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Microwaved v frothed milk

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  • #16
    Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

    Nothing beats a milkshake machine+microwave for micro foam (serious.... What I used to do when all I used was a stovetop machine...)
    Took me a very long time after getting myself an em6900 to get the same quality from that. (you need to aerate the milk while it is cold, add equal portion fresh milk, then heat) then you have the most micro microfoam you have ever seen

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    • #17
      Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

      Originally posted by Martial Monkey link=1203483269/0#14 date=1207750689
      Sounds pretty impressive wushoes, just goes to show you can get latte art quality milk stretching using a hand beaten method.

      It seems we have found a new Coffee Snobs party trick
      There are actually devices out on the market for doing this exact thing. Frothing milk for a latte or cappuccino in the microwave. A few years back I got one as a throw-in on a purchase of some old moka pot style brewers. I laughed when I saw it in the box and tossed it aside never to be used. Ill have to dig it out here one of these days and post a picture of it. As I recall from the glance I gave it, it consisted of a microwavable cup which had a cover with some kind of a whipping (blades/mesh/who knows as I didnt take it out of the box) attachment on a rod that passed through it. You nuked the milk and then whipped it up by pumping the rod just as you would if using a french press to froth.


      Java "I knew Id be digging that contraption out some day!" phile
      Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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      • #18
        Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

        Well I guess it was the frother I described in my above post that I gave away. However all is not lost as I have a 2nd example, another throw-in on an order.

        This one is a bit different than most Ive seen (which is probably why I hung onto it when deciding which one to give away) and I think its function will be fairly obvious by looking at the pictures.


        Java "Here it is in its box" phile

        Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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        • #19
          Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

          Java "A side on view of the frother parts with a AA battery for size comparison" phile

          Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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          • #20
            Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

            Java "And an oblique view to better show the perforated discs" phile

            Toys! I must have new toys!!!

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            • #21
              Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

              Ive seen devices (not quite like that one) for heating and whipping milk while on a stove. It is just impressive that these machines can produce micro foam capable of latte art.

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              • #22
                Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                Originally posted by pricespringer link=1203483269/0#11 date=1207724265
                My query is partly related to this topic and also asking for advice. I recently acquired Gaggia Classic and slowly getting the hang of it re pulling reasonable shots. I noticed that where I bought the Classic and when it was demonstrated to me that the plastic end on steam frother had been removed when frothing milk.
                I did the same (using 600ml jug) but I found that the stainless steel end of frother does not protrube far enough into jug to be able to adequately froth the milk . Therefore I have been frothing milk by heating milk in microwave and using battery operated frother (surprisingly good).
                I know I could change steaming wand on Classic but at present I dont want to go down that track. If I refit plastic attachment to  steaming wand I cant seem to get milk hot enough - even though I use the recommended techniques for this procedure
                Help and advice appreciated

                Gussy
                I am currently using a Gaggia Classic with a Silvia wand...which is the way to go...but before I did this modification I tried something else read here. (cant claim its my own idea :)

                That is to remove the plastic sleeve part of the pannarello frother (which leaves the black plastic upper bush connected to the chromed steam pipe) and roll the orange O ring upwards over the plastic ridge immediately above it and then refit the sleeve assembly.

                This has the effect of sealing the air intake holes (which are towards the top of the frother assembly) and thereby allowing you to introduce air to the milk at the tip of the wand...and conversely to stop introducing air (by plunging the tip under the surface of the milk) when the stretching is complete to your satisfaction.

                The first time I tried this the results were instant (if not overwhelming)...that is, instead of the white fluff that the turbo frother usually made, I had the makings of microfoam.

                I only tried this a few times and saw some improvement each time...shortly after which I installed the Silvia wand.

                Im not sure that you would ever get the results of the proper gear but in my book, its worth a try...and is immediately reversible if youre not happy.

                Install the Silvia wand...youll be glad you did

                Cheers
                Dave

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                • #23
                  Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                  Just a follow up here re getting milk hot enough using steam wand on Gaggia Classic (I have read the posts re changing over steam wand to Silvia and will probably do so in due course)The procedure I follow is as set out in the previous posts and I produce a reasonable texture of foam but a long way from anything perfect. However my complaint is that even though I hold the milk jug until it is too hot to hold , the milk is still QUITE COOL and when added to the coffee ?.

                  I am not certain why this is so.

                  Therefore I have been frothing milk by heating milk in microwave and using battery operated frother (surprisingly good).

                  Help and advice appreciated

                  Gussy

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                  • #24
                    Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                    Hi Gussy

                    Now theres a coincidence...as I read your post I am stting here enjoying a cup of great coffee with dense shiny microfoam adorning it like a crown...from my Classic .

                    Do you have a thermometer?

                    At the moment, I am stretching the milk (tip of wand on the surface of the milk) till around 40-45 degrees and then lowering the tip and heating through to around 60-65 or so degrees (making sure that the milk is spinning in a whirlpool)...the thermometer lag means that the milk is around 70 degrees...just about right.

                    I have been using the Classic for around 5 years and have never had any problems with milk temperature...just the microfoam as mentioned in my earlier post - which was part remedied with the simple mod mentioned and fixed by the Silvia wand.

                    Providing the machine is not malfunctioning...technique is everything (along with good milk)...I only made the mod to the wand in January so 3 months down the track, lots of reading and questions, and lots of practice and the results are starting to come through...gradually.

                    If you havent got a thermometer...it would be good to get one...if you do, then its more reading (and watching on Youtube) and practising.

                    Cheers
                    Dave

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                    • #25
                      Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                      Thanks Dave_B

                      I am not ready to buy a thermometer yet - I wll get to the Sivia Wand (I think). At this stage not even thinking of the microfoam. What I dont understand is why the milk jug after about 50 secs or so is too hot to handle but the milk seems rather on the cool side ??
                      and therefore the coffee likewise.

                      Thanks,

                      Gussy.

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                      • #26
                        Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                        Gussy it doesnt make sense.
                        The jug should be gaining its heat from the milk.

                        Maybe your mouth is lined with asbestos.

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                          Just in case Thundergod is wrong

                          I find that the jug becomes unpleasantly hot to the touch at 40 degrees...and remember that you still have 20-25 degrees to go at that point. So while the jug may feel hot to your hands...it certainly is isnt in food terms.

                          As this sensitivity to heat is subjective...you might even find that the jug becomes uncomfortable for you below 40 degrees.

                          Therefore in short, after the jug becomes sensibly uncomfortable you still have a ways to go before it is right for the palate.

                          How long??? Ive never really looked...but you must be wary of overheating the milk as that tastes pretty foul as well.

                          For about 10 bucks you can get yourself a thermometer and remove the guess work.

                          As they say at Nike...Just Do It...

                          Cheers,
                          Dave

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                          • #28
                            Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                            And...

                            A jug is not a jug is not a jug.

                            What type of jug are you using? There is a vast difference in materials and heat conductivity.

                            Also, keep your jug in the fridge when not in use. That will make a difference too!

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                            • #29
                              Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                              Regardless of what jug youre using, 99% of the milk jugs out there are made from the same material. Heat sensitivity if a subjective thing. When I teach new people to froth milk they pull their hands away at 40-45 degrees saying its far too hot....when all I feel with my asbestos hands is its still warm. You build a tolerance for these things if you do it enough...I remember when I did my first jug of milk ever.....and couldnt stand to touch it beyond 45 deg!

                              A thermometer will never go astray when teaching someone new.

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                              • #30
                                Re: Microwaved v frothed milk

                                Originally posted by Dave_D link=1203483269/15#26 date=1208081899
                                Just in case Thundergod is wrong

                                I find that the jug becomes unpleasantly hot to the touch at 40 degrees...and remember that you still have 20-25 degrees to go at that point.  So while the jug may feel hot to your hands...it certainly is isnt in food terms.

                                As this sensitivity to heat is subjective...you might even find that the jug becomes uncomfortable for you below 40 degrees.

                                Therefore in short, after the jug becomes sensibly uncomfortable you still have a ways to go before it is right for the palate.  

                                How long???  Ive never really looked...but you must be wary of overheating the milk as that tastes pretty foul as well.

                                For about 10 bucks you can get yourself a thermometer and remove the guess work.

                                As they say at Nike...Just Do It...

                                Cheers,
                                Dave
                                A very good point on the individuals sensitivity.
                                I can hold a jug a lot further than 40 degrees; Id dare say close to 65.
                                But then again I did work in Pizza Hut for a few years and hold the record for how long one can keep their hand in the oven.  
                                Oh! Im also a karate black belt (training for over 30 years) and my hands (despite the office work these days) might be a little tougher than some.

                                EDIT: David beat me by .....that .....much.

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