Heresy, I'll Admit, But Good Steamer (Only) ?

[Jeff]

Yes, it's true. She doesn't drink espresso. She does love top-notch cocoa, appreciates latte art, and forgives my E-61 and craving a LM70, even if it would take over my whole kitchen (as long as its my kitchen and not hers).

So, I'm looking for advice on a machine to steam milk primarily, at a reasonable price point. (Since I'm not going to haul a grinder down with me, espresso performance is very secondary.)

Suggestions?

TIA,

Jeff

[malachi]

There are a few companies that make dedicated steamers... I know Astra is one of them.

[miKe mcKoffee]

That's the ticket, an Astra steamer. I guess reasonable price point is relative! The 110v/20A 4.2L boiler 1800w heater 85# pourover model lists for $1970.00 but it's only $1495.00 plus shipping (Emerald City Espresso Machines.) Basically an Astra Gourmet without a grouphead, definitely plenty out of steam power!

[Jeff]

Ah, forgive me, as wonderful as those machines sound, "reasonable" was intended to be taken as "less expensive than a Silvia."

[HB]

Oops, sorry. I've seen inexpensive standalone units like the Capresso FrothXpress Automatic Hot Milk Frother and StoveTop Milk Frother/Steamer (below), though I have no experience with them. My guess is that the latter will have a better chance at producing a decent microfoam.


Image courtesy of 1st-line equipment

[JonR10]

I've had pretty good success with stovetop style steamers, and some stovetop steamtoy-type espresso machines have steam wands and very impressive steam power. I own one of these for use with my manual machine (when roughing it out of town), I got mine on eBay for around $20.

[windowrx]

New guy here. I was going to wait until my espresso machine arrived before posting but saw this post and thought I'd chime in. I have the stovetop frother shown above and have done OK with it. It took some practice but recently I was able to achieve some pretty good foam with it.

[hperry]

If you don't need hot water, how about buying a lever machine and using the steam function. Most users report good steaming ability. Maybe something like the Ponte Vecchio with the 3 Litre Boiler or the Pavoni Professional so you don't run out quickly. The Ponte Vecchio Lusso also has a water tap.

Yes, it's true. She doesn't drink espresso. She does love top-notch cocoa, appreciates latte art, and forgives my E-61 and craving a LM70, even if it would take over my whole kitchen (as long as its my kitchen and not hers).

So, I'm looking for advice on a machine to steam milk primarily, at a reasonable price point. (Since I'm not going to haul a grinder down with me, espresso performance is very secondary.)

Suggestions?

TIA,

Jeff