Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista Im now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.
I probably dont need to tell you that good coffee and expertly steamed milk is a magical combination. After all, theres a good reason why we just cant get enough of cafe lattes, flat whites and all the rest. But do you know how to steam milk at home? What about how to froth milk without a frother?
I probably don’t need to tell you that good coffee and expertly steamed milk is a magical combination. After all, there’s a good reason why we just can’t get enough of cafe lattes, flat whites and all the rest. But do you know how to steam milk at home? What about how to froth milk without a frother?
As a former barista, I’m fully aware of the challenges involved in creating really good steamed milk. I also spend a lot of time reviewing super automatic espresso machines and home espresso machines – many of which have milk frothers that don’t measure up.
In this article I’ll discuss the difference between frothed milk and steamed milk. You’ll get some DIY tips on how to froth milk without a frother. You’ll also learn how to steam milk at home by hacking your kitchen utensils, taking them a little beyond their intended purposes. It’s cool stuff, so get ready to have your mind blown!
Pour milk into a small saucepan and place the pan on the stove over low-medium heat. As the milk warms, quickly beat it with a balloon whisk, being careful not to splatter too much milk while doing so! Alternatively, you can also use a handheld frother that whisks while the milk heats up on the pan.
Steamed Milk: What’s the Big Deal?
Let me start by saying it isn’t enough to just heat milk and add it to your pour-over coffee or espresso. A lot more has to happen.
During the steaming process, air is pulled into the milk as it’s heated. High-pressure steam causes the milk fats to expand, creating a foamy consistency.
Proteins in the milk keep the foam stable, while the naturally occurring sugars are caramelized.
The resulting foamed milk is rich and creamy. It blends beautifully with espresso, working to enhance the complex flavors and aromas of your coffee drink.
If you steam milk for too long, things don’t turn out so well. Once milk reaches 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius), the proteins start to break down and the milk tastes scorched.
That’s why we should take a moment to show some appreciation to all the great baristas out there who get it right! Some of them have really mastered the use of an espresso machine.
Steaming milk well – so that it has just the right consistency and temperature – is a real skill that takes a lot of practice. Creating beautiful latte art is another thing altogether, and not everyone is able to master it.
How to Steam Milk at Home: Choosing the Best Milk
If you’re learning how to steam milk at home, the most important tip I can give you is to always use fresh, cold milk. As milk ages, it becomes more difficult to work with and it just won’t taste as good.
As I mentioned in my milk foam guide, my preference is for whole milk from a cow. There’s just no escaping the fact that the fat content in whole milk is ideal for creating excellent microfoam. Not only that, it acts as a wonderful flavor carrier for espresso as well.
Some folks will tell you that nonfat milk is ideal for steaming or frothing milk. I disagree: skim milk has less fat but more carbohydrates, making it difficult to achieve stable frothy milk foam.
You might be able to get decent results using nonfat milk, but I find it too watery and unsatisfying. The goal is good foam, not just acceptable.
In my guide to the best non-dairy milk for frothing, I dive deep into the world of plant-based alternatives. Here are a couple of my faves:
- Soy Milk is ideal for frothing at home – you’ll get mountains of milk foam, but it does burn at a lower temperature than cow’s milk.
- Oat milk is another non-dairy option to consider. I’ve achieved great frothing results with Califia Farms Barista Blend, although the oaty taste does tend to overwhelm delicate roasts.
Other popular plant-based alternatives are almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, rice milk, cashew milk and pea milk. Of these, coconut milk offers the thickest and creamiest consistency for your home coffee adventures.
How To Make Latte Art with Handheld Frother | 2 MINUTES VIDEO TUTORIAL
FAQ
Can you steam milk in a milk frother?
Is a milk frother the same as a steamer?
How do you steam milk without a steamer?
Is it better to steam or froth milk?
Can You froth milk with a milk steamer?
Steaming or more accurately, frothing your milk with a milk steamer or milk frother sounds tricky, difficult. The reality is that it is just as easy without any special equipment.
How do you froth milk at home?
This is probably the most obvious, but also the easiest way to properly steam and froth milk at home. As long as you’ve got an espresso machine with a wand, that is. Please remember to run a shot of steam through the wand before you prepare the pitcher, to clean the wand on the inside.
Can You steam milk at home?
You can also use a milk frother or immersion blender before adding it to your coffee to make your microwave-steamed milk foamy. Steaming or frothing milk at home doesn’t have to be complicated. You can do it almost anywhere you have a heat source — even over a campfire if you’re away from home! Learning how to steam milk is easier than you’d think.
Can You steam & froth milk in a microwave?
This is a quick and easy way to steam & froth milk, and once you figure out the proper time needed for heating milk in your microwave, you can repeat it every morning. The first time, though, we recommend using a thermometer. You want the milk to be about 150°F. Fill a microwave-safe container (like a coffee mug) with the desired amount of milk.