New Coffee Latte Art Machine Prints Any Pattern in 10 Seconds

Making latte art—those delicate, swirling patterns atop espresso drinks—is one of the most admired skills in specialty coffee. But it takes years of practice, steady hands, and a good eye for foam control. What if you could create beautiful, custom latte art without touching a steam wand or pouring a single drop?

The answer is the Ripple Maker: a specialized coffee latte art machine that can print any image or text onto your coffee in under 10 seconds, no training required.

What Is the Ripple Maker?

The Ripple Maker is a coffee latte art device developed by Steam CC. It combines 3D printing technology with an inkjet-like system to “print” patterns using the actual coffee crema or milk foam on top of your drink. Unlike traditional latte art, which involves free-pouring or etching, the Ripple Maker applies the design directly through a nozzle system integrated into the cup.

How Does It Work?

Using a companion smartphone app called Ripple, customers or baristas can select from a library of preloaded images, upload their own pictures, or add custom text. The app allows for basic editing, such as adjusting the layout or adding personal messages. Once you’ve chosen or created your design, the Ripple Maker receives the data and reproduces it on the coffee surface in less than 10 seconds. The result is a detailed, natural-looking pattern that mimics hand-poured latte art.

Who Is It For?

At a retail price of $999 USD (approximately 6200 RMB), the Ripple Maker is not aimed at home users. Instead, it’s designed for commercial environments such as cafés, restaurants, or event spaces that serve coffee and want to enhance customer experience through customized, shareable latte art. The company highlights the social media appeal of visually striking coffee drinks, especially those featuring unique or personalized latte art.

Why This Matters for Coffee Culture

Coffee imagery—especially latte art—is among the most shared content on social platforms. By automating the creation of intricate designs, the Ripple Maker allows businesses to offer a visually appealing product without relying on skilled baristas. “When you give someone something beautiful, they want to share it,” said Yossi Meshulam, CEO of Steam CC. “That’s the ripple we’re creating in the world.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Ripple Maker create latte art?

The Ripple Maker uses a combination of 3D printing and inkjet-style technology to apply patterns directly onto the coffee’s surface. It works with either the crema from espresso or milk foam, and the design is produced through a nozzle system that ‘prints’ the image in under 10 seconds.

What app controls the Ripple Maker?

The machine is controlled via a smartphone app called Ripple. Users can choose from preset images, upload their own photos, add text, and make basic edits before sending the design to the machine.

How long does it take to print a design?

According to the manufacturer, the Ripple Maker can produce a custom latte art design in less than 10 seconds after the image is selected or uploaded via the app.

How much does the Ripple Maker cost?

The Ripple Maker is priced at $999 USD, which is roughly 6200 RMB. This high price point positions it as a commercial device for businesses, not individual consumers.

Can I use the Ripple Maker at home?

While technically possible, the Ripple Maker is designed for commercial use in cafés, restaurants, or event venues. Its cost and intended application make it impractical for home use.

What kinds of designs can you make with it?

Users can select from a range of preloaded images, upload personal photos, or add custom text. The app allows for some editing, so designs can be tailored to individual preferences or branding needs.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Latte Art

For café owners using the Ripple Maker, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers bright floral and citrus notes with a silky mouthfeel—perfect for highlighting delicate latte art. The Guatemala Antigua provides chocolatey richness and a heavier body, ideal for more intense, bold designs. Both beans are expertly roasted to support both espresso and milk-based drinks, ensuring your printed patterns pop against a well-textured crema or foam. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.