The Best Latte Pens
One of the best things about going to your local coffee shop is emerging with that mocha masterpiece of a rose or heart drawn atop your favorite hot drink. But with a latte pen, you can get the same results in the comfort of your own home. Whether you decide to work with foam, cinnamon, or cocoa powder, channel the barista in you with one of the great pens on our list.
What to Look For
We took precision, ease of use, and cost into consideration when vetting the top coffee art contenders on our list to make sure your pen meets your standards. For example, if you’re looking for the finest tip to really control your coffee contouring, then check out the easy-to-clean, double-sided latte pens by Akoak. However, if it’s more pens for one low price that you’re after, then the lightweight, three-pen set by CaLeQi is the one for you. Read on below to find more of our espresso-etching picks.
Akoak Stainless Steel Latte Pen, 2-Pack
Espresso yourself
A latte artist knows that in the world of coffee carvings, tools can make all the difference. And that’s precisely why we love this set of stainless steel latte pens by Akoak. These double-sided rods are as elegant as they are easy to use. While the spatula end helps you move dollops of foam into place, the pointed end lets you make finer details on your designs.
Pros:
- Built-in grooves hold coffee, so you won’t need to dip as often
- Works on all kinds of frothed milk drinks
- Easy-to-clean material
Cons:
- Hand-washing is recommended
Riipoo Coffee Art Pen
Sugar and spice and everything nice
Flavored coffees are a fan favorite, but if you’re not into the taste of standard syrups, why not spice up your latte with the real thing? Riipoo’s coffee art pen is an easy-to-use tool that lets you draw and write with your favorite ground spices. Simply open the back cover and load the pen up with cocoa, brown sugar, or cinnamon to add a tasty decoration to your frothy drink.
Pros:
- Affordable price compared to other electric pens
- Comes with easy-to-read instructions
- Made to be held with one hand
Cons:
- Less fine control than with a manual pen
CaLeQi Latte Decorating Pen, 3-Pack
More cuppas for less cost
Brewing at home is a great way to save money if you’re a coffee lover, and making your lattes look professional shouldn’t have to break the bank. At least that’s what the folks over at CaLeQi were thinking when they made their multi-pack of decorating rods. Each member of your family can have a go at latte art with one of these ergonomic pens, and they even come in their own handy storage case.
Pros:
- Lighter weight means more precision while handling
- Rust-resistant no matter how many times you wash
- Made of stainless steel to last longer
Cons:
- No variation in pen type
JinYu Latte Art Pen Set
It's all here
Latte art can take a while to get used to, so if you’re just starting out on mocha modeling, then you need a kit that can work with you. That’s why we chose to highlight JinYu’s latte art pen set. Though the centerpiece of the kit is the dual-sided steel pen, you’ll also get a handful of unique stencils to help guide your hand. And when your design is all done, you’ll be able to show it off in a cup and saucer with the stylish mixing spoon ready to go.
Pros:
- Pointed tip on the pen can vary the thickness of your lines
- The spiral design on spoons makes stirring easier
- Non-slip grip on the latte pen
Cons:
- Plastic stencils may feel a little flimsy
Globotech Latte Art Pen and Milk Jug Set
A pitcher perfect pair
You can be an excellent espresso expressionist, but if your frothy milk isn’t poured correctly, then your art will suffer. Fortunately, you can work on both skills at once with this set by Globotech. Made from rustproof stainless steel, the polished latte pen and pitcher in this set will guide you from start to finish. Froth your milk directly into the jug, control its pour into the mug, and then sketch out your showpiece.
Pros:
- Milk jug has easy-to-read measurements inside of it
- Available in different pitcher colors
- Both items are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Pitcher has a smaller capacity than coffeeshop milk jugs
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I practice my latte art?
If you’re just getting started with latte art, then you won’t want to waste precious beans on those first few attempts. Instead, substitute coffee for a mixture of milk and food coloring. You can then pour regular steamed milk above the colored concoction, taking your time to work on more complex designs before penning them on an expensive brew.
What are some examples of easy latte art to start with?
While a trained latte artist can craft almost anything into a foam canvas, beginner baristas can try some simpler designs instead. These include a classic heart, growing fern, butterfly, or four-leaf clover, for example. The main techniques for these involve etching small indents into blobs of milk and letting the milk follow your pen tip as you carve all the way across a cup.
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