The main difference between milk steamer and frother is that milk streamer heats the milk and develops its taste and texture while milk frother introduces air into the milk, creating thickness.
Steaming and frothing are two popular options to choose from when preparing milk for your coffee. Although both can enhance the quality of a cup of coffee, steaming and frothing are two distinct processes. Milk steamers add flavour and texture to milk while milk frothers add thickness or fluffiness.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Milk Steamer
– Definition, Uses
2. What is a Milk Frother
– Definition, Uses
3. What is the Difference Between Milk Steamer and Frother
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Milk Frother, Milk Steamer, Coffee
What is a Milk Steamer
A milk steamer is a device that makes the milk fluffy and warm. Steam milk has a silky and velvety texture, which provides a reflective shine when you pour it into a cup. At coffee shops, steamed milk for coffee is made with a steam wand, which is present on almost all espresso machines. There are also stovetop milk steamers and compact electric milk steamers. In all these devices, milk is exposed to pressurized steam. The steam heats and texturizes the milk simultaneously. This process also heats the lactic sugar and breaks down the fats in the milk. As the milk is equally stirred, it creates uniform bubbles, which are called “microfoam.”
How to Steam Milk on an Espresso Machine
- To steam the milk with the steam wand on an espresso machine, first, you have to make sure there is enough space in your milk cup as the milk will expand.
- Also, open the steam wand and purge any water that has condensed in its tip.
- Then, you have to submerge the wand halfway (just below the surface of the milk).
- Tilt the cup so that it will create a whirlpool when you begin steaming.
- Next, begin the steaming process and let some air in.
- Create a whirlpool. You’ll know the milk is ready when the cup becomes hot enough to burn your hand.
- Once you finish, tap the cup on the counter to remove the big bubbles and swirl the cup to incorporate all the foam.
What is a Milk Frother
A milk frother is a device that froths milk. This is done by introducing air into the milk, which makes the milk becomes light and airy, expanding it to two to three times. In the world of coffee, frothy milk is lighter, lofty, less watery, and holds its shape due to the foamy texture.
There are various types of milk frothers in the market. There are small handheld milk frothing devices that operate with battery. These are very easy to use, but it will take some time and effort to make the milk frothy.
There are also larger, automatic frothers which are more professional. They are usually expensive. But, if you always prefer frothy milk on your coffee, it’s not a bad decision to invest in a good quality frother.
Difference Between Milk Steamer and Frother
Definition
A milk steamer is a device that makes the milk fluffy and warm while a milk frother is a device that froths milk (adds air into milk).
Function
Milk streamer heats the milk and develops its taste and texture while milk frother introduces air into the milk, creating thickness and body.
Type of Devices
Streamer wands on espresso machines are the most popular milk streamers. In addition to that, there are stovetop milk steamers and compact electric milk steamers. However, there are small handheld milk frothing devices as well as large, automatic frothing devices to froth milk.
Conclusion
Although both steaming and frothing can enhance the quality of a cup of coffee, these are two distinct processes. The main difference between milk steamer and frother is that milk streamer heats the milk and develops its taste and texture while milk frother introduces air into the milk, creating thickness.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Milk frother wand battery powered” By Ll1324 – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Filled, orange, ceramic, coffee, cappuccino, froth, espresso, drink, steamed, milk” (CC0) via Pxfuel
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