Which size to choose

Pitcher size matters more than most people expect. The steam tip needs enough milk to sit below the surface, but not so much that the milk cannot roll. As a rule of thumb, fill to just below the base of the spout. The 300 ml pitcher holds enough for one cappuccino or flat white and is the easier one to learn on with a home machine, since the small volume heats quickly and is easy to control. The 600 ml pitcher covers two cappuccinos or a single large latte, and gives you more room to stretch the milk before rolling it.

Stainless steel or black

Both versions share the same stainless steel body, handle and pointed spout. The black version adds a matte black coating on the outside. Coated pitchers look the part next to a black Linea Micra, but the finish will eventually show marks from the steam wand and knocks against the drip tray, so wash it by hand and skip abrasive pads. Bare stainless steel takes the same wear without showing it as much.

Steaming tips

Purge the wand first. Keep the tip just under the surface for the first few seconds to stretch the milk, then lower it to roll the milk until the base of the pitcher is too hot to hold comfortably, which lands around 60 to 65 °C. If you prefer a number to a feel, a thermometer such as the Flair Digital Steaming Thermometer clips onto the rim. Wipe and purge the wand straight after each use.

Specifications

What’s in the box

• 1 × La Marzocco Home milk pitcher in the chosen size and finish

Video

La Marzocco Home walks through steaming milk on the Linea Mini: