Guide to Steaming Milk
Steaming milk creates a nuanced flavor and texture that cannot be achieved by simply heating the milk.
When you are steaming milk you are introducing steam – heat and oxygen to the milk. The temperature of the steam sweetens the milk as the oxygen adds the texture of tiny bubbles, or foam.
NEVER:
*heat the milk over 180 degrees. 180 degree + is considered scorched
*use an un-sanitized rag to wipe the steam wand after wiping other surfaces of the espresso machine
ALWAYS:
*use a thermometer
*designate a rag for the steam wand only
*steam milk to 155 – 160 degrees
*STEAM DRINKS FOR CHILDREN ONLY STEAM TO 120 DEGREES
*steam to achieve a smooth and shiny texture
*bleed (or, turn on and off quickly) and clean the steam wand after use and before use
*soak and urnex the steam wand every night
Milk Steaming Guidelines:
Measure
o MEASURE the Milk
Do your best not to waste milk. Use the paper cup: leave 1 – 1 ½ inch of room at the top. Pour the milk into the steaming pitcher.
· Listen
o Begin steaming your milk:
Submerge the steam wand all the way in to the steaming pitcher/milk.
Turn on the steam wand all the way.
Slowly move the end of the steam wand up to the surface of the milk
LISTEN for the hissing sound – success! You are frothing milk!
· Look
Look at the temperature on your thermometer.
Froth until approx 120 degrees
Plunge the wand back down to the bottom of the steaming pitcher.
Turn the wand off at 155 degrees.
Trouble Shooting
Customer Requests “Extra Hot”
Steam milk to 170
Customer Requests “Not So Hot”
Steam milk to 145
Kids Hot Chocolate/ Kids Steamer
Steam milk to 120
Steam is not coming out of my steam wand
Your steam wand is clogged due to poor cleaning habits
Solution: Soak the steam wand in urnex and hot water for 15 minutes
If this does not solve the issue – contact a supervisor.
ASAP – serve Iced Drinks to customer
