Milk Frothers & Steamers
Milk steamers and frothers are used to foam milk for specialty drinks. Milk frothers rapidly mix milk to incorporate air bubbles, while steamers add hot steam to create warm steamed milk.
Using Milk Steamers
While many espresso machines include their own steamers, commercial milk steamers are standalone units that use pressurized steam to heat and foam milk or milk alternatives. Temperature-controlled steam is produced by steam wands made for safe, efficient handling. To operate a steamer, users place the tip of the wand in a small pitcher of milk and steam it to the desired temperature and consistency.
Types of Milk Steamers
Milk steamers come with either one or two valves, and many dual-valve steamers also include a hot water dispenser for tea. Semi-automatic machines require operators to manually open and close the steam valve and monitor milk temperature with a thermometer. Automatic steamers, however, use temperature-controlled steam valves that shut off once the milk has reached temperature. Most steamers use water boilers that fill automatically. Choose models with larger boilers for high-volume drink service.
Milk Steamer Alternative Uses
Milk steamers aren't just used to heat milk; they can also cook eggs, heat oatmeal, or reconstitute soup.