How to use a milk frother

What is it - a cappuccino maker

Depending on the type of device, cappuccino makers may vary. However, a cappuccino maker is always a device for removing excess steam from a coffee machine, which can be used to froth milk or cream.

A cappuccino maker is a device for removing excess steam from a coffee machine, which can be used to froth milk or cream.

When were they invented

Cappuccino first appeared in Italy, where they decided to add whipped milk foam to coffee. Legend has it that it was invented by Capuchin monks, hence the name of the drink. They drank coffee with milk and noticed that when the liquid was suddenly poured into the container, a tasty foam was obtained. Then they decided to froth the milk separately and then add it to the coffee. However, the foam was not dense and stable enough, so the monks began to use cream, and to maintain the warm temperature of the coffee, they decided to heat it before adding it to the drink.

The simplest jug can rightfully be considered the first cappuccino maker.

What are they used for? Advantages

A milk frother is a milk frother for coffee. It usually comes with the coffee maker, but special milk frothers can be purchased separately.

A milk frother is a milk frother for coffee.

The manual cappuccino machine has a number of advantages:

1. The kit usually includes additional attachments to simplify the work;
2. It not only froths the milk, but also heats it, which can be useful;
3. With good skill, he allows you to make milk foam efficiently and quickly, better than analogues;
4. The foam preparation process is completely controlled by the barista;
5. Making high-quality foam using a cappuccino maker is easier than doing it manually using a kitchen whisk or shaker.

What is the difference between frothed milk for cappuccino and latte?

The main difference is its quantity. The latte consists of 3/5 and one fifth of foam. A cappuccino consists of one-third milk and one-third foam, which is denser than a latte and can hold a sprinkle of sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.

Such a dense foam requires a long second stage. Latte foam has a soft, airy foam that is unable to hold powder. Also, to make cappuccino, use fattier milk.

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Varieties

Although the article is devoted to the manual type of cappuccino makers, one cannot help but say about other types of this device. In general, they can be divided into several groups:

1. Manual;
2. Semi-automatic;
3. Auto;
4. Foam frother (mechanical cappuccino machine).

Let's look at each type in more detail.

Manual. This is the most common type of cappuccino maker installed in coffee makers. The operating principle of a manual cappuccino maker is simple: water vapor is created, which comes out under pressure through the cappuccino maker tube and accelerates the milk, saturating it with air. In more advanced models, it is possible to regulate the degree of steam supply, thereby simplifying the production of foam for different drinks.

The operating principle of a manual cappuccino maker is simple: water vapor is created, which comes out under pressure through the cappuccino maker tube and accelerates the milk, saturating it with air.

Although it is not the most user-friendly for beginners, it is loved by professionals because, unlike other types of devices, a manual coffee maker has complete control over the milk frothing process, which allows you to make better coffee.

Semi-automatic. These coffee makers make cappuccino in two stages: they prepare and pour espresso, and then heat, froth and pour milk or cream. They do not have an internal compartment for milk; it must be supplied from an external container through a special tube. In these cappuccino makers there is no way to adjust the density of the foam, keep in mind. Also, such a machine requires more maintenance.

In such cappuccino makers there is no way to adjust the density of the foam.

Auto. The most expensive and advanced models of coffee makers with cappuccino makers. To prepare a drink, just one press of the desired button is enough. The coffee machine itself will prepare both coffee and milk foam for it, and the user can only fill the compartments with the necessary ingredients and clean the device in time.

To prepare a drink, just one press of the desired button is enough.

The milk is stored in a special container; it can be removed and stored separately in the refrigerator. The best models allow you to choose the amount of milk foam and its density, which greatly simplifies the work of the barista.

Foamer. Buying a foam frother is a very good addition to a simple coffee maker, even if it already has a built-in cappuccino maker. Because sometimes using a small device is easier and faster.

You can use it to independently regulate the degree of milk froth.

Modern frothers are divided into two types:

1. With capacity;
2. Handheld mini mixer.

The first one is more like a regular mixer or juicer, only intended for something else. It's simple: pour milk or cream into a container, close the lid and turn it on. All is ready!

A hand frother is very similar to a hand mixer, only smaller in size. Its biggest advantage is its ease of use and maintenance. You can also independently regulate the degree of milk froth.

It must be remembered that frothers will not be able to heat the milk very much, so the drink will be cooler than with standard cappuccino makers.

What kind of milk is used for frothing?

Any product is not suitable for making latte or cappuccino. The density and speed of foam formation, and the taste of the drink itself depend on the characteristics. It must meet the following requirements:

• pasteurized;
• cooled to 3–4° above zero;
• protein content 2.8–3.8%;
• fat content from 3%.

Fats and proteins in the composition determine the viscosity of the foam. The more fats and proteins a product contains, the thicker the foam will be.

The best manufacturers

The number of coffee machine manufacturers is constantly growing, which can be confusing when purchasing. However, the most popular products are from Bosch, Nespresso, Melitta, Smeg, De'longhi and Ascaso. They have long established themselves as companies that make high-quality and convenient devices.

The more complex and expensive the device, the more maintenance it needs.

The more complex and expensive the device, the more maintenance it needs. The simplest option in this case would be to use a separate frother or a coffee maker with a manual cappuccino maker. Take this into account when choosing.

How to choose correctly

When choosing a coffee machine with a manual cappuccino maker, you need to pay more attention to the functions of the coffee maker itself, and only then to the capabilities of the cappuccino maker. However, some points are still worth considering:

1. Check the cappuccino maker tube – it should be long enough to reach the milk in your container;
2. It would also be desirable to have removable nozzles on the tube, this will make it easier to learn how to prepare foam for coffee;
3. Another good addition is the ability to adjust the steam pressure.

When choosing a coffee machine with a manual cappuccino maker, you need to pay more attention to the functions of the coffee maker itself, and only then to the capabilities of the cappuccino maker.

How to care

It may seem that using a manual cappuccino maker is simple and requires no maintenance. But if you don’t wipe it with a cloth after work, the milk will easily dry out and then it will be difficult to wipe it off. Also, milk may end up inside the tube itself, so it is recommended to release a little steam into the air before and after use to remove dust and milk residues.

It is recommended to release a little steam into the air before and after use to remove dust and milk residues.

Now we will talk about how to use the cappuccino maker:

1. Prepare a container, put the milk in the refrigerator, and also pour water into the coffee machine and turn on steam production;
2. Pour the milk into the container and bring it to the cappuccino maker tube so that it drops 1-1.5 centimeters into the liquid. Now tilt the container so that the steam coming out of the tube swirls the milk in the container, so it will foam faster and better;
3. Slowly start turning on the steam supply, gradually increasing it (if possible), also raise and lower the container to froth the milk evenly;
4. Continue beating until desired consistency is achieved. The main thing here is not to overheat the milk, otherwise it can boil. Ideally, the temperature should not exceed 65 degrees;

That’s it – the foam is ready, you can add it to your coffee!

Always keep a small cloth near the coffee maker to wipe away excess water.

The cappuccino maker is indispensable for making coffee with foam.

Having examined why a manual cappuccino maker is needed, we can draw conclusions about how indispensable it is in making coffee. It has many advantages compared to other analogues.

How to whip up foam with a cappuccino maker in a professional coffee machine

A cappuccino maker can be compared to a kind of mixer. A special device will help you achieve perfect foam in a minimum amount of time.

To create foam with a cappuccino maker in a coffee machine, you will also need a pitcher.

First, let's figure out what these words actually mean.

So:

• cappuccino maker is a special container used to prepare espresso-based coffee drinks. Today you can find any suitable shapes and dimensions. To get perfectly whipped foam and milk product, during the preparation process a cappuccino maker is connected to the steam wand of the coffee machine;
• pitcher – a special container for whipping cream. The manufacturing material is glass, ceramics, metal or durable food-grade plastic. An important criterion when choosing a material is its heat-conducting properties. In this case, you can ensure not only high-quality whipping, but also independent control of the optimal temperature regime.

Important! Give preference not only to high-quality, but also safe materials. Otherwise, under the influence of high temperatures, low-quality materials will release toxic substances into the milk, which will spoil the taste of the drink and may be harmful to health.

Simple, step-by-step instructions will help you achieve the perfect whipped foam:

• Pour milk with a high percentage of fat into the pitcher so that the liquid level does not reach the level of the spout;
• Lower the whisk of the cappuccino maker into the pitcher 1 cm at an angle of 45 degrees. Make sure that the whisk is in contact with the wall of the container;
• set the steam mode in the coffee machine. To better control the temperature of the dairy product, hold the bottom of the pitcher. The milk should sizzle and swirl throughout the whisking time;
• The cappuccino maker will go down as the foam is whipped;
• the bottom of the pitcher should become warm, as soon as this happens we move on to the next point;
• dip the cappuccino maker until the milk rotates but does not make a hissing sound;
• The temperature should reach 70 degrees. As soon as the bottom becomes hot, turn off the steam;
• Gently mix the finished product, then hit the cup on the table for the final chord.

Be sure to read: The art of drawing on coffee: the original latte art technique