Are you the owner of a manual espresso machine or are you considering buying one, then you will need to skim milk for e.g. cappuccino.
Milk frothing is not as difficult as many people think; it just requires that you have only tried it a few times. So don’t be deterred and try yourself by following the guide below.
Whether you use skimmed or whole milk is of course up to you. However, I recommend that you use whole milk, as this milk gives a more rounded and creamy taste. Milk with a higher fat percentage also facilitates “holding on” the foam, so your cappuccino remains creamy and fluffy.
Furthermore, it is easier to make the coveted micro-foam if you use whole milk. Microfoam means smaller air bubbles in the milk, resulting in smoother and glossier milk foam.
When frothing your milk, always remember to blow steam out of the steam arm before putting it in the milk. This is to prevent any residual water from running out so that they do not get into the milk, this you need to do until the steam changes character and turns into so-called “dry” steam. Then you’re ready to skim your milk.
If you want perfect milk foam, imagine that the milk in your jug ​​has three different depth zones (top, middle and bottom). You can listen to the sound where you have the tip of the steam arm. At the top, you hear a bubbling/gargling noise that transforms into a deeper sucking sound as you go further into the milk.
The sound becomes a heavy rumbling in the middle zone, and in the lower zone, the sound becomes more roaring or whining.
During the dusk, hold the tip of the steam arm at the upper end of the middle zone so that you in between hear the sucking sound.
You will also need to have the tip in the correct horizontal position.
If your steam arm tip has 1 hole, hold it in the side of the jug and at an angle, if the steam arm has 3 or 4 holes, keep the arm in the middle and pointing straight down.
The goal is to create a vortex or so-called “spin” that folds the milk into itself, along with the air.
If this process is done correctly, it will turn big bubbles into small and small bubbles in microfoam.
It is normal to move the tip up and down at small intervals during the foaming process to stay in the middle zone.
Here’s how you do it:
With the tip in place and the steam drying, you can now open the steam valve and begin the foaming process.
Adjust your steam flow to compensate for the amount of milk you want to skim (more power to more milk and vice versa).
When the milk is frothed, you will notice that the milk starts to rise. This process is called “stretching” and that is why you should not fill your jug ​​with whole milk.
Be aware of the type of bubbles you see, if they are large and remain large, move the tip of the steam arm lower into the milk.
Remember to keep the spin in the milk throughout the foam (you may need to run the steam arm’s tip up and down sometimes during this process).
As the milk extends up to 50% from its original volume, you will notice that the temperature will be around 38 ° to 46 ° C.
At this point, you can lower the tip to the lower end of the rumbling middle zone so that you only occasionally hear the roar.
You can now heat the milk all the way up to a maximum temperature of 71 ° C.
You do not need to hit 71 ° C exactly, but you definitely do not want to go above that temperature either.
Then you risk scalding the milk and ruining all the delicious foam you just made.
This video show how to do a great milk foam, for your coffee.
We tested 5 popular milk frothers
One of the things that most people cannot do without in their daily lives is the daily cup of coffee or more.
The coffee takes place several times during one day.
You really wake up with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, you enjoy it on a busy day at work, and when you come home after a long day, look forward to a delicious cup of coffee that you can enjoy with your legs up.
Since coffee is such a big part of everyday life, it can quickly become a habit to flush it down. Instead, try a milk frother that can boost your regular cup of coffee.
With a milk frother you can turn the regular cup of coffee into a cafe latte, cappuccino, macchiato and more.
The possibilities are endless with a new milk frother that you wish you had invested in something before you even tried it.
By investing in a milk frother, you avoid having to go out and buy an expensive and sophisticated coffee machine that you might not get used anyway.
Bodum Chambord milk frother 0.25 L
If you are looking for a well-known brand where you are guaranteed quality, the model is just right for you and your needs.
With this milk frother, you are guaranteed good quality and excellent, modern design.
The model here is one of the most popular on the market, and it is understandable when you use it.
The model here is a manual milk frother, where you are free to depend on available sockets in your kitchen, but have to do the work yourself.
All you have to do is move the plunger up and down in the centre of the jug. You may be considering investing in a milk frother where you do not have to do the manual work yourself, but with this model, you will experience how easy and fast it is.
The capacity of this milk frother makes it suitable for you and your lover’s cup of coffee on a late afternoon where you can enjoy yourself.
Its smaller size makes it easy to store as it does not fill your kitchen cabinets’ bulk.
It makes it functional and easy to reach in the morning, where you can really wake up with a good cup of coffee in your hand.
This model’s benefits are many, but the design and durability of the products are mainly well known, so you can be sure it will last for many years.
The glass jug is made of borosilicate glass, which makes it extra robust and light at the same time. Also, it can withstand both a dishwasher and a microwave oven.
If you are looking for a manual and easy to operate milk frother, this model is ideal for you and your wishes.
If this model is something you want to buy, you can get it on Amazon.
Melitta Cremio milk frother 0.4 L
This milk frother is made in a simple design, which makes it suitable for almost all households. With a glossy, black surface, it is easy to clean and looks nice and neat on the kitchen table.
Its dark surface will fit discreetly on the table and will easily be stored away again.
The milk frother has a capacity of 0.4 L and is perfect if you are looking for a medium-size where the adults can get milk froth for the coffee, or the younger ones can get hot milk for their cocoa.
With this 600 Watts milk foam, you can get delicious and airy milk foam with just a touch.
All you have to do is fill the jug with the desired amount of milk and press the button. After a short while, you will have a pitcher full of soft milk foam for your warm drinking.
This model is functional as it comes with cord winding and at the same time has an automatic switch-off function.
This makes the model suitable for households with smaller children, where safety is ensured.
Caso Crema Milk Frother
If you are looking for a milk frother in an exclusive design that can at the same time keep your consumption of milk foam, then this model is suitable for you.
This milk frother is in a clean and modern design with all the details taken care of.
The model has a black-lacquered quality cabinet and a removable glass container, making the milk from easy to clean and smart to use.
With a black grip on the centre of the glass container, you avoid burning.
The glass is also produced with a non-stick coating, which prevents the milk from sticking, which has never made it easier to rinse and clean the container.
The milk frother can contain up to 250 ml, making the amount suitable for a few cups of caffeine.
This milk foam’s main advantage is that you can get both cold and hot milk foam in the same machine.
With this model, you are free to heat the milk before or after, making the process much more comfortable.
If you are looking for a milk frother where everything is taken care of right down to the small details, do not hesitate to look at this model again.
That way, you’ll be able to make a well-deserved cup of cappuccino for yourself after a long day.
Philips CA6500 / 60 (Black)
This model of milk froth can quickly and easily foam your milk so that in a short time you have full and soft milk ready for your cup of coffee.
Besides, you can also use the delicious milk froth for sweet desserts, where the foam can make a dessert lighter or more sophisticated.
With a capacity of 120 ml, there is enough for two café laughs or two cappuccinos, making it suitable for the smaller households.
This milk foam can cook both hot and cold milk foam and is therefore smart if you also want to use the milk foam for the bakery.
This model’s advantage is that it is cordless and has a larger swivel, which makes it easy to operate and move around. With a power of 500 Watts, you will have a delicious, soft mass of milk foam after just a few minutes.
If you are looking for a milk frother in a brand that you know where you know you are guaranteed good quality, this milk frother is a good place to start.
Below i added an infographic that give a little more details on how to do milk frothing.
Hope it helps you 🙂
