How to steam milk with a steam wand

A short guide on how to steam milk with a steam wand

1. Purge the wand

   You want to get rid of any water remaining inside the pipe as you don’t want to dilute the milk with water.

2. Place the wand in the jug

   Position the wand as a slight angle just under the surface of milk (1 cm under the surface) and open the steam to its full capacity.

3. Keep the wand’s end close to the surface 
   

   You want to hear a slight ‘kissing sound’ and create a whirlpool. This way you will maximise getting air into the milk. 

4. Know when to stop steaming 
   

   When the milk expands, the end of the wand can be held deeper. Keep steaming the milk until the frothing jug becomes hot in your hands. Stop when it’s too hot to touch. The milk should be warmed up to 60 – 67 ℃.
   You can use a thermometer if you want to have more control over the milk temperature. 
   

5. Always clean the wand immediately 
   

   Clean the want immediately sfter you’ve finished steaming. Purge and wipe to keep it clean before the milk dries on it. 

6. Tap the jug  
   

   If you can see any bubbles on the milk, tap the jug on the table to get rid of them.

Common questions about steaming milk for cappuccino or latte

Is it difficult to steam milk with a steam wand? 

It does take some practice and it’s not as easy as it looks. If you don’t succeed at it at first few attempts, don’t get discouraged, keep practising.

Tip: if you want to pracitse steaming milk with a steam wand, you can use water with washing up liquid. You will get a similar foam and won’t waste tons of milk!

Can I re-heat the milk to steam it for latte or cappuccino?

There are no health risks to that, but you won’t get a great taste or it won’t foam that well anymore. That’s why it’s not recommended.