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Brands of milk pitchers

Postby mankini on Tue Feb 15, 2011 9:32 am

hello... apart from Motta, what other names are synonymous with quality milk frothing jugs?
i want to buy once.
whats the best size to learn on and what size is sufficient to use for say 2 caffe latte so that you dont waste a lot of milk? 35 cl? 50 cl? 65 cl?
thanks
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Postby HB on Tue Feb 15, 2011 10:28 am

I prefer 12 ounce straight-sided pitchers for prosumer espresso machines. For commercial espresso machines and two cappuccinos, I prefer 20 ounce pitchers. In both cases, the pitchers are approximately half full - just below the ridge in the spout.
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Postby shadowfax on Tue Feb 15, 2011 11:40 am

Other than Motta, I would recommend Rattleware on the low end. They're cheaper than and not as nice as motta pitchers, but they are straight-sided (i.e., more typical shape) and have a somewhat better-shaped spout (bit sharper) and finish than, say, Update International and other similar brands on the low end, in my experience.

On the high end, Alessi is king. I splurged on one of their 8 oz. pitchers some time ago (for macchiatos and short cappuccinos). The quality of the finish is utterly unrivaled; it blows Motta pitchers out of the water: heavier, curvier, fits nicer in your hand... and sucks a lot more out of your wallet. It has a very pronounced spout, though, and can exaggerate your latté art if you're used to using a Motta or standard straight-sided pitcher. You have to get used to this and change your technique if you go this route.

I agree with Dan on sizing: 12 oz. is the best go-to size, letting you do cappuccinos and modestly-sized lattés pretty easily, and if you plan on making large lattés or doing a pair of cappuccinos, a 20 oz. pitcher is likely preferable. I'd add If you want to do macchiatos without wasting much milk, an 8 oz. pitcher can help significantly: pitchers are much harder to work with in terms of getting the best milk texture when you don't fill them up sufficiently (or you over-fill them).
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Postby mankini on Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:05 am

Thanks...
Next question is...
Do milk frothing jugs have to be stainless steel?
I have a lot of old silver plated jugs in the basement... (EPNS)
Is there any reason to avoid using silver plated pitchers?
Thanks
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Postby HB on Wed Feb 16, 2011 10:21 am

*shrug* If it's good enough for food service, sure, why not.
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Postby randytsuch on Wed Feb 16, 2011 4:31 pm

FYI for anyone interested, I picked up a rattleware pitcher a month ago at my local Intelly (Venice, Ca). I would guess they all carry the same ones.

Randy
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Postby zin1953 on Wed Feb 16, 2011 8:24 pm

Personally I prefer these Cafelat pitchers . . . I have two of the 0.4L/13 oz. size, and one 0.7/25 oz. size.
A morning without coffee is sleep. -- Anon.
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Postby nixter on Wed Feb 16, 2011 8:40 pm

I've just picked up a pair of Toroid Espro pitchers. The build quality is amazing. They are sort a specialty item as they have a unique shape to the bottom which is supposed to help create a spinning motion to the milk. I'm undecided on them so far. I bought them convinced that my el-cheapo pitcher with the angled wall mid way up was causing my frothing woes. Unfortunately things haven't improved so it's my technique that sucks.
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