Non-fat milk is best if you’re looking to get the most foam. [3] X Research source However, non-fat milk will lack the creamy taste of its fatty alternative. It’s up to you whether you favor foam or flavor. Alternatives to steaming with a steam pitcher include using a metal pitcher with a steam wand, using a frother or shaking up the milk in a jar. An authentic cappuccino will rely on steaming, however.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can gauge the temperature increase by putting your hand up against the outside of the pitcher. Wait until the pitcher starts to get warm to the touch. When the outside of the pitcher gets uncomfortably hot, it should be an indicator that the milk has steamed long enough. [5] X Research source
One way to save the most foam for your top is to take a spoon and use it to trap in the foam at the top of the pitcher. When the pitcher is almost empty, you can pour out the foam. Even out the foam with a spoon if it’s poured out unevenly.
There are two main reasons that could be the cause of a less-than-desired foam result. First, the steamed milk needs to be poured at the right depth. Secondly, the heat may of the steamed milk may have been too high to properly settle into soft bubbles. Don’t be discouraged if you get a bad foam the first time you try it. Perfect coffee beverages require a lot more skill that people give it credit for. Each time you try, you’ll get a bit closer to figuring out the subtle movements involved in it.
If you use a frother, you won’t need to use a steamer to heat the milk. In that case, milk can be heated on stovetop or in the microwave.
This is a good quick fix, and recommended if you’re not particular about your cappuccinos. Keep in mind, however that your foam won’t look nearly as good as if you steam it.
Make sure the cup size matches the amount of cappuccino you’re serving. Cafe culture tends to value smaller sizes in order to emphasize taste over gorging. Even if you only have a certain amount of cappuccino to drink, putting it in a cup that’s too big will rob it of some of its visual appeal.
