Strong espresso with delicate airy milk foam is the leader among connoisseurs of various coffee varieties. You can enjoy cappuccino not only in a cafe or restaurant, but also at home, subject to the rules of preparation and the presence of a cappuccinatore.
What does a real cappuccino look like?
The perfect cappuccino is a strong coffee with a thick crema that evenly coats the espresso, with both ingredients brewed separately. Coffee should take up no more than 1/3 of the volume of the cup, the rest of the volume should be thick milk and foam. Cappuccino is usually served in containers no larger than 180 ml to obtain the perfect combination of ingredients. To assess the taste and consistency of the drink, a temperature of no higher than 60 degrees is required. To maintain the optimum temperature, cappuccino is served in low, wide mugs with thick walls.
What are the cappuccinators
Preparation of cappuccino in a coffee machine is based on the passage of several stages:
steam preparation;
whipping milk to a state of foam with control of density and strength;
coffee brewing;
combination of drink with milk foam.
A special device that froths milk when preparing coffee drinks is called a cappuccinatore. It can be stand-alone or connected to the steam wand of the coffee machine.
At the heart of the milk frother is the formation of steam and mixing it with a small amount of air. The output is an elastic and thick foam.
According to the principle of operation, milk frothers are divided into the following types:
automatic;
mechanical;
steam-mechanical.
The operation of an automatic foamer is based on the supply of steam through a special tube into which milk begins to be drawn. Due to the pressure difference, milk is mixed with steam and foam is formed. The main advantage is work with minimal human intervention and autonomy in the preparation of coffee.
Steam-mechanical - a special nozzle that is attached to the steam pipe of the coffee machine. There is a formation of steam and its supply under a certain pressure into a container with milk. In the same container there is a spring that rotates and fills the milk with air bubbles. Milk is poured into the container cold, steam provides steaming of milk and rotation of the spring (corolla). This processing allows you to form a foam of a certain consistency from milk. The disadvantage of this method of preparing cappuccino is the need to transfer the foam to the prepared coffee drink.
The mechanical type is a connected three compartments:
lower - a container in which water is located;
medium - level equipped with a valve;
upper - a container with a lid and a tube through which steam enters the dairy product.
This type of milk frother requires an open flame to operate.
Depending on the degree of human intervention in the process of making coffee, cappuccinators are divided into the following types:
automatic;
semi-professional;
professional.
Automatic machines work without human intervention, it is enough to fill in the required amount of milk. These models have two subtypes, which differ only in the process of adding milk foam to coffee. For some it is necessary to move the cup with the finished coffee to the foam dispenser, for others it is not.
Semi-professional milk frothers require little human intervention in the last step of making milk froth. They automatically regulate the supply of steam and air, but do not turn off the frothing process. You will need to independently determine the degree of readiness and density of the foam. It takes practice to get the perfect foam.
The professional frother differs from other models in that steam and air are not synchronized. These processes are fully controlled during the production of milk foam and allow you to leave patterns on coffee. In the process, it is necessary to control the area of contact of steam with milk, air with milk, and take into account the degree of immersion of the steam tube to achieve the optimum temperature and the formation of foam without splashing.
Operation process of the cappuccinatore
To prepare a delicious and fragrant cappuccino, you must follow the rules of operation. These conditions allow not only to prepare a delicious drink, but also to extend the service life of the frother.
Before using the cappuccinatore, you must correctly install it on the coffee machine. To do this, you need to use the attached instructions and strictly follow all the installation steps:
remove the special nozzle (panarello) if it is installed on the steam tube;
loosen the round nut;
install on the frother on a hot steam tube;
put the nut back in place.
After preparing coffee, the milk frother must be cleaned. Cleaning is done with a towel by removing dried milk from the container to obtain an elastic foam the next time the drink is prepared.
Full cleaning is carried out according to the following instructions:
detaching the blowing agent from the hot steam supply pipe;
removal of the hinge part;
washing all parts under running water;
assembly of all parts;
installation on a hot steam tube.
The process of preparing cappuccino in a coffee machine
Depending on the type of cappuccinatore, the process of making coffee with foam differs. When using an automatic frother, it is necessary to pour the required amount of milk into the container and wait for the aromatic drink to be prepared.
When using special nozzles for steam pipes, you must follow some rules for preparing a drink.
First stage
Warm up the coffee machine for 20 minutes. Release steam to check pressure and remove accumulated water.
Second phase
Fill the whisk container halfway with milk, as the volume increases when whipped. Place the steam wand into the milk, positioning it along the side of the container at an angle. The tube should be immersed 1 cm into the milk to ensure air is entrained. The container should be held by the bottom to ensure control over the temperature of heating the milk.
We turn on the steam supply at full power and catch the moment when the milk begins to rotate in a circle and hiss. At this point, foam is formed, so it is necessary to observe the level of immersion of the tube so that the nozzle is at the border of air and milk. If this condition is violated, the milk overheats and no foam is formed.
After warming the bottom of the container, it is necessary to lower the nozzle deeper and take it away from the wall of the container, so that the rotation of the milk is preserved and a large funnel is formed. Heating is carried out until the hand is comfortable holding a container of milk. The consistency of the foam should be thick and viscous.
The stage ends with turning off the steam supply and removing the tube. If you break the order, then a large number of air bubbles form in the foam.
Third stage
After the formation of foam, remove excess air bubbles to give the foamed milk a uniform and glossy appearance. This effect is achieved through light circular movements of the milk container, followed by light tapping. It is better to make circular movements on the surface of the table, simulating rubbing.
Fourth stage
Espresso is being prepared, which must be poured into a heated cup. The taste of the drink depends on the quality and type of coffee.
Fifth stage
Mixing espresso with milk foam. Using various techniques, you can get a simple cappuccino or a drink with a pattern. The resulting drink is consumed immediately, with a slight idle time, milk and foam exfoliate.
Sixth stage
It's about cleaning. The nozzle is wiped with a damp cloth to remove milk deposits. In case of untimely removal of plaque, a complete cleaning is necessary.
With constant production of cappuccino, it is possible to achieve the ideal consistency and you can further experiment with the addition of various flavors (chocolate, cinnamon, etc.).
Secrets of making the perfect foam
To prepare the foam of the desired consistency, follow the little tricks:
milk is poured cold, the temperature should not exceed +5 degrees;
fat content of milk not less than 3.5%;
foam is not obtained from skimmed, protein-free or powdered milk;
the container is half filled;
panarello is immersed near the tank wall at an angle of 45 degrees;
steam turns on only after panarello is in milk;
when foaming, it is necessary to make circular movements;
excess bubbles are removed by tapping the container with foam on the table (the foam will become glossy);
the temperature when foaming milk should not rise above 60 degrees;
milk heats up faster when the tube is deep.
You can check the correctness of the preparation of the foam by pouring a little sugar on it. With sufficient whipping, the foam will keep the sand on the surface.
You can pick up a coffee machine with a cappuccino function in the Coffeemanych store, where there is a large selection of products with a guarantee and free delivery from 3,000 rubles.
Who doesn't love a well-brewed coffee? This drink has been giving us pleasure for hundreds of years. Wakes up in the morning or saves millions of people from insomnia late at night. There are many recipes for making this invigorating drink. One such recipe is cappuccino, which has been known in Europe since the 17th century. It got its name from the monastic order of the Capuchins, who wore red-brown vestments. A distinctive feature of the drink is a thick foam created by heated and foamed milk.
Coffee machines have long and reliably settled in our homes and offices. But not every technique can cope with the preparation of any recipes, including cappuccino. For these purposes, there are special devices - cappuccinators. They are able to quickly and efficiently turn a simple espresso into a wonderful drink with thick milk foam.
We have compiled a list of the best milk frothers (cappuccino makers) based on expert opinions from experts and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the global equipment market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:
- KITFORT
- De "Longhi
- Clatronic
* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.
Cappuccinators: Capacity: 0.1-0.5 l
Capacity: 0.1-0.5L / Speed control
Main advantages
- Frother from the Distinta design collection with an original non-slip handle that provides a comfortable and secure grip of the device, and automatic shutdown for safe operation
- Removable transparent lid with silicone seal allows you to observe the cooking process and makes filling the bowl easier
- The device can froth cold and heated milk, which is very convenient for the realization of various culinary fantasies.
- The cappuccinatore is installed on the base in any position. It is able to rotate around the vertical axis by 360 degrees. This ensures comfortable use even in confined spaces.
- Non-stick bowl coating and removable whisk make cleaning and maintenance easy
Capacity: 0.1-0.5L
Main advantages
- Mixer for frothing and heating milk with a bowl capacity of 0.45 l and a power of 600 W
- Three operating modes are provided: cold/hot foaming and heating of milk. For convenience, the switch is equipped with a blue backlight, which makes it easier to use in low light
- Removable bowl with non-stick coating inside and out for durability and easy cleaning
- Closed-type stainless steel heating element provides long service life and increased operational safety
- At the end of the process, the device turns off automatically. If necessary, you can turn off the device manually
Capacity: 0.1-0.5L
Main advantages
- Cappuccinatore for a coffee machine with a transparent lid that allows you to visually control the progress of the process
- Thanks to the Choco mode, you can quickly prepare "Hot Chocolate" from pieces of chocolate bar using the device.
- The heat-insulated handle of the metal bowl allows you to comfortably use the device and safely remove the heated container from the base
- Removable stainless steel bowl resistant to mechanical damage. When heated, it does not emit harmful chemical compounds and guarantees the absence of impurities in drinks.
- The wireless connection to the base makes it easy to set up the bowl and allows it to rotate 360 degrees, making it easier to use in tight spaces
Starting the day with a cup of hot, aromatic coffee has become a tradition in many families. Manufacturers of household appliances for brewing coffee offer a wide range of products that will easily prepare your favorite drink even at home or in the office.
Of course, there are a huge number of varieties and recipes for drinks based on coffee beans. However, the undoubted leader among coffee lovers and connoisseurs is cappuccino.
This strong, invigorating espresso with a thick milk foam attracts with an original combination of flavors and a delicate aroma.
There are several versions of the appearance of such an interesting name. The first legend tells that the capuchins were very fond of the drink.
According to the second legend, also associated with the monastic order, the name of the drink was given by the color of the clothes in which the capuchins were dressed.
Despite the simplicity of the ingredients of cappuccino, it was difficult to prepare it at home until quite recently. The nespresso cappuccinatore coffee machine will provide this opportunity to all coffee lovers.
Do you prefer to prepare coffee in the classic way? Learn more about which types of cezve are best for making coffee.
In order to diversify the taste of coffee, you can use different additives. For example, read the recipe for making coffee with caramel syrup.
What is a cappuccinatore
Manufacturers of coffee machines call a cappuccinatore a special nozzle that must be attached to the coffee machine, or rather, to its steam tube.
For the preparation of thick, strong foam is used chilled milk or cream.
The higher the percentage of fat content of the dairy product, the tastier and better the foam will turn out.
Externally, the device consists of three interconnected compartments: in the first (lower) compartment there is water, the second (middle) is equipped with a valve, in the third, upper part there is a lid with a tube through which steam enters the container where the dairy product is located.
An open fire is required for the operation of such a cappuccinatore.
Choosing a coffee machine with a cappuccinatore for home
When choosing a certain model of a coffee machine, it is necessary, first of all, to take into account the amount of drink consumed and its type.
As a rule, a coffee machine for home with a cappuccinatore does not have such high performance and impressive dimensions as a professional version.
On average, one coffee machine can hold up to two liters of water and up to half a kilogram of ground coffee. Given that one serving of coffee is no more than 15 grams, you can not worry about the contents of the device for a month.
To brew a fragrant drink, grains, ground coffee or capsules are used. The most comfortable in terms of operation is the last option for brewing coffee - pods or capsules.
In addition to the fact that hermetically sealed for up to a year they store both the aroma and taste of the beans, there is no need to measure the required amount of coffee to make a drink. One capsule contains one serving of coffee.
It is important that the brewing mechanism of the coffee machine can be easily removed, which will allow you to clean and wash the machine at any time.
Cappuccino lovers can purchase a modern model of a coffee machine that is equipped with a cappuccino maker.
With such a device, it will not be difficult to prepare excellent, thick foam from milk or cream. Moreover, no more than a few seconds will be spent on the process of whipping dairy products.
In order for coffee not to lose its taste, it is important to purchase a machine equipped with a water filter. After all, it is this component of the drink that can spoil the unique taste of coffee.
A function like "cup counter" remind the owner of the machine about the need to remove coffee grounds, scale and replace the filter.
As a rule, the relevant information is displayed on the display of the coffee machine and helps to avoid non-compliance with the rules for operating the equipment.
Cappuccinatore operation
A small instruction on how to use the nespresso cappuccino maker will help not only prepare a delicious and fragrant cappuccino, but also significantly extend the life of rather expensive household appliances.
Mounting the cappuccinatore on the coffee machine
- Remove the panarello nozzle if it is installed on the hot steam or hot water pipe.
- Slightly loosen the cappuccino maker's round nut.
- Place the cappuccino maker carefully on the hot steam or hot water spout.
- Return the round nut to its original position.
- Make sure that the cappuccinatore is above the liquid tray.
- After turning the knob, drain the remaining water in the appliance for a few seconds, then close the hot water knob.
- Place a container with a dairy product (milk or cream) near the coffee machine.
- Lower the suction tube into a container with milk or cream.
- Place a cup directly under the cappuccinatore.
- After turning the knob, frothed milk or cream will start to flow from the cappuccinatore.
- You can adjust the density and strength of the foam using a special hairpin - raising or lowering it.
- In order for the result to be the most optimal, it is better to use a chilled dairy product to prepare the foam.
Also, those who do not drink alcohol can warm up with tea with cinnamon and lemon. Our recipe.
- Unscrew the round nut of the equipment.
- Disconnect the cappuccinatore from the hot steam or hot water pipe.
- Remove the hinged part of the equipment.
- Disconnect the silicone tube and pin.
- Rinse all parts of the cappuccinatore under running water.
- Install all parts in their original position.
- Install the cappuccinatore on the hot steam or hot water pipe.
- Fix the cappuccinatore nut.
Nespresso coffee machine complete with Nespresso cappuccinatore will be a great gift for all coffee lovers.
A special charm of cappuccino and other coffee drinks with milk is given by a delicate, elastic foam. About how to get it, experienced baristas write almost scientific treatises. There are several types of cappuccinators on sale, sometimes it is difficult to choose the most suitable device for the home. Consider the options, advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Cappuccinators are of two types:
- built-in (in the coffee maker);
- autonomous.
Built-in milk frothers
Cappuccinators built into coffee makers froth milk by mixing it with steam. Therefore, such devices are called steamers (steam translated from English as “steam”).
Types of steamers:
- automatic;
- mechanical.
Automatic steamers
The automatic steamer is equipped with a tube through which the milk is sucked into the tank, where it mixes with hot steam. The foamed liquid is then poured into the cup. In modern models of coffee machines, this function is implemented in different ways.
There are devices equipped with two pumps. With these machines, you can prepare espresso and froth milk at the same time. But two-pump coffee machines are very expensive, they are bought for a cafe, not for a home.
In home coffee makers with one boiler, cappuccino and other coffee and milkshakes are prepared in two stages: milk is frothed separately and coffee is brewed.
Theoretically, it doesn't matter in which order the operations are performed. However, please note that after frothing the milk, the coffee maker must cool slightly. Be sure to drain some hot water from the cappuccinatore to rinse the steamer tube, otherwise the dried milk will clog it. Therefore, it is more convenient to prepare the espresso first and then froth the milk.
More expensive models are equipped with two boilers. With this design, you do not need to wait until the coffee maker cools down, the cappuccino is prepared much faster.
Advantages of automatic steamers:
- milk foams quickly, no special skills are required from the user;
- milk is not preheated;
- before frothing, milk does not need to be poured into a special container; the cappuccinatore tube can be lowered directly into a cardboard bag.
Disadvantage: every time after frothing milk, the steamer must be rinsed with hot water, and at least once a week, all parts must be disassembled and washed.
Mechanical steamers
A mechanical steamer froths milk using a special nozzle - which is put on the spout of the steam supply device. Pannarello is a rigid tube with steam holes at one end. Before you turn on the cappuccinatore, you need to release a little steam.
Cold milk is poured into a special metal jug - a pitcher. Panarello nozzles are immersed in the liquid and steam is released. Foaming takes 30-40 seconds. While frothing the milk, the milk frother heats it up at the same time.
To clean the pannarello, it is enough to turn it on for 10-15 seconds by lowering it into a container of hot water.
Panarello Benefits:
- no need to preheat the milk;
- you can control the foaming process and whip the milk as you like;
- foaming is fast;
- Panarello is much easier to clean than an automatic milk frother.
Disadvantages of panarello:
- foaming requires certain skills. You need to learn not to overheat the milk, otherwise it will become less tasty;
- you need it in a pitcher, in extreme cases - in a metal container so that it is convenient to control the temperature of the liquid with your hand.
Autonomous milk frothers
If there is no cappuccinatore in the coffee maker, you can purchase a stand-alone device. There are two types of self-contained milk frothers on the market:
- manual electric beaters;
- frothers with a container for milk.
Manual electric beaters
A handheld electric whisk is similar to a miniature mixer. The device runs on batteries. Milk must be heated before frothing. To get a good foam, milk has to be whipped for at least one minute.
Advantages of manual electric beaters:
- devices are cheap;
- the electric whisk does not need to be connected to the network, so it can be used in the country or at a picnic.
Disadvantages of electric beaters:
- they quickly fail;
- devices do not heat milk;
- the foam is less tender and elastic than when whipping with a steamer.
Frothers with milk container
With a light hand from Nestle, foamers with a milk container are called aerochino: these devices are equipped with capsule ones.
The frother resembles an ordinary electric kettle. Milk is poured into it and placed on a stand, which is connected to the mains using a power cord.
The blower can be used in one of 3 modes:
- frothing milk with simultaneous heating;
- whipping without heating;
- heating without whipping.
When choosing an aerochino, you should pay attention to what kind of drive it has: mechanical or magnetic. Foamers with a magnetic drive are more reliable, quieter and easier to clean.
Advantages of Aerochino:
- to use the device does not need special skills, just select the mode of operation;
- in aerochino it is convenient not only to whip milk for cappuccino, but also to cook cocoa or milk chocolate;
- the foaming agent is compact, it can be used at work;
- the device is easy to clean.
The only downside of the Aerochino compared to a manual electric whisk is the price. However, for those who regularly drink milk drinks, it is more profitable to buy a frother with a container.
Kirill Sysoev
Calloused hands do not know boredom!
Mar 25 2017
Content
Any coffee drink will acquire a special charm and taste if you cover it with thick foam. Moccachino, flat white, latte - all this can be created at home using special devices. Brew coffee, froth in the cappuccinatore and enjoy.
How to choose a milk frother
Devices are of two types:
- Manual. These are electric beaters with a motor in the handle. The cappuccinatore has one button - inclusions. To start whipping, the whisk must be immersed in liquid by 2 cm. Heating is not used in this case, so the milk must first be brought to the desired temperature on the stove. The handheld device is powered by batteries that have to be changed frequently.
- Automatic. The devices are containers of different volumes, at the bottom of which a whisk is installed, and under it is a heating element. They work from electricity, heating the liquid to the desired temperature, after which it is thoroughly whipped. Whiskers can be mechanical or magnetic. The former are cheaper, the latter operate silently, rarely break and are easy to clean. It is better to take a cappuccino maker with a removable container with a non-stick coating - this will facilitate the process of cleaning the device.
Top 5 best cappuccinators
Manual devices lose to automatic devices not only in terms of power, but also in terms of functionality. The second varieties have a display, buttons for changing the milk temperature, whipping speed. This helps to control the process of preparing the mixture, to regulate the density of the foam. To make it dense and voluminous, try to always use whole milk.
5. Melitta Cremio (Germany)
Cappuccinatore for fast and high-quality preparation of latte macchiato and other airy drinks. The device in a matter of seconds will make warm milk foam or cold whipped milk, which can be added to desserts. If you just need to warm up a coffee drink, Melitta Cremio will cope with this task with the help of a separate function.
Price:
Advantages:
- nice design;
- three colors to choose from - black, red and white;
- easy control;
- silent operation;
- thick foam;
- ease of washing;
- automatic shutdown.
Disadvantages:
- difficult to find spare parts for repairs;
- unreliable holder legs.
4. Kitfort KT-710 (Russia)
The Cappuccino Mixer quickly prepares long-lasting cold and hot froth for drinks. If necessary, the liquid can be heated without subsequent whipping. The cappuccinatore is disassembled for cleaning, the heating element is easily detached from it, so that the cup can be washed without fear of damaging something. Inside, the surface is non-stick, so milk rarely sticks, and existing dirt can be easily removed with a soft cloth.
Price:
Advantages:
- stylish appearance;
- comfortable handle;
- compact dimensions;
- nozzles are easy to change;
- Comes with an additional 730 ml bowl.
Disadvantages:
- unreliable plastic sheathing;
- high noise level.
3. Gretti MF-11 (China)
Easy-to-use, budget-friendly cappuccino and latte maker. It is a small milk tank that is mounted on a stand. A whisk is attached to the container for whipping, the lid closes on top. The cappuccinatore works in two modes: heats up to 75 degrees and beats cold foam.
The milk mixer does not create vibrations, strong noise, it is almost inaudible in the morning. After the preparation of the foam, the red indicator continues to flash for about 30 seconds, then the device automatically turns off. The glass is very easy to clean, for this it must first be removed. The inner coating is non-stick, so all dirt is quickly removed with a sponge.
Price:
Advantages:
- metal case;
- two modes;
- temperature control;
- indicators for cold and hot foam;
- the foam is stable;
- comfortable handle, does not heat up;
- detailed instructions.
Disadvantages:
- sealed lid.
2. Nespresso Aeroccino 3 (USA)
A relatively expensive milk frother with a removable magnetic whisk inside, which acts as a mixer. The cappuccinatore works from the mains, literally in a few seconds it whips milk with high quality. The device has picture tips for ease of use.
It is recommended to clean the cappuccinatore immediately after use, otherwise the dirt will be difficult to wash off. You need to pour warm water into the container and wait, then walk along the whisk and the inner surface with a foam rubber sponge. The rag must be soft so that it does not scratch the non-stick coating.
Price:
Advantages:
- concise design;
- three colors to choose from - red, black, white;
- silent operation;
- simple control;
- two modes of operation;
- a whisk with a magnet is quickly installed;
- easy to clean.
Disadvantages:
- no handle;
- milk overheating.
1. Gemlux GL-MF-08L (China)
The self-contained cappuccino milk frother is available in two universal shades - black and silver. The jug is mounted on a stand on which it can rotate 360 degrees. To prepare foam, you need to pick up a nozzle, pour cool milk into a glass with a fat content of 3.2%, close the lid and start the machine.
With a short press on the button, the liquid whips up a little and heats up to 65 degrees. If you hold the key for two seconds, you will get cold foam. When cooking is finished, the appliance will automatically turn off. Thanks to a special coating, the milk does not burn or spoil.
