What steaming pitcher shape do you prefer?

#1: Post by **Fr. John** » July 2nd, 2006, 4:58 pm

I don't know about everyone else but these mini-surveys are pretty useful for me, at least this one and this one have been. And I guess I get to take some credit for this getting the Tamper Roadshow started or at least inspired.

So here we go again. I have been in the practice of using two 20oz (to the rim) pitchers to steam approx. 12oz ea. milk for four drinks (yes that's 6oz each drink). First I was thinking about getting a big pitcher, say a 32oz or 40oz and steam all this at once since I'm sure the Vetrano is up to it and it would save a step (correct me if I'm wrong here).

The problem is there are several pitcher shapes available and I'd like some kind of consensus concerning this. EPNW has at least three if not more shapes.

#2: Post by HB » July 2nd, 2006, 9:10 pm

Good poll suggestion! To help members choose, the images below are courtesy of EspressoParts.com (click the image to read more details):

Italian Pro, Straight-Sided, Bell, Tapered

PS: You're right Fr. John, your thread and especially Psyd's comment did inspire the Tamper Roadshow. Thought of it while taking a shower one morning.

#3: Post by **mybs** » July 2nd, 2006, 9:40 pm

I tend to like the straight-sided pitchers, but then again, I usually use the 12 oz size and I've never used anything greater than 20 oz, so have no idea if there is a major difference once you get to larger sizes.

#4: Post by **Psyd** » July 3rd, 2006, 4:25 pm

HB wrote:Psyd's comment did inspire the Tamper Roadshow. Thought of it while taking a shower one morning.

I'm not so sure how I feel about Dan thinking about me in the shower. TMI, I think...

Anyhoo, I use a different pitcher for different tasks. The first one is for my own caps when I'm alone, the third is for a coupla capps at once. I used to use the second, but I discovered that I get better art with the third. The fourth is for a second pair in rapid succession, and the fifth is really only for getting a lot of lattes out fast.
The first and third are the ones that really get used. Most of the rest wait in the freezer for odd occasions. Excuse the condensation in the photos. It happens so infrequently here, I thought I'd leave it...

July 3rd, 2006, 4:52 pm

Psyd,

Would you mind posting the ounces on those? I'm guessing the last one is a 40oz?

#6: Post by **bobcraige** » July 4th, 2006, 8:07 am

My vote for other was for the Alessi which I prefer slightly to the Italian Pro (Motta). I find the 25cl size perfect for one cap. Here is my 25cl Alessi and 35cl Motta (Italian Pro). They are both extemely well made and very heavy.

#7: Post by **Compass Coffee** » July 4th, 2006, 12:50 pm

bobcraige wrote:My vote for other was for the Alessi which I prefer slightly to the Italian Pro (Motta). I find the 25cl size perfect for one cap. Here is my 25cl Alessi and 35cl Motta (Italian Pro). They are both extemely well made and very heavy.

image: http://members.aol.com/bobcraige/pitchers.jpg

I use and voted straight sided mainly because that's what I first bought 5 years ago and have always used. 12oz size I find perfect for individual cap steaming, but that Alessi is gorgeous and a couple just may find their way home!

July 4th, 2006, 1:09 pm

Those Alessi are nice. Where do you get them?

#9: Post by **bobcraige** » July 4th, 2006, 1:27 pm

Alessi has an A store where you can buy them online in a great variety of sizes. Try Alessi.com. They are very expensive (25cl is $69.00, 35cl is $82.50 and 50cl is $85.00 for example), but beautifully made and finished.

#10: Post by **King Seven** » July 4th, 2006, 2:06 pm

I've got about 7 or 8 different pitchers lying around now and I tend to favour my 75cl Motta when I am working. I like the spout shape more than the straight sided for pouring a thicker milk for 5oz caps, whilst still being able to pour semi decent latte art.

I have a couple of the Alessi ones and I never seem to be able to get the same definition in the pour when I use it, certainly when going for more defined are in a caffe latte.

Both the Alessi and the Motta have a really nice heavy feel from the thicker metal and I will the shape of both for swirling.