Milk frothers

dfk41

I wondered if anyone used a milk frother for those times they do not turn their machine on but want ‘froth’. It is a new topic to me and I wondered if anyone knew the ins and out please.

RickO88

I have a Dreo BaristaMaker Milk Frother which I use most days for my other half for one milk drink per day. Seems to work well and no plastic lining, just stainless steel.

Platypus

I started off with the stovetop Bellman which was okay but you couldn’t take your eye off it, control wasn’t easy and getting the timings right to coincide with your espresso hit and miss. It is also downright dangerous in my opinion if you have little ones running around.

The Dualit Cino is very good. It’s quite big and not pretty but has powerful steam and good control. I use it manually like a normal steam arm on an Espresso machine. As for its longevity I don’t know but I would replace it with one the same.

dfk41

Platypus The Cino looks very interesting as it is a steamer comparable to an espresso machine, rather than a frother. Can I ask how long it takes to come to readiness please?

I realise now that it is a thermoblock, so pretty instant!

dang2484

dfk41 don’t buy a Cino if its for small drinks, it’s too powerful, large and struggle to angle the jug to get good textured milk!

I have a Dream milk frother thats really good that I used with my Flair 58 and was quite impressed.

Platypus

dfk41 I realise now that it is a thermoblock, so pretty instant!

Yes it is and takes no time at all.

I had a Sage Bambino as my first machine and the Dualit steamer reminds me so much of the Bambino’s.

I use Waitrose Lockhills so reduce scale as much as possible . I imagine it’s the limescale that shortens the life of these machines.

Elcarajillo

When I use the moka pot and want milk, I warm it in the M/wave and use an Aerolatte to produce the foam.

crimson89

Elcarajillo

If I want to avoid turning on a machine or make similarly a moka pot for example, I use a Bialetti Frother just relying on the energy generated by my upper limbs, one hand holding it steady the other one pumping it up and down and I get very decent foam for a cappuccino-like drink.

dfk41

dang2484 Any chance of a link please?

dang2484

dfk41 yeah they’re not cheap now - https://drinkmorning.co.uk/products/the-morning-dream?srsltid=AfmBOooAlJwKuU0FJvpsGsnNsnwkdXxSmrbA_Z29xrnEuGRp5GTbOu4p&variant=42926060634284

Got mine on pre-order. I was looking to sell if your interested as it’s just sitting in the box now.

RickO88

Dream frother is £320!

dfk41

I am just starting to think about getting rid of my espresso gear. Personally I am quite happy with brewed. My problem is I have friends who come round. I could easily downgrade the Elizabeth to something like a La Pavoni which would steam as well but if I do that I will need to keep an espresso grinder as well. Much to think about!

Platypus

dfk41

What about a Flair 58? I had a Pavoni and whilst I enjoyed it the Flair is so much easier and user friendly.

No worrying about forgetting to top up the water, forgetting to turn it off and damaging the element or forgetting to let it depressurise before removing the portafilter and redecorating the kitchen with coffee grounds! 😫not to mention burning yourself on the boiler ….I could go on but I’m being a negative Nellie 😆. I really did like mine but wouldn’t have one as a main espresso machine.

Actually scrap what I’ve just said about a Flair, what about something like a Sage Bambino if it’s only for guests? Very little maintenance, fast to heat up, good steaming, not too expensive and they don’t take up much room.

Platypus

There’s always the handheld nanofoamer as well. I thought it was awful at first but stuck with it and got the hang of it in the end. It can sit in a drawer so doesn’t take up space and once you get used to it , I found it could produce some good results.

dfk41

Platypus All suggestions welcome! I have never looked at this sort of thing. I will though and give the matter some thought!

dang2484

dfk41 i second the flair 58, it’s a nice bit of kit. I’d go with the Plus version though, as the heated group gives you much better temp stability and time to set up. If you’ve got time on your hands, manual lever is fun!

dfk41

There seems to be quite a few different models of the Flair?

Platypus

dfk41 There seems to be quite a few different models of the Flair?

I would bypass any manual preheat smaller group models , I imagine you would soon get fed up with the rigmarole of trying to preheat everything and go straight to the 58 with the heating element. It makes a massive difference to workflow and results.

dfk41

After thinking about it overnight, I do not see the point in selling my espresso equipment then buying something else just to make the occasional drink for guests. If I sell my espresso gear my guests will be welcome to a brewed drink or a Nescafe. I just need a little more time to decide if it s 100% the move I wish to make!

Elcarajillo

React in haste repent at leisure ?? Keep your setup until you are sure.

dfk41

Elcarajillo It seems my taste has gone in reverse Frank! I used to enjoy medium/plus beans of a chocolate nature, drunk as americano with water only. Since I have gone down the brewed route, about a month now I find that I cannot tolerate my old tastes. This means that I am keeping my gear for the odd time someone pops in and that is a bit daft. A bit like having just spent £1500 on a grinder that is now gathering dust. I might sell that first as I still have the Zero and see how I feel. Then there is all the accessories that go with espresso to consider…..life hey!