Quick guide to steam milk at home!
I have read many books, researched online and have been making coffees, espressos, and cappuccinos at home for many years, and I am sharing with you the tips I have learnt for you to get started without getting all geeky on making frothy milk.
It may not look like in the baristas, but it will taste great when you get the hang of it!
Getting started
Have the espresso machine turned on and ready to go.
Purge the steam wand (run some steam through the wand to make sure it is clear from any old milk or water).
Pour milk into the jug approx ¼ to ½ way up.
Place steam wand into the milk, turn on steam and allow a bit of air into the milk
then gently tilt jug to side to make the milk swirl in the jug and heat the milk
The milk should heat up and foam.
When the jug feels quite hot, then turn off the steam wand.
The milk should be frothed up and milk hot.
Steaming milk using a steam wand will take a bit of practice to get it right but not impossible!
Tip: milk doesn’t need to be boiling, or it will burn the milk.
Also, purge the steam wand again to clear out any milk or water and wipe it down.
If you have an espresso machine that does it automatically, you can skip this section, but I still recommend cleaning out the milk jug and steamer after use.
If you don’t have an espresso machine with a steamer, try the following options.
Heat milk in a saucepan gently.
When it starts to slightly bubble, whisk till foamy, be careful not to burn the milk.
Or
Heat up some milk in the microwave, start with 30secs in general and test to see how hot it is. Heat again if necessary.
Then either
pour it into a shaker and shake it till foamy
Or whisk it till foamy.
Or use a french press and press the plunger up and down a few times to foamy.
What to do next?
Try one of the methods above.
Then finally, pour into espresso gently to make your delicious coffee drink and enjoy!
Check out our article on
Subscribe and get updates to your inbox!
Latest Coffee Tips and Blogs!
How Do I Experiment With Different Brewing Techniques Using The Same Coffee Beans?
Discover the world of brewing techniques with the same coffee beans. Adjust variables like grind size, water temp, and brewing time to unlock new flavors. Let’s dive into the realm of experimentation!
What’s The Recommended Ratio Of Coffee To Water For Brewing?
Discover the recommended ratio of coffee to water for brewing the perfect cup of joe. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to consistently delicious brews every time.
How Can I Make My Coffee Less Bitter?
Looking to make your coffee less bitter? This article explores techniques like choosing the right beans, adjusting water temperature, and experimenting with brewing methods to help you enjoy a smoother, less bitter cup of Joe. Discover the secrets to perfecting your coffee’s flavor profile.
Is It Better To Brew Coffee With A Paper Filter Or A Metal Filter?
Discover if brewing coffee with a paper filter or a metal filter is better. Learn about their advantages, disadvantages, taste, clarity, sediment, sustainability, cost, popular brands, and tips for brewing. Find the perfect filter to suit your taste buds.
How Do I Store My Coffee Maker When Not In Use For A Long Time?
Looking to store your coffee maker for a long time? Check out this article for tips on cleaning, emptying, and protecting your coffee maker during storage.
What’s The Difference Between An Automatic Espresso Machine And A Manual One?
What’s the difference between an automatic espresso machine and a manual one? Explore the distinctions and pros/cons to make an informed decision.