Asaf Rauch
A Latte Art instructor, 10-year Barista & Baristaswag.com founder
Thankfully, here at BaristaSwag, we've got the expertise and know-how when it comes to picking out the best of the best in terms of barista gear, equipment – and latte art pitchers in particular. And that's exactly why we've decided to put together a guide on everything you need to know to pick out the best latte art pitcher for yourself.
Have you ever heard of micro-foam? Just kidding – of course you have! Micro-foam gives us the optimal texture for free-pour designs, and the milk itself actually tastes pretty amazing as well.
So, how is micro-foam related to the width of your pitcher? If the jug is wide enough, it creates a small whirlpool as you steam the milk. This whirlpool creates micro-foam by breaking down the bubbles and allowing the milk to be evenly heated and very well-aerated.
However, if your jug isn't wide enough – then you'll totally be missing out on this effect, and your lattes just won't be as tasty by comparison.
(The Ada Crew Wide-Spout Latte Art Pitcher by BaristaSwag)
This is the topic of a pretty wide debate that really comes down to your personal preference. However, we strongly recommend that you aim for a pitcher that's made from stainless steel.
The main reasoning behind our recommendation is the fact that stainless steel will help retain the heat and keep the temperature consistent. Keep in mind that you're going to be heating up the milk to around 70°C (approximately 160°F), so you also want something that won't scorch your hands.
While most of us get used to how hot a stainless steel pitcher can get, if you're not comfortable with that level of heat – you can always opt to go with a Teflon-coated one instead.
While some of the other factors we've mentioned so far can be a little less intuitive - the spout is something that every barista knows about, regardless of their skill level or how long they've been in the industry.
And while you'll often hear the argument that a "real barista" can put together some of the most Instagram-worthy lattes with practically any milk jug they have on hand - let's be honest.
Having the right spout on your pitcher makes a tonne of difference (and can help even amateur baristas bring mesmerizing drinks to life).
Most people start out with a classic spout. This is because it helps us pour nice, smooth, and consistent "blobs" of micro-foam. But, if you're planning to get into slightly more complex designs than hearts or tulips, you may want to opt for a pitcher with a sharper spout instead.
All of the different spout we can choose from really help us play around with the level of control, consistency, and the shape of the pour itself.
(A fan-submitted video of a Rosetta made with the new Evo Pitcher, talk about precision!)
So having learned all about the 4 main factors behind choosing the best latte art pitcher - you might be thinking that you'll need to start building up a whole arsenal of milk jugs. With a milk jug practically specific to each of the different creations you're planning to make.
And when it comes to most of the pitchers you can find and buy online - you're not far from the truth.
But, what if we told you that you really only need one pitcher? What if there was one single pitcher to rule them all and help you create just about any latte art design you can imagine?
We've put together all of our combined expertise over the past decade to create one single pitcher that will revolutionize your approach to creating latte-art.
The Evo Pitcher features a patented curved body and symmetrical handle that allows for a universally comfortable grip, a more precise push, and a very intuitive, effortless wiggle motion while pouring. This results in a hyper-precise pour, while its sharp spout offers an amazing level of versatility for baristas of any skill levels.
Whether you're a veteran or just starting your latte art journey – the Evo Pitcher will allow you to effortlessly create any designs you can think of, from rosettas to tulips and even competition patterns.
It's time to forget about side pours, annoying wrist strain, or having to change your grip a million times - the Evo Pitcher is here, and it's going to change the way you do latte art forever!