How To Steam Milk Consistently For Espresso
Steaming milk may seem easy. However, it takes skill to achieve the creamy microfoam milk that is suitable to create a latte art or a cappuccino.
Usually, coffee baristas use the steam wand of an Espresso machine to make steamed milk. The machine will pump steam into a pitcher filled with milk. There will not be any microfoam if you do not steam the milk properly. Below we explain the importance and a step-by-step guide to help you through the steaming process.
To start off, there are two key phases while steaming milk, which are aerating and emulsifying.
What is aerating milk?
Aerating is about creating foam by injecting air to the milk surface. The texture of the milk is important to the taste. And having the right amount of foam will help to make a good milk drink.
Why is aerating milk important?
Aerating is important because it increases the milk’s volume and produces microfoam. This will allow us to create a beautiful latte art or perfect froth for a cup of Cappuccino.
When the steam wand is at the surface, the jets of steam will sound like tiny, furious whisk. Don’t let the loud noise frighten you. It just means the steam is introducing air by breaking the surface of the milk. Thus capturing the air in the liquid and giving milk its unique foam properties.
Placing the steam wand down too deep into the pitcher, the milk surface will not break. If you place the steam wand above the surface, it creates large bubbles. Either way, the milk will still be warm from the hot steam but there will not be any air injecting into the milk, meaning no foam.
Note: For lattes, we recommend using only a little aeration. For Cappuccino, you can aerate a little longer to get that decent amount of microfoam.
What is emulsifying milk?
Emulsifying milk is a second stage known as “texturing”. By texturing means mixing the microfoam altogether to create a smoother, richer, and thicker outcome.
Why is emulsifying milk important?
During the second stage, emulsifying is crucial because it helps to further stir and break down tiny bubbles in order to pour a perfect latte art. Additionally, emulsifying also helps to increase the temperature and volume.
Note: We encourage you to plunge the steam wand deeper into the milk to emulsify it.
Equipment
- A Milk Pitcher
- Fresh Milk
- Espresso Machine
Note: The milk pitcher should be two times bigger than the cup you are pouring into. This is to avoid the milk from spilling during the frothing process. Plus, it is easier to pour into your Espresso drink.
Many coffee beginners misunderstand that steaming milk is a complicated task. However, with practice and patience, you will gain excellent results. Here are a few steps for you to make it right.
Step 1: Prepare the milk in a pitcher
Fill your pitcher to the bottom of the spout, averagely about ⅓ of the way.
Note: Keep in mind to always purge the wand before steaming the milk. This is to remove any previous leftover ooze that is trapped in the circuit.
#Preparation
Step 2: Position of your wand
Submerge the tip of the steaming wand into the milk. Position the steaming on to one side of the jug with a slight angle so that your steam wand is aimed into the milk’s lower right quadrant. This is going to help create a whirlpool. Personally, we find it helps to rest the wand in the jug’s spout.
#WandPosition
Step 3: Turn it on full to aerate and emulsify the milk
Once you position your wand a centimeter or two below the milk’s surface, turn it on full blast. You should hear a small fierce “hiss” whisk sound. This sound allows small sips of air into the milk.
After two seconds, quickly submerge the wand below the surface of the milk so that it continues the whirlpool motion in your pitcher. This will help to create microfoam, and break down bubbles in the steaming process.
Until the pitcher becomes too hot to touch and has reached the temperature between 60 – 62°Celsius, turn it off.
Note: After steaming the milk, purge the steam wand again. Give a few wipes with a clean wet towel.
#Aerate #Emulsify #Milk
Step 4: Tap and swirl
To help break any remaining bubbles, tap the pitcher on a flat and hard surface before pouring. Give it a few swirls to equalize the texture. The mixture of liquid and microfoam should resemble a wet white paint.
#Tap #Swirl
Step 5: Make Latte Art
With more practice, you can make impressive latte art on the top of your Espresso drink or any other Espresso based drinks. If you are a beginner, start with simple latte art.
For more tips and tricks, head on over to Guide To A Perfect Latte Art.
