As technology increasingly integrates into the coffee industry, it is enhancing rather than overshadowing the artistry of professional baristas. Experts like Latte Art Champion Daniel Gerlach emphasize the importance of having the right technological support to boost productivity and improve the quality of their craft.
Gerlach has found a perfect balance between targeted technological assistance and the creative freedom of baristas through the semi-automatic WMF espresso NEXT portafilter.
“As a barista, I want to influence all the relevant factors—brewing and steam pressure, temperature, grind, and quantity,” Gerlach explains.
Once established, these parameters need to remain stable and consistent. However, coffee, as a natural product, is prone to fluctuations.
“Even I, as a professional barista, can’t always deliver 100%. In such cases, the WMF espresso NEXT is invaluable as it can make necessary adjustments when discrepancies arise, like modifying the coffee amount or grind,” he adds.
Without this advanced technology, Gerlach would be forced to manually adjust these variables, a process that can waste essential resources such as coffee and milk.
The WMF espresso NEXT also features an Automatic Milk-Dosing function, further streamlining the barista’s hectic workflow. “The machine dispenses the precise amount of milk directly into the jug. From there, I can choose to froth the milk manually or rely on the machine’s AutoSteam function,” he states.
Inconsistent milk volumes in jugs can lead to varying qualities of milk foam and, in extreme cases, overflow.
“Machines like the WMF espresso NEXT offer robust support for professionals, especially when external factors are in flux,” Gerlach concludes.
Moreover, he believes that automation can enhance coffee quality even in establishments staffed by less experienced personnel. The machine guarantees that all tasks are executed error-free, ensuring consistently perfect coffee—cup after cup.
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