Topic
Milk and frothers
Silky milk for a latte or flat white comes down to two stages: adding air, then spinning it into a fine texture. Wands, automatic systems and separate frothers each get there differently.
- Typical target temperature
- 55 to 65 °C
With a steam wand, start with the tip just below the surface to stretch the milk (a gentle hiss as air goes in), then sink it a little deeper and off centre to make a whirlpool that textures the foam.
Automatic milk systems and carafes do both stages for you; some let you set foam level and temperature per drink. Standalone electric frothers heat and whisk milk in a jug and suit pod and filter drinkers too.
Whatever the system, rinse it after every use: milk residue dries fast and blocks small tubes.
Guides on this topic
- Automatic milk system vs steam wandAutomatic milk systems vs steam wands: carafes, LatteGo jugs and frothers against a wand, compared on microfoam, latte art, speed and daily cleaning.Comparison
- How to steam milk with a steam wandStep by step milk steaming on an espresso machine: jug size, wand position for stretching and texturing, the right temperature and the milks that foam best.How-to
- Bean-to-cup milk frother not workingFlat, spitting or no milk from your bean-to-cup frother? Clear blocked carafe tubes, check the froth setting, use cold milk and pick a milk that foams well.Fix
Buying guides on this topic
- Best bean-to-cup machines with automatic milk for lattes and cappuccinosSeven one-touch milk machines compared by milk system (carafe, LatteGo jug or nozzle), how milk parts are cleaned, drinks menu and tank size.Buying guide
- Best espresso machines with automatic milk texturingEight portafilter machines with automatic steam wands compared by milk texturing, temperature and foam settings, grinder and heating.Buying guide