetop steamer able to producing steam that rivals industrial machines when it comes to energy and workflow,” Jeffrey explains. “We integrated a cool-touch steam wand that rotates 270° and articulates 15° up and down. This permits each left and right-handed customers to discover a snug steaming place. 

“The Wizard additionally features a strain gauge with a marked steaming vary, so clients can simply see when it’s reached the specified temperature,” he provides.

Reaching the correct strain and temperature ranges for milk steaming – usually between 122°C and 125°C (251.6°F and 257°F) and 1.1 to 1.3 bar of strain, in line with Barista Hustle – is essential for producing silky, secure microfoam.

“The steam strain within the vessel permits us to attain temperatures almost 140°C (302°F),” Charles explains. “The dimensions and shaping of the steam pathway, in addition to the geometry and sizing of the holes within the three-hole and one-hole ideas, ship steam with near-zero loss in vitality.

“This leads to industrial high quality steam energy, that’s, on common about twice as quick, and about 50% much less diluted than steaming with a house machine,” he provides. “In practised palms, this results in a greater textured and tastier, richer milk consistency.

“The Wizard has been utilized in cafés, at latte artwork competitions by Latte Artwork World Champions, like two-time champion Emilee Bryant, and now by the 2025 World Barista Championship competitor Oscar Zuleta of El Salvador.”

To enhance accessibility, the steamer is appropriate with quite a lot of warmth sources, together with gasoline, glass high, coil, and virtually all induction stoves and plates.

“The stovetop that folks have of their house varies by geographic location, nation, and earnings,” Jeffrey says. “We wished to guarantee that as many individuals as potential may get pleasure from latte artwork at house.”

The best way to pour latte artwork at house

Creating distinctive latte artwork wants greater than enthusiasm and a gentle hand. Success lies in producing correctly textured milk, which requires each expert method and premium tools. 

The standard of microfoam – tiny, uniform bubbles that create a silky texture and permit you to pour intricate designs – relies upon closely on the standard of steam produced by your tools.

“Increased-quality steam permits a faster aeration,” Charles explains. “It additionally has the facility to maneuver the aerated (thicker) milk across the pitcher in a quicker whirlpool to encourage fast and even heating, somewhat than producing hotspots of scalded milk.

“In different phrases, extra highly effective steam permits for extra even heating, making certain smoother and extra secure microfoam to pour glorious latte artwork,” he provides.

For these new to exploit steaming, the Wizard consists of two totally different nozzles that cater to various ability ranges.

“The one-hole nozzle is right for newbie latte artists to rise up to hurry, whereas the three-hole tip maximises energy for these with extra expertise,” Jeffrey explains.

Studying correct steaming method is important, whatever the tools used. Temperature management is crucial; sustaining a temperature between 60°C and 65°C (140°F to 149°F) prevents proteins from denaturing, which might in any other case compromise each texture and flavour.

“Heating and texturing are crucial issues to apply. Emilee Bryant’s milk steaming YouTube tutorials are an incredible useful resource,” Charles says. “You possibly can then refine pouring methods over time, however reaching the correct texture should come first.”

The hole between handbook espresso excellence and full café-quality beverage preparation has narrowed significantly. For house baristas who’ve invested time in mastering espresso extraction, new product improvements just like the Wizard stovetop milk steamer are a pure complement to their setup.

Finally, getting access to skilled milk steaming capabilities with out the substantial funding required for conventional espresso machines will assist democratise latte artwork at house – enhancing high quality requirements extra extensively.

Loved this? Then learn our article on which milk is greatest for latte artwork.

Photograph credit: Aptitude Espresso

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