How to Froth Milk with Your Morphy Richards Espresso Machine Steam Wand

Manual Compact Espresso Machine – Models 172022, 172024, 172025 and 172026 

To froth milk using your Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine, pour 100–200ml of chilled milk into a suitable jug, press the Steam button and wait until it stops pulsing and remains steadily illuminated. Position the steam wand approximately 10mm below the milk surface, then slowly open the steam control dial to produce froth.

Always turn the steam control dial fully OFF before removing the wand from the milk. Clean the steam wand after every use to prevent milk residue from causing blockages.

Follow the instructions below for smooth, creamy milk froth.

Step 1 – Prepare Your Milk and Jug

Before activating the steam function:

1. Fill the water tank with fresh water, without exceeding the MAX level.
2. Ensure the water tank is correctly fitted and the steam control dial is OFF.
3. Pour approximately 100–200ml of chilled milk into a suitable milk-frothing jug.
4. Leave sufficient space in the jug for the milk to expand during frothing.

A stainless steel milk-frothing jug is a good choice because it is designed for use with hot milk and steam.

Which Milk Is Best for Frothing?

Different types of milk can produce different results:

• Whole milk: Often produces a rich, creamy texture.
• Semi-skimmed milk: Can produce a lighter foam.
• Skimmed milk: May produce more foam but with a less creamy texture.
• Plant-based milk: Results vary depending on the ingredients. Barista-style varieties are generally formulated to froth more consistently.

For best results, start with fresh, chilled milk rather than milk that has already been heated.

Step 2 – Activate the Steam Function

The espresso machine must reach the correct temperature before it can froth milk.

1. Press the On/Standby button to switch on the machine.
2. Ensure the steam control dial is fully OFF.
3. Press the Steam button on the control panel.
4. The Steam button will pulse while the machine heats.
5. Wait until the Steam button stops pulsing and remains steadily illuminated.

A steadily illuminated Steam button indicates that the machine is ready to produce steam.

Do not attempt to froth milk while the Steam button is still pulsing.

Step 3 – Position the Steam Wand in the Milk

Correct wand positioning is important for creating a smooth, even foam.

1. Place your jug beneath the steam wand.
2. Position the steam wand approximately 10mm below the surface of the milk.
3. Hold the jug securely and keep the wand submerged.
4. Slightly angle the jug if necessary to encourage the milk to circulate.

Avoid positioning the wand too deeply or lifting it completely out of the milk while steam is being released.

If the wand is too deep, the milk may heat without developing much foam. If it is too close to or above the surface, it may produce excessive splashing and large bubbles.

Step 4 – Start Frothing the Milk

Once the Steam button is steadily illuminated and the wand is correctly positioned:

1. Slowly turn the steam control dial anticlockwise to release steam.
2. Adjust the steam flow gradually.
3. Keep the wand approximately 10mm below the milk surface.
4. Allow the steam to introduce air and create froth.
5. Adjust the jug position slightly as the milk expands, keeping the wand submerged.

A gentle hissing sound and movement in the milk are normal during frothing.

If the milk is splashing excessively, reduce the steam flow and check that the wand is positioned correctly.

Step 5 – Create a Smooth, Creamy Milk Texture

For smoother milk froth, aim to combine the foam with the warm milk rather than allowing large bubbles to collect on the surface.

As the milk begins to expand:

1. Keep the jug at a slight angle to encourage circulation.
2. Maintain a consistent steam flow.
3. Adjust the jug position to keep the wand submerged as the milk level changes.
4. Once sufficient froth has formed, position the wand slightly deeper to continue heating and mixing the milk.
5. Stop when the milk has reached your preferred temperature and texture.

Avoid overheating the milk, as this can affect its flavour and foam quality.

The manufacturer's manual does not specify an exact milk temperature. If using a suitable milk thermometer, a temperature of approximately 60–65°C is a common starting point for hot milk drinks, depending on personal preference.

Take care when handling the jug, as it may become very hot.

Step 6 – Stop the Steam Function Correctly

When you have produced enough froth:

1. Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
2. Wait until steam has stopped dispensing.
3. Carefully remove the steam wand from the milk.
4. Press the Steam button to exit steam mode.
5. Serve the frothed milk with your prepared espresso.

Important: Always close the steam control dial before removing the wand from the milk.

Removing the wand while steam is still flowing can cause hot milk to splash.

Step 7 – Clean the Steam Wand After Every Use

Milk residue can dry inside the steam wand and nozzle, causing reduced steam pressure or complete blockages.

The manufacturer's instructions require the steam wand to be cleaned after every use.

How to Clean the Steam Wand

1. After frothing, turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
2. Carefully position the steam wand inside a suitable empty jug or mug.
3. Briefly operate the steam function to clear any remaining milk from inside the wand.
4. Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
5. Switch off the machine and allow the steam wand to cool completely.
6. Remove the steam wand nozzle or sleeve.
7. Rinse the removable nozzle under warm running water to remove milk residue.
8. Wipe the steam wand with a clean, damp cloth.
9. Refit the nozzle securely.

What If the Steam Nozzle Is Blocked?

If dried milk is blocking the nozzle opening or air holes:

1. Ensure the appliance is switched off, unplugged and completely cool.
2. Remove the steam nozzle.
3. Inspect the opening and air holes for milk residue.
4. Carefully use a small pin to clear any blocked openings, as recommended in the manufacturer's user manual.
5. Rinse the nozzle thoroughly and refit it.

Do not apply excessive force or insert a pin into the machine's internal components.

Important: Never remove or clean the nozzle while it is hot. Do not place the machine's accessories in a dishwasher.

Why Isn't My Milk Frothing Properly?

If the steam wand is producing steam but the milk is not frothing as expected, check the following.

Milk Is Heating but Not Producing Much Foam

Possible causes include:

• The steam wand is positioned too deeply in the milk.
• The milk is not sufficiently cold when you start.
• The wand is not introducing enough air.
• The steam flow is too low.

What to do: Start with chilled milk, position the wand approximately 10mm below the surface and adjust the steam flow gradually.

Milk Has Large Bubbles Instead of Smooth Froth

Large bubbles can form when too much air is introduced or the wand is positioned too close to the surface.

What to do:

• Keep the wand just below the milk surface.
• Avoid excessive splashing.
• Encourage the milk to circulate inside the jug.
• Once frothing is complete, gently swirl the jug to combine the milk and foam.

You can also tap the base of the jug gently on a suitable work surface to help release larger bubbles.

Milk Froth Is Too Thin

If the milk remains thin and does not develop enough foam:

• Try fresh, chilled milk.
• Check the wand position.
• Allow slightly more air into the milk during the initial frothing stage.
• Try a different milk variety if the current one does not froth well.

The type of milk can significantly affect the finished texture.

Steam Wand Is Producing Water Instead of Steam

Check that the Steam button has stopped pulsing and remains steadily illuminated before opening the steam control dial.

A small amount of water or condensation may be released initially.

If the wand continues dispensing water without producing steam, follow the dedicated steam-wand troubleshooting guide below.

Steam Pressure Is Weak or No Steam Is Produced

If the machine is not producing sufficient steam, the issue may be related to heating, a blocked nozzle, priming or limescale.

Follow the complete troubleshooting instructions here:

Steam Wand Not Working – Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine

This guide includes instructions for cleaning the nozzle, priming the machine and checking for restricted water flow.

Can I Make Another Coffee Immediately After Frothing Milk?

After steaming milk, the machine may need to cool before preparing another espresso.

This is normal because the steam function operates at a higher temperature than coffee brewing.

How to Return to Coffee Mode

1. Ensure the steam control dial is fully OFF.
2. Press the Steam button to exit steam mode.
3. The one-cup and two-cup buttons may pulse while the machine cools.
4. Wait until both coffee buttons remain steadily illuminated.
5. The machine is now ready to prepare another espresso.

How to Cool the Machine More Quickly

The manufacturer's manual also allows you to accelerate cooling by dispensing water through the steam wand.

1. Place a suitable heat-resistant jug beneath the steam wand.
2. Carefully open the steam control dial to allow water to flow through the system.
3. Turn the steam control dial fully OFF.
4. Wait until the one-cup and two-cup buttons illuminate steadily.

Do not attempt to brew another espresso until the coffee buttons are steadily illuminated.

Tips for Better Milk Frothing Results

For consistent results:

• Start with 100–200ml of chilled milk.
• Use a suitable jug with enough room for the milk to expand.
• Wait until the Steam button is steadily illuminated.
• Position the steam wand approximately 10mm below the milk surface.
• Adjust the steam control dial gradually.
• Encourage gentle circulation rather than excessive splashing.
• Turn the steam control dial OFF before removing the wand.
• Clean the steam wand immediately after every use.

Milk frothing is influenced by technique and the type of milk used. You may need to make small adjustments to achieve your preferred texture.

Still Need Help?

If the steam wand is producing steam normally but you're having difficulty achieving your preferred milk texture, try adjusting the milk type, temperature and wand positioning using the steps above.

If the steam wand is not producing steam correctly, or the appliance's performance has changed, please complete our Steam Wand Troubleshooting Guide before contacting us.

If the problem remains unresolved, please contact Morphy Richards Customer Support.

Please provide:

• Model number: 172022, 172024, 172025 or 172026.
• Serial number: Located on the rating label
• Proof of purchase: Showing the product, retailer and purchase date.
• Description of the problem: Explain whether the wand produces no steam, weak steam or normal steam without the expected milk froth.
• Milk details: Confirm the type and approximate quantity of milk used.
• Troubleshooting completed: Explain which steps you've tried and the results.
• Video: Where safe, provide a short video demonstrating the steam output and frothing process.

Our team will review the information and advise on the next steps.

Please do not return your appliance unless instructed to do so.

User Manual

Download the Morphy Richards Manual Compact Espresso Machine User Manual – CM172022MUK Rev3