thermometer

Buy thermometers in Switzerland – for milk frothing and brew water

Temperature is one of the crucial variables in the specialty workflow: milk frothing is optimal at 60–65 °C – above that, it loses its sweetness and becomes burnt. Brew water for pour-over ranges between 88 and 96 °C, depending on the roast level. Espresso machine boilers should remain constant within 1–2 °C for specialty demands. A thermometer makes these values visible and reproducible.

Coffee Coaching Club carries 6 active thermometers from three brands – from the inexpensive Flair temperature strip (CHF 5.95) for boiler testing to the Subminimal Contactless Thermometer (CHF 32.95) for milk and brew water workflow without an immersion probe.

Types in the cluster

Which thermometer for which setup

Temperature guidelines in the workflow

• Milk frothing: Start at 4–6 °C (refrigerator), target 60–65 °C. Above that, the milk burns and loses its natural sweetness.
• Pour-over light roast (Wild Peach, Bright Cassis): 92–96 °C for maximum extraction of fruity aromas.
• Pour-over dark roast (Cozy Chocolate): 88–92 °C – avoids bitter over-extraction.
• French Press: 92–95 °C for classic cup body.
• Green Tea: 70–80 °C – too hot, the tea becomes bitter.
• Black Tea: 95–98 °C for full aroma development.
• Espresso machine brew boiler: 92–94 °C as standard range, adjustable to 0.5 °C with PID.

Service in Switzerland

For Subminimal, Flair Espresso, we are the exclusive Swiss importer. For Rhino, we have service channels through the manufacturer. Batteries for digital thermometers are standard button cells, available for purchase at any time. Free shipping in Switzerland and Liechtenstein from CHF 60.

In the showrooms in Bern (Gerberngasse 44) and Zurich Oerlikon (Hagenholzstrasse 50b), we show the thermometers in direct comparison – reaction speed and operation are directly palpable.

What goes with it

For milk frothers (suitable for temperature measurement): Milk frother collection. For milk pitchers: Barista Milk Pitcher. For kettles with temperature control (alternative to a separate thermometer): Gooseneck kettles. For espresso machines with PID: Dual boiler espresso machines, Heat exchanger machines. For brand pages: Subminimal, Flair Espresso. For beans from our own roastery: CCC own roasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I even need a thermometer?

For espresso machines with steam wands: not strictly necessary if you have experience (you hear the milk and feel the pitcher). For beginners or for specialty demands with reproducible quality: yes, a significant workflow improvement. CHF 12–33 is a very inexpensive investment.

Analog or Digital?

Analog (Flair CHF 11.95): no battery, robust, durable. Digital (Flair CHF 24.95, Rhino CHF 23.65): faster reaction, more precise display (to 0.1 °C). For specialty workflow with precise temperature control: digital. For classic home use without specialty demands: analog is sufficient.

Subminimal Contactless Thermometer – is it worth it?

For cafe workflow with many brewing cycles or home use with hygienic demands: yes, significantly. Advantages: no immersion probe cleaning, fastest reaction, easy to use. Disadvantages: CHF 32.95 is significantly more expensive than analog (CHF 12) and requires batteries. For cafes, the extra cost is worth it, for classic home use not necessarily.

Why a temperature strip for CHF 5.95?

The Flair Temperature Strip (CHF 5.95) is self-adhesive and shows the boiler temperature through color changes. For manual lever machines (Flair, Aram) or espresso machines without PID, a very inexpensive way to control the boiler temperature – without modifying the machine.

What is the optimal temperature for microfoam?

60–65 °C. Above that, the milk burns, the natural sweetness disappears, and the microfoam texture becomes coarse. Below 55 °C, the milk is too cold for a pleasant cappuccino temperature in the cup.

How do I clean a thermometer?

Probe thermometers (analog, digital): rinse with warm water after use, occasionally with a mild dish soap solution. Do not put in dishwasher! Subminimal Contactless Thermometer: wipe only externally, clean lens with a spectacle cloth.

Can I test thermometers before buying?

Yes, in the showrooms in Bern and Zurich Oerlikon. We demonstrate reaction speed, display accuracy, and operation directly. Please arrange an appointment in advance.