Hi,

Anyone out there use this milk pitcher? It is obviously pricey, but can anyone give their opinions on its functionality, likes/dislikes, etc?

Thanks!

I take it thats the 500ml size? If so, don't. Looks cool, but the handle is too small and you end up with a finger pressed against the metal which gets too hot. I took mine back and changed it for a 750ml one which doesn't have the same problem, but its a bit big. Your best bet in my opinion are the Motta jugs, much cheaper and still really nice weight. If you want 500mls, you can actually hold the 500ml Motta without burning yourself, or at least I can. I also prefer the Motta spout over the Alessi, but to be honest I usually use the 350ml size for single 6 oz milk drinks, making multiple drinks separately to practice my latte art etc. The 500ml is a bit small (for me) for 2 x 6oz drinks, ok for 2 x 5 oz though.

Cheers, Chris

I also use a Motta, and really like it. I've eyed the Allesi and wondered if pricey equals better, knowing that equation doesn't always work.

As with many things, there are mild "real" differences between A, B, and C, and major "personal" differences between them. That is to say, I'm not convinced that one pitcher (or tamper, for that matter) is significantly better (or worse) than another, but what's important is how it feels/fits in your hand, and how it looks in your eyes.

Personally, I prefer these Cafelat pitchers to the ones by Motta, but that's my preference . . . YMMV.

True (about personal preferences making the real difference). I have cafelat and motta pitchers. I like the large and open design of the cafelat but don't like the way it pours (if I pour slowly the milk runs down the outside of the pitcher). I think I'll try an Alessi some day.

I have a 350ml version of that jug. As Chris said, it's a perfect size for steaming one milk drink. I wear size 8 1/2 gloves and have never had the issue with my hands being too big for the jugs handle - although it's often mentioned so maybe I have skinny fingers. My experience is that to get well textured milk it's important to fill the jug to a sufficient depth to allow it to roll, hence, the jug size is defined by the drink size rather than my hand.

Does the Alessi jug make better milk or latte art? No - that's your job (there are plenty of examples of great latte art being poured from a bell jug without a spout!). The 350ml Alessi weighs more than a 500ml Motta and it's beautifully finished - perfect for showing the scratches caused by the thermometer clip...

Paul.