How to Make a Latte Using a Starbucks Barista Espresso Maker

The Starbucks Barista Espresso Machine is one of the most popular home espresso makers on the market due to its reasonable price and ease of use. If you've received the Barista as a gift and the instruction manual is long gone, the following steps will teach you how to use your machine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Barista espresso machine
• Milk
• Espresso coffee
• Milk pitcher
• Thermometer
• Shot glass
• Flavour syrup (optional)
• Mug
• Spoon

1. Fill the water chamber with cold, filtered water and turn the machine on.
2. Prime the pump. Open the steam valve and let a few ounces of water pass through.
3. If you're using flavoured coffee syrup, add an ounce of flavoured coffee syrup to taste into the bottom of the cup and put it off to the side.
4. Now that the machine is ready, your first task is to steam the milk. Press the Steam button and wait for the light to turn green. In the meantime, fill your milk pitcher about halfway with cold milk of your choice and insert the thermometer.
5. Steam the milk. Submerge the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and open the steam valve. When enough foam has formed on the top, raise the pitcher so the steam wand reaches lower down in the milk, reducing the amount of foam created. When the thermometer reaches between 150 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit, close the steam valve and put the steamed milk to the side.
6. Press the Steam button off, and quickly and carefully wipe the steam wand with a damp cloth. Place a cup underneath the steam wand and open the steam valve to get rid of any milk that may be in the wand and prime the pump.
7. Now you're ready to make the espresso shot.
   
   If you're using ground coffee, make sure that the coffee basket is inserted into the filter head. Measure out your coffee - about 1 1/2 Tbsp. for a single shot of espresso and about 3 Tbsp. for a double. Clear any excess coffee grounds from the top rim of the filter.
   
   If you're using an espresso pod, place the pod into the bottom of the filter and insert the pod coffee pressure insert on top of the pod with the pod basket impression facing up.
8. Insert the coffee filter into the filter head, turning the filter handle as far to the right as it will go. Place a shot glass under the filter holes to catch the espresso. When the Ready light comes on, press the Brew button.
9. The espresso will pour into the shot glass. When you have enough coffee, press the Brew button to stop the flow of espresso.
10. Pour the espresso shot into the bottom of the mug with the coffee syrup. Grab your pitcher and pour the steamed milk over the coffee and syrup. A spoon will help hold back the foam. Leave enough room at the top of the mug for your desired amount of foam and spoon it in.
11. You may now enjoy your tasty latte.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that the coffee filter is inserted correctly into the filter head by pushing the filter handle all the way to the right. If the filter is not inserted correctly, the steam will push the filter out of the head creating a mess and possible injury.
• The steam from the steam wand can cause burns. Be very careful opening the steam valve.