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If your barista is avoiding the hot water spout. Rest assured, you are not alone. The hot water spout on many espresso machines draws directly from the steam boiler—making the water dangerously hot. To address this, some manufacturers include a cold-water mixing valve to lower the temperature. If your machine doesn’t have this feature, baristas often resort to other methods to cool the water, or they may avoid using the spout altogether.

Here’s a helpful tip to encourage use and ensure safety:

When preparing drinks like Americanos, have your barista dispense the hot water into a pitcher first. The pitcher offers a protective buffer while drawing the water, and as they prepare the espresso, the water will naturally cool to a more drinkable temperature. The result? A safer workflow and a more balanced, enjoyable beverage.