I like my lattes better with the milk at 55 degrees Celsius than 70. 70 is just too hot. But am I missing anything with regards to the frothing process if I don't take the milk up to 70 degrees first, and then let it cool down?
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Frothing to 55 degrees celcius
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Not at all, especially if you start with really cold milk, say 4-5 degrees, then you can easily stretch and texture it by the time it gets to 40-45 degrees.Originally posted by iampivot View PostI like my lattes better with the milk at 55 degrees Celsius than 70. 70 is just too hot. But am I missing anything with regards to the frothing process if I don't take the milk up to 70 degrees first, and then let it cool down?
But 55 seems really cool to me, and I don't like a hot drink. I usually steam to about 61/62 whereas my wife likes it more like 66-67.
Are you using an accurate thermometer?
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What thermometers would you describe as accurate?Originally posted by Jonathon View PostAre you using an accurate thermometer?
I use an eBay special(not saying it's good or accurate), and often the milk heats up quicker than the needle will follow, so I end up shutting off the steam early allowing a guesstimate of how much the thermometer needle is lagging.
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If it has a needle it might be accurate, but far too slow for steaming milk. By the time the needle shows 60, the milk might be 65 or 70. As you say, you have to guess what the lag will be.Originally posted by thegoner View PostWhat thermometers would you describe as accurate?
I use an eBay special(not saying it's good or accurate), and often the milk heats up quicker than the needle will follow, so I end up shutting off the steam early allowing a guesstimate of how much the thermometer needle is lagging.
I use an accurite digital probe thermometer, which I periodically calibrate against other thermometers at various temps from 60 up to about 125 degrees, always in liquid. It's very quick, with a delay of maybe a second or two.
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I like my milk heated to 60C in the jug, it then climbs to about 65C after shutting the steam off, and presents around 58 to 60C in the cup
Having recently changed coffee suppliers at work I'm finding it nigh on impossible to serve a hot bonsoy latte without curdling the milk, coz the lighter roast profile of the new coffee has higher acidity - so I never thought I'd say it but I'm now telling customers that they can't have a hot(er than usual) soy latte coz we just can't make em!
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I agree that 70C seems too hot to drink. I prefer mine to go to just about 60C on the thermometer.
Unlike others, I slow mine down as I'm approaching 60C, probably fully turn steam off at 57-58C and it settles to right about 60-61C without overshooting by 5 or so degrees.
My thermometer has 65-70 marked as "froth" zone, which most seem to, but again, I find this far too hot and doesnt taste as good even when it's cooled down.
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I use the same thermometer and do the same thing. Steam off just before the needle reaches the red zone, it then settles somewhere between 62 - 65, which is perfect for me. Any hotter and i can definitely notice less sweetness in the milk. Only really drink Piccolos any ways. I have checked with an accurate instant read probe and its within a couple of degrees.Originally posted by nicovington View PostI agree that 70C seems too hot to drink. I prefer mine to go to just about 60C on the thermometer.
Unlike others, I slow mine down as I'm approaching 60C, probably fully turn steam off at 57-58C and it settles to right about 60-61C without overshooting by 5 or so degrees.
My thermometer has 65-70 marked as "froth" zone, which most seem to, but again, I find this far too hot and doesnt taste as good even when it's cooled down.
As for stretching, your end temp should not make much of a difference. Your stretching should be completed before 20 degrees. Its definitely harder on smaller machines.
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55-60 degrees is what most cafes in Australia should aim for. Having also made coffee in NZ it seems the trend over there is to go slightly hotter and target 60-65 degrees. I personally cater toward the age of the person. Most younger people prefer the 50-60 temp. Whereas 50+ year olds have lost half of their taste buds and require that little bit hotter ... only 2seconds more of steaming.
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