Liza Thomas's World-Class Cappuccino Speed Record
On December 9, 2018, barista Liza Thomas of Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia, achieved an impressive feat by making 420 cappuccinos in just one hour. This world record for the 'most cappuccinos made in one hour (individual)' was confirmed by Guinness World Records after a meticulous review of her attempt. The record was attempted to celebrate the opening of a new café within the Bribie Island RSL club and required immense concentration and stamina.
To meet the strict guidelines set by Guinness, Thomas used a standard commercially available espresso machine capable of pulling a maximum of four espresso shots at once. This meant she had to master the timing of simultaneous coffee and milk preparation to maintain a constant pace of seven 5-ounce cappuccinos per minute. For context, that's more than one cappuccino every nine seconds for 60 consecutive minutes. The freshly made coffees were given away to cafe-goers and the public as she finished them, adding to the pressure of the live, public performance.
Comparing Different Cappuccino Records
While Liza Thomas's achievement focused on the speed and volume of individual production, other world records have centered on different aspects of the cappuccino. For example, some record attempts involve creating the largest single cup of cappuccino, requiring a massive team effort rather than individual speed.
| Record Type | Liza Thomas's Individual Speed Record | Bonfanti-Julius Meinl's Largest Cup Record |
|---|---|---|
| Record Category | Most cappuccinos in one hour (individual) | Largest cappuccino |
| Quantity | 420 individual cappuccinos | 2,012 litres (531.51 US gal) |
| Attempted By | Individual barista (Liza Thomas) | Team of 1,000+ people |
| Location | Bribie Island, Australia | Zagreb, Croatia |
| Year | 2018 | 2012 |
| Focus | Speed and individual efficiency | Scale and team coordination |
| Metric | Cups produced per hour | Total volume of the final beverage |
The Importance of Technique and Precision
Liza Thomas's record wasn't just about speed; it also required precise technique to ensure each cappuccino met the required standard. The official record demands a specific 5-ounce (142 ml) size for each beverage, confirming consistency alongside speed. This highlights the disciplined art of being a barista under pressure.
Key aspects of her technique and process included:
- Workflow Efficiency: Developing an extremely efficient, repeatable process to maximize output and synchronize brewing with milk steaming.
- Equipment Proficiency: Mastering the use of a commercial-grade machine, including simultaneous use of steam wand and multiple portafilters.
- Endurance: Maintaining physical and mental focus for the entire hour.
- Quality Standard: Ensuring each of the 420 drinks was a genuine cappuccino with consistent steaming and pouring.
Other Related Coffee Records
While Liza Thomas holds the individual cappuccino speed record, the world of coffee records is filled with other intriguing achievements, from individual tasks to massive group projects.
Examples of other coffee-related records include:
- Most espressos made in one hour by a team.
- Largest coffee cup pyramid.
- Largest single cup of coffee brewed.
- Competitive barista time trials focusing on specific skills like grinding and brewing speed.
Conclusion
The world record for individual cappuccinos, set by Liza Thomas, is a remarkable feat of speed, precision, and endurance for a barista. Her record of 420 cappuccinos in an hour is a significant achievement in high-speed coffee preparation. While other records highlight scale or different brewing methods, Thomas's record emphasizes individual skill and capability under timed pressure. Her dedication, and that of other record-breaking baristas, continues to showcase the evolving possibilities within coffee preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cappuccino World Record
What is the world record for most cappuccinos made in one hour?
Answer: The world record for the most cappuccinos made by an individual in one hour is 420, a record set by Australian barista Liza Thomas in 2018.
Who is Liza Thomas, and what did she do?
Answer: Liza Thomas is an Australian barista who, on December 9, 2018, set the Guinness World Record for making 420 individual cappuccinos in 60 minutes.
Where did the cappuccino record take place?
Answer: The record attempt was held at the Bribie Island RSL club in Bongaree, Queensland, Australia, to celebrate the opening of a new café.
Was there a previous record before Liza Thomas?
Answer: Liza Thomas's 2018 record surpassed the previous benchmark of 355 cups.
Has anyone broken the record since 2018?
Answer: The record for 'most cappuccinos made in one hour (individual)' is currently inactive, and new applications are not being accepted. Liza Thomas remains the official holder.
What are the rules for the cappuccino speed record?
Answer: Guidelines require a standard commercial machine and a minimum size of 142 ml (5 oz) for each cappuccino.
Is there a world record for the largest cappuccino ever made?
Answer: Yes, the largest cappuccino measured 2,012 litres (531.51 US gallons) and was created in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2012.
How does this record differ from other coffee-making records?
Answer: Liza Thomas's record focuses on individual speed and volume of standard-sized cappuccinos, distinct from records tracking team speed, large single beverages, or different brewing processes.
Does the record for cappuccinos include latte art?
Answer: The speed record rules focus on the total number of quality beverages, not decorative elements like latte art.
Keypoints
- 420 Cappuccinos in One Hour: Australian barista Liza Thomas set the Guinness World Record for the most cappuccinos made by an individual in a single hour in 2018.
- Rapid Pace Required: To achieve her record, Thomas had to produce an average of seven cappuccinos per minute for the entire hour.
- Strict Record-Keeping: The Guinness record required strict adherence to guidelines regarding equipment, cup size, and beverage authenticity.
- Inactive Record Status: While Thomas holds the current record, Guinness has since made the individual category inactive, meaning new applications are not being accepted at this time.
- Largest Cappuccino vs. Speed: This achievement is distinct from the largest cappuccino record, which focuses on sheer volume and requires a large team effort.
