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Best position for 3-hole tip steam wand

Postby skcubstar on Tue Feb 16, 2010 8:01 pm

What is the best position of a 3-hole tip steam wand in the pitcher? And if there is, do I keep it at the same position during and after stretching the milk? Thanks heaps!
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Postby HB on Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:52 pm

It's difficult to generalize since the "best" position for the steam wand depends on the steam's dispersion pattern and its velocity/volume. However, if I walked up to a powerful steamer with 3 holes or more, I would first try dead center and straight down. Otherwise my preferred technique is described in threads like Still can't froth milk properly and excerpted below:

HB wrote:Assuming you have enough steam velocity, do an end-over-end, otherwise a vertical spin as described in New Andreja owner with microfoam problem. If you're having trouble with texturing, try creating a vortex like this:

Image
Sorry about the quality of this diagram...

The pitcher is tilted to the left and towards you; the force of the steam wand is directed downwards and slightly towards the front and right. You should be able to get a nice "offset" vertical spin with a 20 ounce pitcher and 9 ounces of milk. With a 12 ounce pitcher, you must pay attention to avoid splattering. When done correctly, you will see the effects of the liquid rebounding off the bottom of the pitcher on the opposite side. It is not an end-over-end roil; Anita doesn't quite have enough steam for that.

That said, be wary of microanalyzing minor issues like steam wand position. More important is recognizing the sound of the zone between air injection (think ripping paper, bacon frying), soap bubble introduction (blowing bubbles through a straw), and texturing (low rumble). You may find it helpful to practice steaming with soapy water as advocated by Scott Rao.
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Postby cannonfodder on Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:45 am

If you move the pitcher around, keep it still for 5 or so seconds before you move it again. It takes a moment for water/milk to start moving in the new location. I would use cold water if you are just trying to see where/how the vortex forms.
Dave Stephens
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