Creating smooth, café-style milk froth at home is easy once you master the technique. This guide explains how to froth milk using the steam wand on your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine (172022/172024/172025/172026).
Whether you're making a cappuccino, latte or flat white, proper milk texturing makes all the difference.
Before You Start
For best results:
Use a stainless steel jug (it helps you feel the temperature by touch)
Fill the jug no more than one-third full
Use fresh, cold milk (full-fat froths most easily, but semi-skimmed also works well)
Ensure the machine is fully heated — the steam button (4) light must stop pulsing before use
⚠️ Steam is extremely hot and can cause burns. Take care when operating the steam wand.
Step-by-Step: How to Froth Milk
1️⃣ Activate Steam Mode
Press the steam button (4).
Wait until the light stops pulsing and remains solid — this means the machine has reached steam temperature.
2️⃣ Purge the Steam Wand
Before placing the wand into milk:
Briefly turn the steam control dial (6) on for 2–3 seconds.
This clears condensation and residual water from the wand.
Turn the dial OFF before placing into milk.
3️⃣ Position the Steam Wand Correctly
Place the tip of the steam wand just below the surface of the milk.
Angle the jug slightly to create a whirlpool effect.
4️⃣ Start Frothing (Stretching Phase)
Slowly turn the steam control dial (6) to release steam.
Listen for a gentle “hissing” sound (not loud spluttering).
As the milk expands, lower the jug gradually to keep the tip just under the surface.
This introduces air into the milk and creates foam.
5️⃣ Heat the Milk (Texturing Phase)
Once the milk has increased in volume:
Raise the jug slightly so the wand sits deeper in the milk.
This heats and smooths the foam for a creamy microfoam texture.
6️⃣ Stop at the Correct Temperature
Turn the steam control dial fully to OFF before removing the wand from the milk.
Stop steaming when the jug feels hot to the touch but not uncomfortable (approx. 65–70°C).
Milk overheated above 75°C can lose sweetness and develop large bubbles.
After Frothing – Clean Immediately
Proper cleaning prevents blockages and steam issues.
After every use:
✔ Wipe the steam wand immediately with a damp cloth
✔ Purge steam for 5–10 seconds to clear internal milk residue
✔ Allow to cool, then remove and rinse the nozzle if needed
Dried milk is the most common cause of reduced steam pressure.
Tips for Café-Style Microfoam
Keep the wand tip just under the surface during stretching
Maintain a slight angle to create a spinning motion
Tap the jug gently on the counter to remove large bubbles
Swirl the milk before pouring to keep texture smooth
Common Milk Frothing Problems & Solutions
Milk Not Frothing
Steam function not fully heated (wait for solid light)
Steam wand nozzle blocked (clean with pin)
Milk not cold enough
Wand positioned too deep in milk
Steam Wand Spluttering
Purge wand before use
Ensure steam dial is fully open
Machine may need priming if water tank ran dry
Foam Has Large Bubbles
Wand too high above surface
Milk overheated
Not enough whirlpool movement
Steam Is Weak
Steam wand needs cleaning
Machine may require descaling
System may need priming
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What milk froths best?
Full-fat milk creates the creamiest texture, but semi-skimmed produces slightly more foam. Plant-based milks may vary.
Q: Why is my milk too thin?
You may not be introducing enough air during the stretching phase. Keep the tip just under the surface longer.
Q: Can I make another coffee immediately after steaming?
The machine may need to cool down first. Wait until the one cup and two cup buttons illuminate solidly before brewing.