Does anyone know if using a thermometer to steam milk is required by health code? If so, does it vary by location? I live in Dallas, TX. I am being required to use a thermometer by my supervisors. They are saying it's a health code issue.

More often than not the thermometers are out of whack and need calibrating and I usually end up steaming the milk by touch/sound.

For me, the thermometer just gets in the way. I am consistent with my milk and always hit between 140-150 degrees.

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Great if you choose to routinely use a thermometer. And agree what works for you and your shop is your and your shops business.

If saying those that don't use thermometers don't care , WRONG. Using a thermometer in no way is a meter of showing someone cares about beverage preparation or even knows how. I've seen too many people using a thermometer in sub-par shops make the most god awful screeching steamed way to hot giant bubble milk messes and serve the crap.

I care enough to calibrate not only my thermometer for training, but take the time (which is an expense out of my pocket, which is pretty damned empty as the owner not a paid employee) to calibrate my and my staffs feel, hearing and sight for steaming milk.

Fraser Jamieson said:
Myself, I always use one. I have for 40 years and don't find it to be a bother. If it goes out of adjustment, very often, just pitch it out and buy a new one.

Yes, many people can judge temperature without one...as can I...but I still like to make sure.

More to the point: it shows that I care. Often, I work with people who don't use one, and don't care. Their temperatures are all over the map.

The bottom line for me, is if what you're doing is working, stick to it.
You are 100% correct!

Naturally, I wasn't talking about you, or your shop. Hey, I wasn't talking about the baristas I meet and greet on my days off, either, when I go around trying different shops.

No, what I was talking about, was my personal experience in dealing with kids who have been trained improperly to begin with. That's where the comment "care" came from. Actually, the term "care" is used by customers who are happy to receive there drinks made well. And as it so happens...the ones I'm dealing with who "care" also use thermometers.

And of course, please remember that I'm speaking in generalities.

Yesterday I had an amazingly lovely cappuccino made for me by Sam James of Sam James Coffee Bar in Toronto. Sam doesn't use thermometers. I have no bias.

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