Help with Krups Espresso Machine Milk Frother?!
I have to say that it is pretty decent but it is still a consumer grade machine.
It has a"fool-proof" milk frother enhancer (warning! warning!).
Anyhow, sometimes (only sometimes), it CAN produce decent microfoam with half and half milk. But lately, it could not foam for nuts. I thought the rubber bung that lets the air in might be stuffed up so I used a needle to clean it. Could not see through the hole so I used a small toothpick. I think it was a mistake. Coz now it foams but it make large bubbles instead of the microfoam I need.
Any ideas on how to fix the problem? Aside from getting a new machine coz I AM working on that.
Thank you.
Answers: I have a Krups XP5020 consumer grade semi-auto Espresso Machine.
I have to say that it is pretty decent but it is still a consumer grade machine.
It has a"fool-proof" milk frother enhancer (warning! warning!).
Anyhow, sometimes (only sometimes), it CAN produce decent microfoam with half and half milk. But lately, it could not foam for nuts. I thought the rubber bung that lets the air in might be stuffed up so I used a needle to clean it. Could not see through the hole so I used a small toothpick. I think it was a mistake. Coz now it foams but it make large bubbles instead of the microfoam I need.
Any ideas on how to fix the problem? Aside from getting a new machine coz I AM working on that.
Thank you.
It sounds like your rubber foaming band was, most likely, dirty as you suspected. However, you can't fix it now that you've damaged it, Sorry!
To make microfoam is difficult and needs lots of practice. Is also good to have a milk pitcher and a thermometer. Put your milk pitcher on the freezer just a couple minutes (with the pitcher cold you will have extra time to work on the milk) and put the milk, test the steam to remove the water before use it on the milk. Insert the froth until the role be on the surface of the milk and make an angle to milk swirl it will prevent to make large bubbles and keep an eye on the thermometer to not pass 150F otherwise you will lose the natural sweetness of the milk.