I recieved a Krups Espresso machine for X-mas. Does anyone know how to froth the milk?

Question

There is a side attachment where the steam is suppose to froth the milk , but all it does is blow it around and make a HUGE mess!

Answer 1

There should be a little probe deal sticking out someplace that spits out steam when you put a switch or valve in the right position at the end of a run. Put a small cup of milk so the probe is under the top of the milk while the steam is coming out, violia froth

Answer 2

KRUPS espresso machines generally have that odd attachment on the steam wand which is supposed to make frothing fool-proof. I find this thing useless and took it off, leaving only the metal wand out of which the steam comes.

In any case, if your milk is blowing everywhere, you're probably turning the steam on before the tip is below the surface of the milk. Make sure it is well submerged and turn on the steam slowly. To steam the milk, that's all you need to do is keep the tip submerged until the milk hits the desired temperature.

To get milk foam, you'll need to incorporate some air. Practice moving the steaming pitcher (better if it's stainless steel and kept cold) lower and lower until the tip of the steam wand is just at the surface of the milk, allowing some air to be incorporated into the mix. You'll notice a change in the sound the process is making. If the milk is moving too fast, you should be able to adjust the steam valve to a lower pressure (i.e. turn it off some). It takes practice, but it's easy once you get the hang of it.

As mentioned by another responder, the lower the fat content of the milk, the more quickly, easily, and thoroughly it will foam.

Answer 3

Because the hot steam used to froth the milk is SO hot, and comes out at such a high pressure, it's really not a good idea to use anything but a metal jug. Here's a tip for you, and also another reason for using a metal jug: The milk will only froth properly if it's icy cold first. You want to put the jug right up so the nozzle goes down to the bottom of the jug, then move it up and down a bit for a few seconds to make a few bubbles on the surface, before returning it to its original position, then, swirling the jug gently, occasionally wait for the milk to expand, turning the steam off very quickly before the milk goes over the edge. Also, don't remove the jug whilst the steam's coming out, or you'll burn yourself. You can buy those jugs at any good coffee shop, or a Whittards.

Answer 4

You need enough milk in the cup so it doesn't blow it around... adn you may not want to turn the steam on full blast.

Also, use skim or nonfat milk. They froth the best.

Answer 5

Your machine should have come with an instruction manual.