Frothing Pitchers

A good latte is really dependant on how well the milk is steamed along with several other factors. To perfectly steam pitcher of milk using an espresso machine, never used ceramic, glass or plastic pitchers. The metal used to make frothing pitchers is critical for proper heat transfer. Fill the pitcher up only halfway (the foaming milk with expand to about twice its size) using chilled milk. Wipe the steam valve down with a rag and press it once to clear debris before setting the milk pitcher underneath it.

Just barely submerse the steam valve in the milk. About one cm below the surface should be perfect.  Then turn the steam valve on while holding firmly on to the jug with both hands. Once the milk starts expanding, there will be a hissing noise. Continue to adjust the pitcher to just below the milk level as it expands. Once you are nearing the end of the process, lower the steam tip deeper into the milk and move it to one side. There will be a growling noise and it is perfectly normal, this simply means that there is a little extra texture being added to the steamed milk. Continue to swirl the pot until it becomes too hot to handle and quickly turn the steam wand off. Remove the pitcher and wipe the steam nozzle.