How to properly hold coffee sticks: types, description, terms of use with photos

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Real lovers of this fragrant invigorating drink are convinced that there are no insignificant aspects in the world of coffee. The smallest detail here can generate a lot of heated debate, for example, about how appropriate the use of a particular coffee accessory is.

Do you know how to properly hold a coffee stirrer? Most likely, you think that this is absolutely unimportant. But in coffee etiquette, all the nuances are essential. How to properly hold a disposable coffee stick and what varieties of this device exist? Let's talk about it in our article.

Where can I find this accessory?

In fast foods, coffee machines and roadside cafes, the traditional coffee (tea) spoon has long been replaced by a coffee stick, thanks to which the owners of catering establishments can significantly reduce production costs and at the same time improve the quality of service.

Of course, this does not apply to restaurants andexpensive cafes. In such places, the use of a coffee or tea stirrer will look somewhat out of place. In respectable establishments, the only and indispensable companion of a nice cup with a fragrant drink, served, as a rule, on a beautiful saucer, is traditionally a coffee (tea) spoon.

Although…

It is known that in some European countries coffee can be brought with a disposable stick even in expensive restaurants. It would seem that the corporate identity is being violated, and yet restaurateurs are quite understandable: in the first place for them is not aesthetics, but the he alth of visitors, which largely depends on the hygiene of the accessories they use.

What is a fixture?

This small accessory (disposable) is designed to stir sugar, cream or milk in order to get the drink as smooth as possible. Such sticks are issued by coffee machines, they can be found in fast food chains and even in some author's coffee shops.

Benefits

Users unanimously note the advantages of this accessory, which is different:

• Hygiene. Unlike traditional coffee spoons, these sticks are disposable, so experts say they pose no he alth risk.
• Ease of use. This accessory can be used no matter which coffee cup you use.

Unlike teaspoons, a coffee stick is convenientstir the drink in tiny cups. For stirring cappuccino and latte, there are special sticks, longer than usual.

About types of stirrers

How to hold a coffee stick? This question raised a whole wave of discussions in social networks, which showed that the answer to it requires a fundamental approach, coupled with many aspects of the problem. And first of all, it is important to discuss what sticks are and how they differ from each other.

What material is the accessory made of?

First of all, these devices differ in the material of manufacture. They are:

• Plastic. Such devices resemble a miniature paddle. The long handle in them expands downwards and ends with a blade with several small holes-windows that ensure uniform and high-quality mixing of sugar. Plastic coffee sticks are issued in vending machines, mobile coffee shops, fast food outlets.
• Wooden. Most often they are made from bamboo. Outwardly, such accessories are very reminiscent of ice cream sticks. They differ in equal width along the entire length and rounded ends. Such coffee devices can be found on the counters in bars and small restaurants.

About the types of coffee sticks by size and purpose

For those who would like to know how to properly hold coffee sticks, a similar accessory is also provided for stirring tea, cocoa and hot chocolate. Depending on what the sticks are for, theyare divided into several following types:

• The length of coffee sticks for vending machines is usually 90-120mm.
• Espresso coffee accessories are served with a length of 100-120 mm.
• Devices for coffee drinks (americano, latte) have a length of 140-180 mm (maximum). Elongated coffee accessories are made exclusively from wood.

Instrument description

How to hold a coffee stick correctly? In the photo below you can see an image of this accessory, which is nothing more than a plastic or wooden "spatula" with an elongated handle. Using such a stick is not at all difficult - you should, holding the accessory by the elongated handle, simply stir the drink with its lower, somewhat expanded part. Manufacturers often equip this part with special holes through which liquid passes during the coffee stirring process, which enhances the stirring efficiency.

About the inventors

A patent for such a stick, describing in detail its design, as well as the above method of use, was issued in Russia in December 1999 to entrepreneur Elena Baturina.

It indicates that the device provides for the presence of two elements - a handle and a working part. The working part is distinguished by lower sides expanding downwards with windows on the surface. The handle, according to the characteristics presented in the patent, is the narrow part of the device. The document describes in detail the distinctive features of both elements.accessory - it refers to an "expanded working part" having a "spade shape with a semicircular outer side", the presence on the surface of the working part of "rectangular windows with a semicircular side and rounded corners". It is also noted that "the rectangular handle is made with a slight bevel towards the base of the working part." The special holes of the plastic disposable stirrer reduce the resistance of the liquid and ensure quick and effective stirring of sugar in tea or coffee. Thanks to the special shape resembling a spoon, the coffee stick is quite comfortable to hold in your hand. The main area of use of these stirrers is a network of fast food outlets.

How to hold coffee sticks correctly?

At first glance, this question seems extremely simple and unimportant. Nevertheless, there are several radically opposing opinions regarding this problem. And if there are usually no questions with wooden accessories (due to their identical shape at both ends), then there is still heated debate about how to properly hold a plastic coffee stick.

Many guardians of coffee etiquette, in fact, are concerned: should the spatula act directly as a stirrer for the drink, or is it a finger holder?

About the European tradition

Coffee lovers will be interested to know that, it turns out, in many European countries they useextremely narrow side. Our compatriots, on the other hand, act the other way around - they stir the coffee with a “shovel”. Why is that?

About the reasons for the origin of the tradition

Let's explain for those who are "hooked". The fact is that abroad, sticks are filled into coffee machines in such a way that they are served to customers “shoulder blade” first. Therefore, it is for the "shovel" that coffee consumers take their fingers, stirring the drink. Accordingly, the other part of the accessory directly stirs itself. Russian consumers are guided by a slightly different logic. The wide end of a coffee stick is used by them (similar to a tea or coffee spoon) to stir the sugar in the drink.

Definitely the correct answer to the question of how to properly hold a coffee stirrer does not yet exist. It can’t be, at least not until good manners are invented regarding the use of an invigorating drink in fast foods and coffee machines.

Barista tips on choosing coffee utensils

Not only the question of how to properly hold coffee sticks worries lovers of this aromatic drink. Many of those who would like to buy this accessory do not know how to choose it correctly. For those who have set out to purchase their own set of coffee sticks (in particular for business), it will not be superfluous to heed the advice of experienced baristas:

• It is better to buy sticks in wholesale stores. Usually 250 sticks in terms of one unit costsubstantially cheaper.
• If accessories are purchased for the machine, you should opt for sticks with a length of 100-120 mm.
• Another important issue is the choice of color. It is best, experts say, to purchase a set of brown or white sticks. Inveterate coffee lovers claim that transparent coffee accessories are the least convenient in everyday life. In fast foods, they merge with the general background of dishes.
• Wooden sticks are considered ideal for baristas.
• For large volume drinks (lattes, etc.), it is recommended to use accessories with a length of 120-160 mm.
• Experts recommend purchasing individually wrapped coffee stirrers that provide each stick with its own paper "case". This automatically increases the hygienic safety of the appliance.

The question of how to properly hold coffee sticks is not considered fundamental by professional baristas. You should act in the way that is more familiar and comfortable for you. Do not just grab your fingers at the opposite end of the accessory. And if the issue is still important, it is better to choose wooden coffee sticks.