How to Froth Milk with the Series 1 Stainless Steel Steaming Pitcher

Quick answer

To froth milk with the Series 1 Stainless Steel Steaming Pitcher, fill it to just below the spout base, submerge the steam wand tip, and use short bursts while lowering the pitcher to introduce air. For froth without a machine, seal and shake the pitcher, then gently heat and tap to settle the foam.

Step-by-step milk frothing with the Series 1 pitcher

1. Fill the pitcher to the right level: Pour cold milk into the Series 1 pitcher until it reaches just below the base of the spout—about 5 to 6 ounces for a 10 oz pitcher. Using cold milk gives you more time to texture before it heats up. Overfilling leaves no room for foam expansion and can cause spills; underfilling makes it hard to keep the steam wand submerged.
2. Position the steam wand correctly: Insert the steam wand tip just below the surface of the milk, slightly off-center. Turn on the steam and immediately lower the pitcher so the tip stays barely submerged, creating a gentle hissing sound as air is drawn in. A loud screech means the wand is too high; a deep rumble means it’s too low. Adjust until you hear a soft, steady hiss.
3. Introduce air for 5–10 seconds: Hold the pitcher steady for 5–10 seconds to incorporate air. The milk volume will increase. Then raise the pitcher slightly to submerge the tip deeper and create a whirlpool that breaks up large bubbles. Stop adding air once the pitcher feels lukewarm; continuing too long creates stiff, dry foam instead of silky microfoam.
4. Heat to the right temperature: Keep the whirlpool going until the pitcher feels hot to the touch but not scalding—about 140–150°F (60–65°C). If you have a thermometer, use it; otherwise, rely on the stainless steel’s heat transfer and stop before the pitcher becomes uncomfortable to hold. Overheating above 160°F (70°C) scalds the milk and flattens the foam, so err on the cooler side.
5. Tap and swirl to finish: Turn off the steam, remove the pitcher, and tap it firmly on the counter once or twice to pop large bubbles. Swirl the milk in a circular motion for a few seconds to integrate the foam before pouring. Skipping the tap and swirl leaves visible bubbles and a thin layer of foam on top instead of a uniform texture.
6. Froth without a machine (optional): If you don’t have a steam wand, fill the Series 1 pitcher halfway with cold milk, seal the spout with your thumb or a stopper, and shake vigorously for 30–45 seconds. Remove the seal and microwave the pitcher in 15-second bursts until warm, then tap and swirl. Shaking creates foam but also large bubbles; the brief heating helps stabilize the foam, but don’t boil it or the foam will collapse.

Product facts

• Series 1 Stainless Steel Steaming Pitcher: 10 oz capacity, stainless steel construction, designed for use with the Espresso Series 1. The 10 oz size is ideal for frothing milk for one or two drinks, and the stainless steel body helps you gauge temperature by touch while resisting dents.