I never really took notice of my boiler pressure gauge when steaming milk.

The pressure before I start steaming is about 1.1 or 1.2 on the gauge.

Today I started to take notice & part way through my steaming about 6oz of milk , I noticed that the boiler pressure went down to about 0.7 30 seconds into it & 0.6 at 50 seconds.

Is this normal?

That sounds a little slow for six ounces of milk with most prosumer class HX espresso machines. You can get more ommph by forcing the heating element prior to steaming. That is, purge the wand until the heating element comes on, cut off the steam for an instant to dunk the tip in the milk, then open it again just before the heating element turns off.

I believe you have a Quickmill Vetrano; the Steaming Performance section includes its times for 8, 10, and 12 ounces. It should be under 30 seconds for six ounces.

Thanks Dan,

Before I tried anything new, I officially timed myself this time & with skimming the surface of the milk till 100F , then submerging the wand till 140F(I stop at 140 because the temp raises to 160 after I shut the steam)

I clocked it at 30 seconds.

If I didn't skim the surface as long, I'm sure i'd have it down to around 20 seconds.

But I wouldn't get the right foam consistency doing it that way.

So i'm happy with 30 seconds if thats a normal time.

scottyg514 wrote:If I didn't skim the surface as long, I'm sure i'd have it down to around 20 seconds.

You shouldn't have to play the tip along the surface. The Vetrano should create a nice standing wave; tilting the pitcher like this should help:


From New Andreja owner with microfoam problem

Surfing the tip tends to produce drier, airy foam. Some people like that and it makes good "white caps" / monk heads, but I prefer a denser, creamier microfoamed milk.

Out of curiosity, what style of tip does the Vetrano have? My Anita has a two hole tip that seems to greatly restrict steaming. I can actually get back to over 1.2 bar while steaming and have the element start cycling. Got bored one day and just pointed the wand into the air and let rip. Steamed for over two minutes with no appreciable slowdown. After taking a while to recover, pressure built back up and started cycling the element.

Takes close to 50 secs or so to froth 6oz. Always seemed kinda slow. I assume its the tip.

Mike

That's right, the Anita has an easy to use low volume tip (similar to the Gold Pro II) and it reaches a steady output with the boiler fully pressurized. The Vetrano's steam volume is greater and it steadies below max pressure (around 0.6 bar, IIRC). It takes a bit more practice to steam with it, but I prefer its more vigorous rock and rolling steaming.

I need to get a new tip...I've never cared for how slowly Anita steams. I'd prefer more vigorous movement in the pitcher as well...

Mike

Got bored this morning and took matters into my own hands. I have a pin vise with a set of tiny drill bits meant for cleaning out welding tips. I've been using it for a drill for my RC plane builds. Just happened to have my tools out on the counter next to my Anita this morning....Drilled out the holes a small amount and have 6oz steam times down to around 40 sec. Boiler pressure stabilizes right below 1.0 BAR. There's also much more activity in the pitcher. Temped to one bit larger, but I don't want to get greedy and go too far.

I really don't like the cheater tip on the stock Anita. Took me forever to make decent microfoam when I bought the machine. Figured I'd just picked up bad habits from my modded Gaggia, but in retrospect, pretty sure it due mostly to the stock tip.


Mike