# Steamed milk... **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** soda-softdrinks\ **Created:** [January 24, 2006, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386 "2006-01-24T13:56:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2006, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386/1 "2006-01-24T13:56:53Z")
Is there a good way to create steamed milk, and preferably frothed too, without an expresso machine? I’d like to make some “steamers” with flavored syrups and would prefer not to have to buy an expresso machine. Also could steam milk for Chai. Is there perhaps a 'milk steaming machine"? ---
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2006, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386/2 "2006-01-24T14:02:50Z")
[Here you go.](http://www.espressozone.com/milk-frothers.html) I have no experience with them because I _do_ have an espresso machine. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2006, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386/3 "2006-01-24T14:10:48Z")
That stovetop boiler unit looks like what I’m looking for. 😃 I did get hits on Google when I searched for “milk steamers” but was hoping for an endorsement. I do like Lattes, so maybe an inexpensive expresso machine would be better in the long run. I’m not much of a coffe drinker. I use a Senseo machine to make a cup to drink while I drive to work. Other than that, I’d like to make Chai drinks with steamed milk, and the occasional latte. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2006, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386/4 "2006-01-24T14:13:02Z")
Microwave it. If you don’t have enough flavoring in it that the preparation of the milk matters, then your problem is that you have not enough flavoring and not that you don’t have a steamer nozzle. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2006, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386/5 "2006-01-24T14:14:43Z")
Ah, but also, better than the syrups is to use brown sugar and some vanilla extract (though technically that could be considered a syrup.) I would bet it is cheeper in the long run, and definitely tastier than any brands I’ve had. ---
**Author:** ![Spiff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiff/32/9852_2.png) [@Spiff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiff)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2006, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386/6 "2006-01-24T14:19:55Z")
Microwave the milk, and then froth it with a small battery-powered whisk (about $4-$5). We’ve got one at home, but unfortunately I don’t recall the brand name. You should be able to find one with an online search, though. ---
**Author:** ![GaryM](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garym/32/241_2.png) [@GaryM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaryM)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2006, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386/7 "2006-01-24T14:23:37Z")
> [@Spiff](#): > > Microwave the milk, and then froth it with a small battery-powered whisk (about $4-$5). > > We’ve got one at home, but unfortunately I don’t recall the brand name. You should be able to find one with an online search, though. I saw one of those at World Market where I was buying some Torani syrup. $10, batteries not included of course. Guess I’ll pick one up next trip. We have an outlet mall with a Kitchen Express not too far from the house. They might have the same thing. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![Homebrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@Homebrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homebrew)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2006, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steamed-milk/341386/8 "2006-01-24T14:43:07Z")
> [@GaryM](#): > > I do like Lattes, so maybe an inexpensive expresso machine would be better in the long run. If you do this, be sure to buy a pump-driven e **s** presso machine, not a cheaper steam-driven one. The cost difference is noticable; but the quality difference is worth every penny. You will be disappointed in a steam-driven machine.