Wow, talking about coffee It's really a hit right now, guys! It's no surprise that becoming a barista is now a cool choice for young people. In the past, it was just a hobby of brewing coffee at home, now it can be a serious career, you know!
Well, now there are many methods for serving coffee, and cool baristas have sophisticated tools to make coffee taste even better. The more variations of coffee dishes, the more important the presence of a barista is to produce winning coffee.
Are you curious, guys, what are the cool tools used in the world of baristas? It's not surprising that many young people really want to become baristas, and if you walk around the big cities in Indonesia, it's definitely easy to find cool young baristas.
If you are interested in becoming a barista, there is nothing wrong with finding out the mandatory tools that you must master. Well, here are some super important coffee tools for baristas and are usually the mainstay weapons in coffee shops, guys.
List of contents
Grinder
Well, first of all, the grinder is a barista's secret weapon, you know! Its function is to grind coffee beans into small particles that are suitable for brewing. Even though it looks simple, this grinder has a super important role in making coffee.
Why is it so important, anyway? The thing is, the right grind of coffee beans can influence several crucial things in the coffee brewing process, including:
- Consistent Extraction: Consistent coffee bean particle size makes extraction (the process of brewing substances from coffee) even. Particles that are too big or small can make the coffee too strong or too weak.
- Extraction Time: Particle size also affects extraction time. Larger particles may take longer to brew, while smaller ones may take longer.
- Optimal Taste: The right coffee grind can help make the coffee taste optimal. Consistent particles allow the water to interact with the coffee evenly, resulting in a balanced and complex taste.
Well, there are several types of grinders that are usually used by baristas, here:
- Burr Grinder: Use two serrated discs called burrs to grind coffee beans. This grinder makes the grind more consistent and can be adjusted for different particle sizes. There are two types of burr grinders: conical burr and flat burr.
- Blade Grinder: Use a rotating knife to crush the coffee beans. Even though it is cheaper, this grinder tends to produce inconsistent particle sizes, which can affect the final coffee results.
The quality of the grinder can really affect the final coffee result. By using the right grinder and following the basic principles, a barista can make coffee with extraordinary taste and aroma!
Espresso Machine
Well, both Espresso Machines, guys! Cool coffee tools that allow us to enjoy espresso, the basis of favorite coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, and macchiato. The process is exciting, you know, hot water is flowed with high pressure into solid coffee powder. And behind the fun, Espresso Machines have a very important role because many factors, such as pressure, temperature, and extraction time, directly affect the final result of espresso.
So, there are several types of Espresso Machines that are often used by baristas:
- Automatic Espresso Machine: This machine can adjust the pressure and temperature automatically. It's really suitable for those who are learning to be a barista, because it's simpler.
- Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines: These machines give the barista more control over the pressure and extraction time. The barista must start and stop the extraction process manually.
- Manual Espresso Machine: Well, this machine really gives total control to the barista, from pressure to extraction time. But, of course, you need higher skills to be able to produce truly top-notch espresso.
By using this tool carefully, baristas can create even extraction, rich aroma, and perfect crema in a cup of espresso. The combination of barista skills and a really good Espresso Machine can produce coffee that makes your tongue wag and is very satisfying for coffee lovers. Don't forget to always clean Machine Espresso regularly, guys.
Portafilter
Ok, Let's move on to the Portafilter! The coffee tool that houses the coffee grounds and the espresso extraction process. As a core component in every espresso machine, the portafilter comes into direct contact with the coffee grounds and hot water.
The portafilter has three main parts: the head, the body, and the handle, and is arguably the heart of every espresso extraction. Well, its main role is super crucial, you know:
- Coffee Powder Distribution: The portafilter should be used carefully to distribute the coffee grounds evenly across the surface of the head. Even distribution ensures that the water passing through will extract consistently, resulting in the right taste.
- Perfect Pressure: Apart from that, the portafilter has an important role in providing the pressure needed during the extraction process. So, when the portafilter is installed with the espresso machine, the hot water can pass perfectly through the coffee grounds in the head, making a rich and really delicious espresso.
- Extraction Control: Portafilters also give the barista control over factors like how much ground coffee to use, how to distribute it, and the pressure. This allows the barista to adjust all of these to suit their taste and desired coffee style.
In the barista world, a properly used portafilter ensures consistent extraction, which is especially important in professional settings. In addition, the surface of the espresso cup produced by a well-filled portafilter is a great base for creating beautiful latte art. Even crema is the perfect canvas for visual expression, guys! And last but not least, portafilters help baristas understand the taste of certain coffee grounds and experiment with different extractions, especially for those who like to join barista competitions.
Tamper
A super important tool for leveling and compressing coffee grounds in the portafilter before extraction begins is called a Tamper. Its purpose is simple but vital: to make the surface of the coffee flat and compact, so that the water that passes through can be extracted evenly, resulting in espresso with a consistent taste.
So, why is this Tamper so important in the barista world?
- Even Extraction: Tamper really helps to make the surface of the coffee in the portafilter even. This ensures that the water that passes through the coffee grounds will be extracted evenly, making the espresso taste consistent and really delicious.
- Pressure Control: The right pressure is the key to making the perfect espresso. By using a tamper, baristas can control the pressure well when compressing the coffee grounds. So, the pressure needed for optimal extraction can be achieved.
- Professional Presentation: Espresso made with well-compressed coffee grounds will have a rich and even crema on the surface. This gives a professional visual appearance and makes our tongues drool immediately!
In the coffee world, this tamper is specifically used to make espresso. The barista will smooth out the coffee grounds in the portafilter and apply the right amount of pressure before putting it into the espresso machine.
In barista competitions or in professional settings, this tamper is key to finding consistency in espresso extraction and flavor. So that every sip of espresso has similar flavor characteristics.
And, did you know, even though it doesn't look like it's connected, a tamper can also help in creating a smooth and even latte surface. This flat surface will be a good base for making beautiful latte art, guys! Everything is possible with this Tamper.
Scales
Next, Scales, guys! A tool that cannot be taken lightly in the modern coffee world. A cool tool for measuring ingredients with high precision, from coffee beans, coffee grounds, water, to other ingredients. Consistency is the key to producing delicious coffee, and this scale is a mainstay for getting accuracy at every step of the process.
So, why is this scale so important?
- Consistent Dosage: When making coffee, especially espresso, a consistent coffee dose is very important. The scale allows the barista to measure the same amount of coffee each time, maintaining consistency in taste.
- Precision in Water Measurement: Water is also a key element in making coffee, and each recipe may require a different ratio of water to coffee. The scale allows the barista to measure the water correctly, guaranteeing the final result as desired.
- Consistent Latte Art: For baristas who want to make beautiful latte art, consistency in measuring milk is very important. A scale is really helpful for knowing exactly how much milk to pour into each cup.
- Experimentation and Recipe Development: For baristas who like to experiment with different ratios of coffee and water or want to create new recipes, a scale is the key to checking measurements and getting the desired results.
So, this scale is not just an ordinary tool, but a loyal friend for baristas who want to make coffee with precision and consistent taste.
Teapot or Kettle
The teapot is a tool that has a very central role in producing extraordinary quality and taste of coffee. This pot is not only for measuring and transferring water to the coffee machine, but also has an important role in controlling the temperature and flow of water, especially in brewing methods such as pour over and siphon.
Come on, let's discuss its main functions and advantages:
- Water Flow Control: For brewing methods like pour over, consistent water flow is key. A long, narrow-necked carafe allows baristas to control the water flow with precision, ensuring that the coffee is brewed evenly.
- Temperature Setting: Some kettles have a thermometer to help the barista measure the temperature of the water before pouring it into the brewing container. The right water temperature really influences the extraction and taste of the coffee.
- Ergonomic Design: The ergonomically designed carafe really helps baristas control the direction and speed of the water flow, which is very important for getting the desired brewing effect.
- Materials that can maintain temperature: Materials such as stainless steel or heat-resistant glass are used so that the heated water remains at the desired temperature during the brewing process.
So, this teapot is not just a trivial tool, but is one of the most important tools in the barista world for making consistent and high quality coffee. By choosing the right one, using it wisely, and continuing to practice, the barista can make the most of the pot to make an unforgettable cup of coffee for every customer who feels that coffee is special.
Milk Jug
Milk Jug aka “milk pitcher”! A tool that is no less important for a barista, here. This milk pitcher is a mainstay for measuring, destroying air bubbles, and producing perfect milk foam. Cool tool for making milk-based coffee drinks such as cappuccino, latte, and various variations.
Come on, let's discuss its functions and advantages:
- Measure Milk Correctly: Milk pitchers have measurement markings, so baristas can measure out the right amount of milk for each type of drink. Consistency is irreplaceable!
- Breaking Air Bubbles: When pouring milk, a milk pitcher is used to break up air bubbles in the milk. This is important so that the final result has a smooth and consistent texture.
- Produce Microfoam: Microfoam is a super smooth and soft milk foam texture. The milk pitcher allows baristas to create microfoam by accurately directing the tip of the steam wand onto the surface of the milk.
- Latte Art: In barista art, the milk pitcher is the main tool for creating stunning latte art. By controlling the flow of milk from the milk pitcher, baristas can draw various beautiful shapes and images on the surface of the drink.
Latte art has become a characteristic of milk-based coffee drinks. In making latte art, the milk pitcher plays a very important role. Precise milk flow and precise control allow the barista to create beautiful designs on top of the drink. So, not only does it taste delicious, but the appearance is eye-catching too!
Thermometer
The thermometer is a tool that should not be taken lightly in the increasingly sophisticated world of coffee. In the art of the barista, it's not just about cooking the coffee beans, but also about controlling all the factors that can influence the final result of each cup served.
Let's discuss the importance of temperature in the coffee process:
- Consistent Extraction: When brewing coffee beans, the temperature of the water can affect how the coffee compounds are extracted from the beans. Accurately measuring the temperature helps baristas achieve consistent extraction, resulting in the desired flavor.
- Avoiding Over-Extraction and Under-Extraction: Incorrect temperature can cause over-extraction or under-extraction. Both can make the coffee taste bitter or astringent, which can interfere with the coffee drinking experience.
- Optimal Brewing: Water temperature also plays a big role in the brewing process, especially in brewing methods like pour over or siphon. The right temperature helps optimize extraction, creating a balanced brew.
So, the thermometer is not just an ordinary tool, but is a loyal friend of the barista for controlling temperature which is very important in making consistent and delicious coffee.
Shaker
Shaker, or shaking glass, guys! A cool tool that is usually used to shake drinks with different ingredients, creating an even mixture and an eye-catching appearance. Even though it is often associated with cocktails, in the world of coffee, this tool also has a very important role, you know.
So, why is a shaker important in the art of barista?
- Attractive Presentation: Shakers allow baristas to create unique and mouth-watering drink presentations. By shaking ingredients like syrup, milk, and ice, baristas can create interesting layers and textures in drinks.
- Creativity: The shaker is where baristas can get creative and express their creativity. Playing around with ingredients, colors, and textures, they can create drinks that are not only delicious but also aesthetic.
- Menu Innovation: Shakers open the door to innovation in coffee drink menus. By shaking various ingredients, baristas can create new and different coffee drinks, which can make customers curious to try something unique.
How is the shaker applied in the world of coffee?
- Iced Coffee Creations: Shakers are often used in serving cold coffee. Baristas can shake cold coffee, milk, syrup, and ice to create a refreshing drink with layers and variations of flavors.
- Latte Art Enhancement: Shakers can also be used to enhance latte art. By shaking cocoa powder or spice powder over the drink, baristas can create interesting patterns on the surface of the drink.
So, a shaker is not just an ordinary tool, but a powerful weapon for baristas to experiment, make drinks look more attractive, and continue to bring innovation to the world of coffee.
Refractometer
A refractometer is a tool used to measure the refractive index of light passing through a liquid, such as coffee. So, this refractive index shows the concentration or density of the liquid.
In the coffee industry, Refractometers are used to measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which is the amount of solids dissolved in coffee. TDS indicates how much coffee is extracted from the water, which ultimately determines the taste and consistency of the coffee.
So, what are the main roles of a Refractometer in the coffee industry?
- Extraction Consistency: Creating consistent flavor between espresso cups is key. A refractometer helps baristas and coffee shop owners ensure that each espresso has the TDS percentage that meets the desired quality standards.
- Flavor Profile Development: A refractometer allows the barista to measure how much coffee is extracted from the grounds. This helps in creating the desired flavor profile. By understanding how the coffee to water ratio affects TDS, the barista can create the optimal flavor.
- Final Product Quality: Refractometers help coffee shop owners maintain the quality of the products they sell to their customers. By measuring TDS, they ensure that every cup of coffee served has a consistent and satisfying taste.
How is a Refractometer used in practice?
- At Barista: Baristas use a Refractometer to measure TDS in espresso extraction. The results of this measurement help baristas set extraction parameters, such as coffee to water ratio, extraction time, and others that can affect the taste of espresso.
- In Product Development: Coffee bean producers and roasters also use Refractometers to create new products. They can measure the TDS of various extraction methods to create unique and interesting flavors.
- Quality Control: In coffee factories or distribution centers, Refractometers are used to measure the quality of the product before it is sold to the end consumer. This ensures that every product shipped meets the set quality standards.
So, the Refractometer is no longer just a scientific tool, but a loyal friend in the barista world to ensure the quality and consistency of the coffee produced.
6 Barista Manual Brew Tools
Coffee lovers, now we enter the world of manual brew which is currently trending among coffee lovers. This method gives baristas and coffee lovers the freedom to control every step in the brewing process, resulting in a cup of coffee with unique and deep flavor characteristics.
The manual brew method takes us back to the roots of coffee, where coffee is brewed in a more traditional and simple way. Here, we have full control over factors such as the coffee to water ratio, water temperature, extraction time, and stirring technique. The end result is a coffee that can be customized to suit each person's taste.
Some manual coffee tools often used by baristas include:
Pour Over Dripper
First of all, let's discuss the dripper. The dripper is a loyal friend of coffee lovers that is placed on top of a cup or pot. Coffee grounds are placed in the dripper, and then hot water is poured slowly to create a magical extraction. This tool gives the barista full control to regulate the flow of water and contact time with the coffee.
Pour over dripper is not just a brewing tool, but also a secret weapon to create a cup of coffee with a unique character. This tool allows precise control of the water flow, which in turn will affect the contact time between the water and the coffee. The result is coffee with varying brightness and thickness, according to taste and desire.
So, let's enjoy every drop of deliciousness produced by this dripper, and let the coffee flow in the beauty of manual brewing!
French Press: Simplicity in a Mug
For those looking for a simple and effective way to brew coffee, the French press is the answer. Simply add coffee and hot water, wait a moment, then press gently. In minutes, you will enjoy a cup of coffee that is rich in flavor.
Chemex: Elegant and Artistic Brewing
If you want an elegant look while brewing coffee, Chemex is the perfect choice. With special filter paper and unique design, Chemex provides a truly artistic coffee brewing experience.
Aeropress: Versatility in a Compact Device
For those who travel a lot, the aeropress is a loyal friend. With a compact design and easy to clean, the aeropress allows us to enjoy quality coffee wherever we are.
Siphon: Theatrical Coffee Experience
Want to create drama in brewing coffee? Siphon is the answer. With a technique involving vacuum and pressure, this process is like watching a small show every time we brew coffee.
V60 Dripper
This tool has a hole in the bottom and requires skill in stirring techniques to create a balanced coffee brew.