THE MACHINE
Each of our Coffee Masters™ contestants will be using flaunting their expertise on the Faema E71E. Blending tradition and innovation, this sleek machine is made as much for the benefit of the barista as it is for optimum extraction. Featuring a GTi control system and three individual groups with intuitive, electromechanical control panels for managing different coffee varieties, plus an external adjustable pressure setting and pronounced cool-touch steam wands that enhance both its flexibility and visual allure, it’s no wonder this top-of-the-range machine is returning to the Coffee Masters™ stage.
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BREW LIKE A PRO
With over half a century’s experience designing and creating specialty equipment, Japanese heritage brand Hario are known around the world for quality, functionality and beautiful aesthetics. They’ll be bringing their classic V60 range with a twist – look out for the exclusive Coffee Masters™ edition on stage, which you can take home for yourself. Hario will also be on hand in between rounds to show you how to perfect your own brewing skills at home.
THE GRINDER
This year we're delighted to welcome Compak to the competition, who have specialised in creating high-quality coffee grinders for over 35 years. For filter grinding the competitors will be using the all-new PK100, a dynamic machine designed as a single dose hybrid, negating the need for multiple grinders on the bar. Its 98mm flat burrs are blind (no screw holes), giving a greater cutting area and reduced retention. For espresso-based drinks, what better tool than the ever-reliable F8, fitted with "Red Speed Burrs", the Aluminium-Titanium-Nitrate coating reduces friction and improves heat dissipation, in turn optimising extraction and dose consistency. Look out for the unique Coffee Masters™ body design on stage.
BATCH BREW WITH 3TEMP
Competitors can win themselves a valuable bonus point in The Brewing discipline by successfully brewing a small batch of their chosen coffee for you, the audience, to taste. With its high-tech build, designed to integrate the methodology of manual brewing with fully-customisable capabilities, 3TEMP’s Hipster brewer will be the barista’s best friend on stage in this round. After you’ve tasted the brew, it may even be yours too.
THE PLANT-BASED
Alpro is back in a big way this year, with a brand-new look and a brand-new oaty addition to boot. That’s right, the plant-based baristas have done it again – upgrading their now four-strong line-up of Soya, Coconut and Almond drinks to include a brand new Gluten-Free Oat number. Look out for them in ‘The Order’ round of Coffee Masters™, where our champions will find out just how easy it is to work with the range, which has been developed specifically for baristas. Pick your favourite at the Alpro stand, where Alpro Ambassadors Merijn Gijsbers and Sierra Burgess-Yeo (who is also one of the Coffee Masters competitors), will be serving up the plant power.
THE CUPS
Good coffee needs a good home – all of the CM contenders’ creations will be poured into Loveramics’ meticulously-crafted cups. The British company has a clear aim: to produce contemporary pieces that are beautiful yet highly functional. Their stunning tableware doesn’t just look nice – it’s practically indestructible, made with highly-durable porcelain fired to 1300°C. Cups caught your fancy? Loveramics’ designer, Simon Stevens, will be manning the brand’s stand during trade days, so you can chat to him about the art of the mug.
THE MILK
Quality milk producer Allan Reeder returns to the festival to provide top-grade Brades Milk during Coffee Masters™. Designed for professional baristas, it’s the perfect pairing for creating latte art and complimenting the taste of each competitor's cup.
Coffee Masters™ takes place at The London Coffee Festival from 2-5 April 2020. Meet the 16 contenders and view their application videos here.