6 Ways To Steam Milk Like A Pro Barista

Many regard baristas as one might think of an artist, as they can create memorable moments with exquisite drinks. But while this may seem beyond your skillset, you can steam milk like a pro without any specialized machinery. So how can you steam milk at home?

To steam or froth milk at home, you’ll need a hotplate, microwave, steam wand, and items like a mason jar or a French press. Then you will need to heat it to 140 before working with it. Also, steamed and frothed milk are not the same thing.

While your options depend on your budget and passion for the craft, there is no need to spend a fortune to steam milk effectively. Instead, let’s look at various options allowing you to steam milk in the comfort of your home.

How to Steam Milk at Home (Without a Steam Wand)

Mature woman busy making her morning cup of coffee at home

First, we look at the options for steaming milk that require no special tools. Our best options are to steam milk using a hot plate or microwave. 

Hot Plate (Stovetop)

Contrary to popular opinion, you do not need a steam wand to steam milk on a hot plate. However, if you have an electric-powered whisk, you can get a great froth with this simple method:

  1. Pour milk into a small saucepan. Only fill the saucepan to about half at most.
  1. Bring the milk to 140 °F. If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, ensure that the milk is hot but not so hot that it feels like it may burn your finger.
  1. Turn your electric whisk onto the medium/full power setting. Insert the whisk into the saucepan at as low an angle as possible.
  1. Continue to whisk the milk until you have a light, fluffy layer of froth.
  1. Scoop the froth layer into the dispenser of your choice. Add a small amount of the remaining heated milk to your preference.

Note: It is nearly impossible to steam the entire saucepan’s milk into a froth. A layer of milk will remain liquid.

Microwave

A microwave is one of the quickest methods of steaming milk at home without special tools. All you need is a microwave-safe jar with a lid:

  1. Add milk to the microwave-safe jar. Leave a minimum space of an inch from the rim (regardless of the size of the jar).
  1. Set the microwave to full power. If your microwave is higher than a 900w model, select medium instead.
  1. Set the timer on your microwave to 20 to 30 seconds. If the milk needs more time to froth, adjust the increments by 10 seconds.
  1. Use protective mitts to take the jar from the microwave and remove the lid.
  1. Preheat a large spoon under your kitchen sink using the hot water faucet. Use the heated spoon to scoop the froth from the jar into the dispenser of your choice.

Note: steamed milk cools down much faster in a jar than on a stovetop. Therefore, it is best to use the heated spoon so that you don’t accelerate the froth cooling. 

How to Steam Milk with a Steam Wand

Should you have access to a steam wand, you can easily and quickly steam and froth milk in seconds. 

  1. Select an appropriate container. The milk will warm up rapidly, so use a less heat-conductive container if possible (avoid stainless steel, aluminum, etc.).
  1. Insert the steam wand into the container as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The deeper the wand gets placed beneath the surface layer of the milk, the finer the foam.
  1. Pour the contents of the container into the dispenser of your choice.

How to Steam Milk with an Automatic Frother

There should be more clarity about the difference between a steam wand and an automatic steamer. Unfortunately, manufacturers of handheld steam wands misuse the term, although not necessarily inaccurately. 

When we speak of an automatic steamer, we refer to the specialized device that resembles a small kettle. This device is ’automatic’ because the whole process of steaming the milk is automated. The only instruction that you need is that included by the manufacturer.

Best Practices for Heating Milk

According to the SCA (Speciality Coffee Association), one should heat milk intended for steaming to 139-149°F, or an absolute maximum of 158°F.

Note: The ideal temperature depends on the type of milk that you use.

Next, let’s look at the best tools for steaming milk at home.

At-Home Tools for Frothing Steamed Milk 

Modern milk frother device and cup on table

Handheld Frother

The handheld frother (on Amazon) is an easy-to-use, easy-to-clean milk frothing device. While it does not steam milk, it works excellently with pre-heated milk to create the perfect foam for coffee lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas.

Mason Jar

Microwave-safe Mason jars (on Amazon) are great for steaming milk in a microwave. The finer foam is ideal for macchiatos, flat white, and creamier cappuccinos.

French Press

The French press (on Amazon) is one of the trade’s most convenient and useful tools. For example, you can pre-froth milk before steaming it in your microwave. 

You can froth steamed milk to improve the consistency. In addition, you can directly froth heated milk in a French press if you like.

What’s the Difference Between Steamed Milk and Foam? 

Baristas refer to ’microfoam’ as ’steamed.’ They may refer to ’froth’ as a more bubbly, less dense foam, sometimes prepared cold. 

Steamed Milk

The smooth, creamy result of heating milk with steam, steamed milk is best for cappuccinos and lattes. It is not suitable for drinks served cold, such as iced coffee.

Frothed Milk

Frothed milk is made using a different steaming technique from ’steamed milk.’ You can also use a specialized frothing device. Frothed milk is less dense and best for less creamy cappuccinos, mochas, macchiatos, and cold foam.

FAQs

How Many Times Can I Steam Milk?

Ideally, just once. However, in a pinch, you can steam milk a second time. After that, the milk’s proteins and fat content change the milk’s taste and texture too much for use in a professional coffee.

For How Long Can Milk Be Steamed?

The answer depends primarily on the method. However, even though each method differs significantly from the next, there is one constant: temperature. The highest temperature that milk should reach during steaming is 158°F. Just a few degrees more, and the milk will start burning.

What Temperature Should Milk Be Before Steaming?

Cold milk at 40°F is preferable. That is because it is the standard temperature at which most recipes and instructions assume your milk gets kept. Substantially differing temperatures create a risk of either under— or overheating the milk.

Leave a Comment