Could Someone Give me Advice on Balancing Espresso Extraction with Milk Steaming Techniques?

Hello there,

I have been working as a barista for a couple of years now; and I am continuously trying to refine my espresso extraction and milk steaming techniques to achieve the best possible drinks. Although; I have been struggling to consistently balance the two processes; especially during busy shifts.

My main challenge is timing the milk steaming to coincide perfectly with the espresso extraction. I find that if I focus too much on pulling the perfect shot; my milk ends up sitting for a few seconds too long, which affects the texture and temperature. Conversely; if I prioritize getting the milk just right, my espresso shot might sit a bit too long, leading to potential over extraction or cooling.

I am curious to hear how other baristas in the community manage this balance, especially under time pressure. Do you have any specific techniques or workflows that help synchronize these two processes? :thinking: Are there any tips or tricks you have learned that make it easier to maintain the quality of both the espresso and the milk? :thinking:

Also, I have gone through this post; https://community.baristahustle.com/t/breaking-drifting-crema-during-latte-art-pour-ugh-aws-devops/ which definitely helped me out a lot.

Additionally; I would love :heart_eyes: to know if anyone has recommendations on improving speed and efficiency without compromising the quality of the drink. I have been experimenting with different methods; but I am always open to learning from more experienced baristas.

Thanks in advance for your help and assistance. :innocent: