There’s something comforting about pouring silky, smooth milk to your favorite drink. It does just take your experience of the coffee to the next level. But if you don’t have an espresso machine it can be hard to find a milk frother or wand that is capable of creating said milk.
Enter the Bellman stovetop steamer. The Bellman is a one of a kind steamer that is capable of producing milk to rival your local café.
Bellman Stovetop Steamer
If you want to be able to steam milk without spending hundreds on an espresso machine, you might want to consider the Bellman. This unique piece of coffee equipment is portable, durable, and capable of producing high quality steamed milk.
Specs
- Material: 18/8 Stainless Steel, Durable Bakelite
- Dimensions: 17 x 21.5 x 20.5cm
- Weight: 1.24kg
- Compatible with gas, electric, ceramic, induction (if suitable for 304 stainless) and campfire
- Made in Taiwan
Pros
- Capable of producing microfoam
- Well built
- Portable
- Affordable
Cons
- Takes a while to heat up and come to pressure
- Outside gets hot
What is the Bellman Stovetop Steamer?
The Bellman Stovetop Steamer is currently the only steamer of its kind. It was designed to have a similar function to a milk frother in that it would produce milk for your specialty coffee drinks. However, unlike most milk frothers, the Bellman is able to produce microfoam, allowing you to create real latte art.
The Bellman Stovetop Steamer works in a similar way to a moka pot. It uses a stovetop to heat the water in it and create a build up of steam. Once the pressure has built up enough you can use the milk wand to froth your milk. The Bellman has a small footprint and is portable making it a great addition to your camping kit.
Ease of Use
The Bellman stovetop steamer is relatively easy to use, especially if you have prior experience using steaming wands on espresso machines. However, for those who have never used a steam wand it can be a steep learning curve.
The stovetop steamer takes longer to heat up and build pressure than your normal espresso machine would (3-5 minutes). However, when it comes to steam pressure it can rival most home espresso machines. The milk wand has a 2 hole outlet designed to create creamy, silky milk.
How to use the bellman stovetop steamer
- Fill the Bellman with water to about half the way up, close the steamer lid, and place on a high heat until there is sufficient pressure built up (takes about 3-5 minutes). Make sure not to fill the water past the handle (as this blocks the pressure release valve).
- When you hear a ringing from steam leaking from the pressure release valve, it is ready to go.
- Turn the knob to purge the wet steam from the wand and then it turn back off. You are now ready to steam your milk.
- Place the steam wand into your milk jug and turn on the steam knob.
- Allow the tip of the wand to sit just below the surface of the milk. You will hear a hissing sound as the milk is aerated and stretched. This should take around 3-5 seconds, then submerge the wand further into the milk to create a whirlpool.
- Once the milk reaches its desired temperature, turn off the steamer and remove the milk jug. Purge and wipe the steam wand immediately.
- Pour your silky milk into your coffee and enjoy.
Quality of Milk
So the all important question… What is the quality of the milk like? As we have mentioned the Bellman Stovetop Steamer is capable of producing very high quality milk. The steamer easily produces microfoam allowing you to pour latte art. It creates milk that is silky and smooth and is a huge step up from most milk frothers.
Tips For Using
Here are a few tips for using the Bellman Stovetop Steamer:
- Fill the Bellman with hot rather than cold water to speed up the process of pressure build up
- Wait until the pressure release valve is ringing slightly before you start steaming
- Make sure you purge the steam wand before you use it to rid it of all the wet steam
- Use a small pitcher when steaming milk as it is easier to angle with the stovetop
Summary of the Bellman Stovetop Steamer
If you are wanting to be able to steam milk but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on an espresso machine, the Bellman Stovetop Steamer is for you. This compact steamer performs as well as any home espresso machine. It is durable, portable and best of all capable of producing microfoam to rival any cafe. Alternatively, if you are looking for some other options see our guide to the best milk frothers.
Happy Buying!