Is Steaming and Frothing Milk the Same?
Do you want a large, fluffy milk foam mound to pile on top of your espresso? Or just a thin layer of tiny bubbles over hot, sweet milk to cover your coffee shot?
Steaming and frothing milk are similar, yet there’s a slight difference that divides espresso lovers into two groups.
Essentially, both frothing milk and steaming create foam. But frothed milk features a thick mound of foam, whereas steaming milk has a finer and more delicate foam. Baristas usually call it ‘microfoam.’
If you love a lighter, sweeter taste, then you’re in the group of frothing milk enthusiasts. Otherwise, if you’re into a more watery, heavier, and velvety texture with microscopic air bubbles, you’re among the crowd of steamed milk lovers.
Steaming milk is part of various coffee drinks, such as café lattes, café mochas, hot chocolate, and French-style café au lait.
Related Post: Best Nespresso Machines: Reviews & Buying Guide
How to Steam Milk at Home Like a Pro?
It’s always a good idea to invest in a branded espresso machine coming with a functional steam wand.
However, if you find it hard to afford a fancy coffee brewer, then no worries. You can still create genuine steaming milk with nice microfoam and texturing.
How so? Our instructions include the methods to steam milk both with and without a steam wand. We’ll spill the beans right away!
Method 1: Use A Steam Wand
If you’re a severe coffee geek, you can invest in an espresso machine with a steam wand.
Steaming milk with a steam wand yields a pretty enjoyable foam. Technically speaking, the technique for steaming milk varies according to the beverage, but our steps below include the basics for this texturized milk style.
- Pour the milk into the jug.
First, you fill the metallic pitcher designed specifically for steaming with milk. Remember to avoid pouring too much because when the milk gets heated, the volume will increase. It’s better to fill in the cool milk just under the jug’s V nudge.
- Milk stretching
Next, you dip the steam wand’s tip into the milk but just below its surface. Then, start to pull the milk into the air. You’ll notice the famous hissing sound when the steam wand is running.
The time you keep the wand in this position depends on what drink you’re brewing. Generally, it should be at least 5 seconds - the minimum time for the fat to expand and create foam.
- The spin
Once you’ve stretched the milk’s volume by pulling air into it, submerge the steam wand deeper underneath the milk surface. But remember not to go too far. Aim for about ⅕ inches.
Next, slightly tilt the metal jug and locate the ‘sweet spot’ spinning the milk in an eddy. Then, integrate the bubbles fully into the rest, finish heating, and create a creamy texture.
- Polish
Once the milk reaches 140 degrees F, stop steaming it. You can gently tap the jug to do away with some tiny bubbles and stir the milk. Now, your milk should look creamy and shiny like melted ice cream.
- Pour
The next step is to split the pouring process into two major parts: gliding and diving. In the initial stage, you need to dive the milk gently underneath the cream of your espresso by pouring 1-2 inches over the cup.
When the volume inside the cup rises, move the jug close to the drink’s surface while pouring it into the drink’s center. After that, lean the jug toward the cup in order to increase the pouring rate.
Once you speed up, the milk flow will hit the cup’s back and naturally fold in on itself.
If you complete this pouring process correctly, the milk should form a smooth cloud shape. This shape is the basis of many latte arts, like hearts, rosetta patterns, or tulips.
Method 2: Use A Microwave
The barista can microwave milk to accelerate the steaming process.
A microwave makes the milk steaming process quicker. As long as you apply the proper time to heat milk in the microwave, every morning with a hot cup of joe is an easy thing.
If it’s your first time trying this method, we advise you to use a thermometer. You’ll need to keep the milk at around 150 degrees F.
- Fill a container designed for microwave-safe use (it looks like a big coffee mug) with a decent volume of milk, maybe about ⅓ cup. If you desire a rich, creamy espresso shot, you can add more.
- Heat the cup for 25-30 seconds. If you fill in a larger volume of milk, maybe ½ or 1 cup, you’ll need to heat for 35-45 seconds.
- Keep the time in mind and put in a thermometer. When it indicates 150°F, you’ve figured out the perfect time for your steamed milk.
If the temperature is too high, lower the duration by 10 secs the next morning. Otherwise, if the milk is still cold, increase the time by 10 secs.
- Pour the steaming milk directly into your freshly brewed espresso and enjoy. So there’s no need to use any complicated steam equipment or attachment.
A tip to make your hotly microwave-steamed foamier is to use an immersion blender or milk frother before adding the milk to your cup.
Method 3: Use A French Press
A French press can help with steaming milk.
A French press works exactly the same as a special pump frother.
First, you heat the milk over a stove until it reaches around 150-155 degrees F. Then, pour it into a French press coffee maker. Remember to keep the milk’s highest point higher than the lowest point of the steel filer.
Next, you pump the press’s plunger up and down vigorously and quickly to pull air bubbles into the milk while using the other hand to hold the lid down for 15 seconds.
Again, avoid overfilling the press because the milk volume will expand when steamed and spill. Wait for the milk to rest for one minute before starting to pour.
Finally, spoon the milk into your brewed coffee and sip.
Method 4: Use A Stovetop
Take advantage of your stovetop to steam milk for a mocha.
A stovetop provides you with more temperature control, but this method takes some extra steps to steam properly. Yet, we still recommend using a stovetop as you can place a kitchen thermometer directly in the heating pot and take out the milk immediately once it gets 150°F.
- Fill a pot with a decent volume of milk and put it on the heating element of your stove. When measuring the amount, one thing to note is that if you add a small amount of milk, you’ll have to continuously stir so that the milk won’t scald.
- Keep the heating element in the low-medium mode. This way, milk won’t scald easily. You absolutely don’t want burned milk to ruin your delicious cup of java, do you?
- Swirl the milk in a tender manner until it reaches the temperature of 150°F. Depending on what type of your stovetop is (electric or gas), this step can take 1-3 minutes.
- After that, remove the steamed milk out of the hob and pour it into your brewed coffee.
Please note, if you struggle to deter the milk from scalding too quickly, then a dual-boiler can be of great assistance.
All you need is two pots, one a bit larger than the latter. Pour some water into the larger one, and boil it to a gentle temperature. Next, fill the smaller pot with milk and put it on top of the larger one. Then, stir in a gentle manner until it gets a temperature of 150°F.
What is the Best Type of Milk?
One of the most important things to steaming perfect milk for your latte is the milk’s freshness. Always use cold, fresh milk - literally the freshest in your fridge.
Once the milk reaches the best-by date, its ability to create foam (either a huge frothy head or microfoam) deteriorates.
There are so many things you can do with this milk, like baking, making chocolate milk, or adding to your cereal. But it never gives you the desired result when it comes to cappuccino coffee unless it’s thoroughly fresh.
Just like when you buy coffee beans, you’ll only grab as much as you are likely to consume in one week.
Plus, the milk’s fat content affects texture and flavor. If you’re into a lot of stuff bubbles and foam, 2% milk or skim milk is an ideal option. The fairly higher the protein content that creates bubbles retaining their air, the higher the sugar proportion that offers some extra sweetness.
Besides, the extra butterfat delivers a creamier, thicker consistency. Your foam can still get tons of loft, though it’ll require more effort to achieve. So if you want a super light microfoam layer to cover the top of your steamed milk, whole milk is the way to go.
In terms of plant-based milk, dairy milk burns at a higher temperature than soy milk, whereas coconut milk contains a higher fat content, making it extremely creamy. Coconut milk also gives your latte, cappuccino, or flat white a hint of tropical flavor.
All in all, non-fat milk, whole milk, lactose-free milk, 2% milk, and organic milk will deliver a fantastic result for your sweet coffee. Meanwhile, steamed soy milk, coconut milk, rice milk, and almond milk are perfect for dairy latte alternatives.
The Takeaway
Steamed milk is the soul of a rich, creamy joe, and steaming milk is an art.
Believe us; barista-quality foam is not hard to achieve. As long as you’re passionate and devote time to practicing the methods, then you can start every morning with a cup of perfect milk espresso-based beverage.
Learn to steam milk at home easily with the four techniques we’ve shown you. No complicated equipment or intense knowledge at all. Just you, milk, coffee, and a heat source!
So, are you ready to make yourself a delicious gourmet latte?
