How to Use a Coffee Milk Frother?

Answer 1

Café’s are very popular offering various specialty brewed coffee and tea sections to its customers. Common specialty coffees and teas are usually made with milk in one way or another. Frothing milk for a home version of specialty coffees and teas can be done easily by following these steps.

▪ Step 1: Choose your favorite coffee or tea. Frothed or steamed milk may not taste great when put with certain flavors or selections. Choose a coffee or tea that will be complimented by the frothed or steamed milk flavor.

▪ Step 2: Choose a milk frother or steamer. The best quality steamed or frothed milk for home use will come from a quality home espresso machine with a steam arm and will likely come with a hefty price tag. Cheaper espresso machine that come with a steam wand attachment don’t froth or steam well. You’re better off to avoid using the steam wand on these cheaper machines and use a hand frother instead. Hand frother’s can either be electric, battery powered or manual. Both of these options work well with preheating the milk and a little effort.

▪ Step 3: Pay attention to milk frothing results. A good milk froth you will want to aim for is called microfoam. You can only truly achieve this type of foam by using a high quality espresso machine steam arm heating the milk to the right temperature. With practice using an electric, battery powered or manual frother, you can get your foam to a satisfactory result. Home frother’s will produce foam with a meringue consistency. It isn’t the best because it can leave underneath watery but it tastes good, looks good and will stand up to sugars or spices sprinkled on top. If you end up with large bubbly foam, you’ll want to check your frothing equipment. Try keeping the frother wand under the surface of the milk reducing the chance of larger bubbles.

▪ Step 4: Choose a milk fat percentage. Although higher fat percentage milks will produce creamier results you shouldn’t judge your decision on this. Any milk will froth with effort; choose milk to your preference.

▪ Step 5: Pay attention to the milk temperature. It is important to get the temperature of the milk you are trying to froth just right. The foamed milk when done should be 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If you overheat the milk it will turn out running and taste burnt.

▪ Step 6: Use a stainless steel pitcher. Froth your milk in a cold stainless steel frothing pitcher to allow for more frothing time before the milk overheats.

Café’s are not the only place to offer a nice spot to get away and enjoy a hot foamy coffee or tea. Practice frothing milk using decent equipment, a little attention to frothing technique and temperature detail with a good choice in milk will compliment your own home brewed coffee or tea delight.