The Key Differences of
Steamed Milk vs Foamed Milk
Milk is a key ingredient in many coffee drinks, and the way it’s prepared plays a crucial role in the flavour of the final cup. For baristas and coffee enthusiasts knowing the difference between steamed milk and foamed milk is essential in creating a perfect espresso-based beverage, whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, or even a sweet treat like a hot chocolate. Both methods of steaming and frothing milk will enhance the texture and flavour of coffee, but they require different techniques and produce distinct results. But what are the key differences between steamed milk and foamed milk and how are they used in popular coffee drinks?
Steamed Milk: What is it and How is it Different?
Steamed milk is much heavier than foamed milk, and is created as a result of the milk coming into contact with the steam wand on an espresso machine. When milk is exposed to steam, the fats in the milk begin to break down, causing it to expand and form tiny bubbles known as microfoam or microbubbles. This results in a silky, smooth texture, making steamed milk an excellent choice for drinks like lattes and flat whites.
Steamed milk provides a creamy consistency that balances out the strong flavours of espresso. The tiny bubbles in microfoam give the milk a velvety finish, which is particularly important for latte art and creating that indulgent, luxurious mouthfeel experience.
What Makes Steamed Milk Unique?
• Texture: Dense and creamy with a fine, silky foam.
• How to make: Steam is injected into the milk, breaking down fat and creating microbubbles.
• Goes well with: Lattes, Flat Whites, and drinks where a smoother texture is preferred.
Foamed Milk: What is it and How is it Different?
Foamed milk (also known as frothed milk) is airier and lighter than steamed milk and is created by introducing more air into the milk through the steam wand. The wand is kept near the surface of the milk, allowing more air to be incorporated and forming larger bubbles. This produces a drier foam texture in the milk that is less watery than steamed milk, making it perfect for drinks like cappuccinos and macchiatos.
Foamed milk holds its shape very well, which is why it’s ideal for topping off drinks. The light and airy foam spreads easily and creates a beautiful visual contrast on top of espresso-based drinks.
What Makes Foamed Milk Unique?
• Texture: Light, airy, and dry, with large bubbles.
• How to make: Air is introduced into the milk, creating larger bubbles for a frothy consistency.
• Goes well with: Cappuccinos, Mochas, and drinks where foam is used as a topping.
How To Steam Milk Using an Espresso Machine
Steaming milk is a skill that requires practice, but having the right equipment can make this process much easier. An espresso machine with a steam wand is the ideal tool for creating perfectly steamed milk. Here’s how to steam milk properly:
1. Pour milk into a stainless steel pitcher, this should be fresh and cold to prevent it from heating too quickly and potentially burning.
2. Purge the steam wand by turning it on briefly to clear any residual milk, we also recommend wiping the wand before or after doing this with your barista cloth.
3. Place the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk, making sure it’s fully submerged but not too far down in the jug.
4. Turn on the steam wand, slightly tilting the pitcher to allow the milk to spin and aerate evenly.
5. Once the milk reaches an ideal temperature (between 65 to 70°C), turn off the steam wand.
6. Clean and purge the steam wand again after use.
Top Tips for Steaming Milk:
• Use a thermometer to ensure precise temperature control.
• Ensure the steam wand placement is correct, if the wand is too deep, the milk won’t aerate properly, and if it’s too shallow, it may make a high-pitched noise and the milk will become too frothy.
How To Foam Milk Using an Espresso Machine
Foaming milk, while similar to the previous method, requires a slightly different technique. The steam wand needs to be positioned closer to the surface of the milk to introduce more air, stretching the milk and expanding its volume. Here’s how to foam milk properly:
1. Pour milk into your milk pitcher, filling it to about one-third. The milk for this technique should also be fresh and cold to prevent it from heating too quickly and potentially burning.
2. Purge and clean the steam wand to remove any milk residue.
3. Place the tip of the steam wand just below the milk’s surface, positioning it near the pitcher’s spout.
4. Turn on the steam wand and let the air get into the milk, lowering the pitcher slightly as you see the milk expand.
5. Once the milk is at the desired texture and temperature (around 60 to 68°C), turn off the steam wand.
6. Wipe the steam wand with a clean barista cloth and purge it after each use.
Top Tips for Foaming Milk:
• Always use fresh, chilled milk for the best foaming results.
• Position the steam wand carefully, this placement is crucial as it controls the size and quality of the foam. Keep it submerged but just below the milk’s surface and not touching the sides or bottom.
• The right placement will produce a distinctive “tss” sound, indicating proper aeration into the milk.
Beverages That Can Be Made Using Steamed Milk
Steamed milk is enjoyed in a range of espresso-based drinks as it’s perfect for adding that creamy texture to balance the aromatic flavours of espresso. Some of the most popular drinks made with steamed milk include:
• Latte: Made with one-third espresso, two-thirds steamed milk, and a thin layer of foam. Lattes are known for being creamy and smooth, making them a favourite of many including coffee lovers and beginners.
• Flat White: This particular coffee is similar to a latte but made with less foam. The flat white highlights the smooth, velvety texture of steamed milk, providing a stronger and to some a more balanced coffee flavour.
• Mocha: A delicious blend of espresso steamed milk, and chocolate (flakes, powder, or syrup) topped with a small layer of foam.
• Hot Chocolate: Steamed milk gives hot chocolate a creamy, rich texture, making it an extra indulgent sweet treat. Like a mocha, this can be made using chocolate flakes, powder or syrup.
Steamed milk is best suited for drinks that require a smooth, rich consistency and are usually enjoyed hot.
Popular Drinks Made Using Foamed Milk
Foamed milk is perfect for adding a light, airy texture to milk-based beverages. Some of the most popular drinks that are made using foamed milk include:
• Cappuccino: Commonly made with one-third espresso, one-third steamed milk, and one-third foamed milk, cappuccinos have a distinct, frothy top adding the ideal amount of milk to balance the espresso flavour.
• Macchiato: A shot of espresso "stained" with a small amount of foamed milk, delivering a bold coffee flavour with a hint of foam.
• Mochas and Hot Chocolates: Foamed milk can also be used for both these drinks to create a lighter, frothier topping that enhances the sweetness and richness of chocolate-based drinks.
• Cold Drinks: Foamed milk can also be added to iced drinks, providing a light, creamy texture without making the drink too heavy.
The versatility of foamed milk makes it an excellent addition to a wide range of drinks, both hot and cold.
When trying out the popular drinks made with either steamed or foamed milk, it’s important to know which coffee to pair each with and at what time of day. For some additional helpful tips check out our guide on the best coffee choices for every time of day.
Making The Right Type of Milk
Understanding the differences between steamed milk and foamed milk is essential for anyone looking to master their coffee-making skills. Both techniques require practice, precision and the right equipment, using the steam wand on a commercial espresso machine, will make all the difference.
While learning the correct way to froth and steam milk is important in delivering great-tasting coffee cup after cup, maintaining the quality of your machine is equally essential. Make sure you check out our guide on how to descale an espresso machine to keep all elements of your service at a high standard and in top condition.
If you’re looking to WOW your team and customers with a premium coffee experience using the latest coffee machine technology, contact Liquidline today. We create tailored coffee solutions to suit your business needs and offer a custom quote. Reach out now and let us help you deliver exceptional coffee experiences.