Wow, there’s a brave woman right there! I had a few interesting “accidents” with the Bellman, which involved it literally becoming an unguided ballistic missile. Nobody died, but some kitchen china is no more. We stopped using it in fear for our safety after the third time it happened.
@@martinwoodfilms at some random time the main lid gasket was pushed out by the internal pressure. Then: fooom, rocket mode activated. Did not matter how hard I screwed the lid on. There is a safety valve on the thing that is supposed to release before things like this happen but it never did. I started having the steam valve open all the time to avoid too high pressures inside, but it happened anyway. If you have never had this happen it can be hard to imagine the sheer power and speed of a sudden release of steam from an opening like this. The thing just takes off. I was lucky it never hit me, a full hit on the forehead would probably have broken my neck or cracked my skull. It always ended up somewhere on the other side of the kitchen, taking a glass or a flower pot with it. The pressure quickly decreases of course, so it won’t go very far. But it is heavy enough to cause damage.
@@martinwoodfilms The steamer I finally got for my kitchen was the Dualit Cino steamer. Just a stainless steel box, but it takes up just a little bench space, it is a good steamer (as good as any prosumer machine) and it gets warmed up in like 30 seconds. Just turn it on, pull your shot and then steam your milk. Then turn it off again, or put a timer on it. It has a flash boiler so it is better for it not to be turned on too long. My espresso machine only makes espresso, and only two of us drink milk, so it fits our family perfectly. Not sure why James never tested that one. Maybe it was just too ugly or too dull. I like Dualit though, have only ever had good experience with their products. P.S. I found it cheap on UK ebay. Official price is 249£, I believe I got it for like half of that. There is a 110V US version with another brand name on it.
I got my sister one of these at a garage sale this summer, I'm glad to see what it is exactly and how to use it. (We had a good guess on how to use it but still)
I’ve used a bellman stove top milk steamer for years and love it. Combined with my flair espresso I get to enjoy milk based coffee drinks at a fraction of the price of expensive electric machines.
I'm a minute away from selling my single boiler espresso machine for a flair. I ordered a stovetop milk frother, it's on the way. So is a single induction cooktop Technically it's a double boiler this way, right? After a while of having these things, would you say it's worth it?
This is our second K-Classic. We had our first one for many years, so when we had to replace it, we wanted nothing else but this exact ruclips.net/user/postUgkxBrV-RbF5Nk0Rlt9i15aao-YMzqzTG8Vf model. We use it for about three people everyday in the morning. The taste and quick brew is one of the reasons we like it so much. There are so many choices of brands of coffee that we would grab what was on sale and test the different brands from there. I would definitely recommend trying different brands of coffee to find the ones you like the most because there are brands that quite frankly taste horrible.
Your videos have this wholesome, warm energy to them and I’m paying attention to what you’re saying but it’s sooo relaxing at the same time. Thanks for such great content Morgan! ☕️
This is perfect for me who doesn’t drink coffee, but love my parent’s espresso machine for the steam wand! I drink matcha and always want to practice doing latte art so this will be perfect without having to spend $$$ on an espresso machine that I won’t be using
I've used a french press, a 10$ hand frother like the wand in the video and now I have a nanofoamer(~35$). In my experience with the cheap frother you don't get a stable foam (kinda like beer foam). It is possible to get getting silky milk but it's really hard, like months of practice/experimenting. The french press gets you a great texture on the milk but I feel it is hard to get it to pour into late art (it is great for cappuccinos though). Finally the nanofoamer is a bit weird and it has a learning curve, but I feel like it is almost there and you get pourable and silky milk. For 30 something dollars y think it's a good middle ground between the handfrother and the bellman.
after a couple of months, the Bellman is familiar enough that I am able to steam and pull shots at once. I bought a used coffeemaker on ebay. works the same. practice , practice..
I was today years old when I learned you could use a french press for this...... and I already have one....... Thank you i need to try that asap now haha
This Bellman steamer is brilliant I've been using one for over a year now along with the Flair Signature getting near café quality latte and capochinos coffee every morning
I'm doing exactly the same when we're in the RV, but at home I usually find the Flair (especially cleaning the puck) too much work. I rather prefer my Rocket R58 there... Nevertheless, great combination!
The NanoFoamer would have been a better comparison. I don’t love mine (it’s a pain), but it does make good foam. I have a Bellman on order for use with my FlairPro2 for on the road (I have a regular machine for home), and I’m absolutely sure the Bellman will do a great job, but I really think the NanoFoamer would have been a better comparison point.
Hand frothers are great for non-dairy milks though! Specifically a 1:1 ratio of unsweetened almond milk and vanilla oat creamer. Since non-dairy milks don't have fat, the added stabilizers to creamers makes hand frothers work perfect
That is true I found the hand frother is a great option for the oat milk I use even though when trying with actual milk it makes the milk waaay too frothy for a creamy consistency.
I’m not sure if I scroll down all the comments but there is the Bellman with coffee chamber, just like Moka Pot and with an extra spout so you can brew the coffee and then steam the milk. I have one of them. Nice gear, good to impress your friends at the party 👍
@@christopherpattberg2431 I didn't know that either. I got one last week, and I was really getting confused with this video when she mentioned that it wasn't meant to brew coffee
I actually found Morgan’s channel via vessi as RUclips recommended it to me after searching for reviews and since then I have never regretted subscribing
My grandma has a similar stovetop steamer, except it’s literally older than I am and just seeing it in her cabinets scares me. We used it for the first time that I can ever remember recently and not only were the steam nozzles clogged, but the safety valves were caked in buildup too! It took hours to get it to work and even then it was nerve racking
I don’t know why they don’t have two safety release valves one at a lower pressure and another at a slightly higher pressure. seems like that would make it a whole lot safer
You are right ! I just bought it with espresso tap and the gauge meter .. It is truely an upgrade item to learn milk frothing in a professional way … and yet a cheaper way 😂😂😂 I like it ❤️
Can u try different thermos mugs/travel mugs? I work early and always bring my coffee in a travel mug, I’ve tried many but either they don’t keep the heat, the leak or they make the coffee taste weird. I love your way of reviewing things! ♥️
I don't drink coffee because I don't like the taste, but I absolutely love steamed milk drinks like tea lattes, chai, London fogs, matcha, and hot chocolate. The hand frothers just don't really cut it, the pitcher style ones are okay but they incorporate a huge amount of foam that breaks down quickly. I really want to try the Bellman steamer but I have a gas stove and just see it being a disaster to try. Honestly I'm kind of just thinking I'll buy an expensive espresso machine at some point just for guests and the steam wand lol. The other issue is that I went dairy free a few years ago and developed lactose intolerance, so I am usually working with alt milks that don't foam as well. Oatly is the best imo.
I have used a hand frother with my Aeropress for years, everyday. I've learned that if I froth deep into the warm milk, at 45 degree angle, my froth bubbles are like silk.. Important to not overheat the milk to separation, and a fast frother.. I'm sometimes disappointed by barista coffees now, I achieve better foam with my $5 frother. And compared to the $100+ (in Australia) bellman.. 😁
I use a moka pot and a cheap hand frother as well and use a similar method to yours and get very good results as well. I did purchase a Nanofoamer, but returned it. It was harder for me to use because of where the button is located and the results, even after following instructions and practice did not justify keeping it. If someone gave me a Bellman stovetop steamer, I would try it, but I am not going to be running out to purchase one for $100.00.
@@ggivensjr I used to microwave the milk to just before it began to boil.. But I learned that by that point, the milk has begun to separate. So now I heat it to just before it gets to the 'lid' of milk on surface. I used a thermometer, but now I know down to the second how long it needs. I don't recall the temperature I used, but you can google, or ask a barista whose coffee you enjoy..
I just visited Ikea, and picked up a new hand held frother for AU$2.50 each.. (I actually bought 2 extras as spares) . Best ever, so smooth and easy to froth my milk.
I spent hours trying to find something like this but the algorithm kept giving me frothing when I just wanted this! Thanks for this review 😭 now I know what I want to get
I use an electric hot chocolate pot to heat and sort of froth my oat milk. I think it would froth normal milk more but I haven’t tried it. It takes about 6 minutes to heat and “froth” my oat milk. Bonus feature is that it doesn’t require my constant attention.
I've worn a pair of Vessis since even before they started sponsoring Morgan B) And I still wear them. So in addition to all those other benefits, they don't fall apart.
Haha, I love your opening…every time I watch your videos, I audibly say, “Hello there.” So my family knows who I’m watching. Love it even more now knowing it’s an Obi-wan reference.
I got the milk frother wand, and it works fine for the price, and I usually drink my coffee right away so I don't notice the bubbles, not for latte art at all. But this is to say it's an improvement to just adding warm milk. I may look into the Stovetop Steamer, but honestly I'll probably just save up for a cheaper espresso machine for about 200.
I love your explanation and coverage on the Bellman(aka the only available seperate steam wand). I just ordered their CX25 that has the moka pot combo unit so I could use that vs the Flair pro I have if I wanted to travel or mix it up. This is going to be a major upgrade to just heating up some whole milk or oat milk in the microwave and brewing on top of that!
Many of the Bellman steamers, including the one I have, also include a Moka Pot, so they do brew coffee and steam milk with one device. Personally I still do prefer having a Moka Pot and a Bellman each dedicated to one part of the task though.
I have a handheld frother from Ikea and what I did was to heat the milk in the stainless steel pitcher over the portable burner at the lowest setting and froth the milk as it heats. I did have a thermometer cause direct the milk tends to heat up incredible fast over direct fire.Though the foam is not perfect but it does the job quite decently 🤭
Hey Morgan, my wife and I lived in Portland 20 years ago and there was a great local chain called coffee people. I think they are all gone now 😢. They had a very unique drink made with Mexican chocolate called a Velvet hammer, it was smooth and sweet with hints of sweet spices (velvet)with a kick of caffeine (the hammer). Oh and Coffee People had these cups with quirked sayings on them. Would you ever consider trying to recreate a drink you have probably never had and sharing the recipe with us!
Another entertaining video enjoyed while drinking my morning brew..... Suggestion, use the microwave and a french press to froth the milk. Aerate the milk by rapidly pumping the french press tap tap then put in microwave until volume doubles........
i was bored one day and took apart an old hand frother and put the mixing wand in my cordless dremel hand tool. ..lol... it spins at about 9k rpm's an it's fun to use if i'm in the workshop with the keurig i got second hand.
I have a Dualit milk frother which I mainly use for hot chocolate/a drop of foam for a macchiato. Lavazza makes something similar. I've never attempted latte art with them but they do a decent job of not overheating the milk/getting air in. Not a patch on a proper steam wand, obviously.
On the topic for steaming/frothing milk, I have a delongi espresso machine with one of those single hole steam wand. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong but the milk creates lots of bubbles and overflows even doing the right steps for a latte. Plus it doesn’t get steamy hot when it happens
Hello Morgan! So, my real question is, is that would you prefer the Bellman Steamer versus your Rancilio steam wand? Ideal they should be working the same, but at home I have a La Pavoni, and I feel that they're notorious for their traditional set up etc, but...I find that the steam wand is super poor, possibly I should change the three hole to a single hole steam head, but also there's not enough pressure build up to steam my milk properly. Would love to hear back, thanks! 🤗
I’ve been able to achieve very thick and silky foam with a handheld frother but it took practice (pushing the on switch about halfway to achieve a sort of half speed, being careful where to place the frothing “spoolies” in the milk, etc). But after about 8mos of daily use, the thing pooped out on me. Since I don’t wish to throw a frother into the landfill every year, I’ll be switching over to a Bellman. And that will complete my manual cappuccino trifecta! (Current setup is a Kinu grinder and a Cafelat Robot. Excited to ditch the battery-powered frother and finally get steamed milk again!)
I can't afford the espresso machines or that Bellman. I do use my wand frother from time to time. I start out with it near the bottom until the milk starts swirling pretty good. Then, I go back and forth between the bottom to just somewhat poking out (at this point the wand is tilted to expose only have of the wheel). I don't know for sure that I'm incorporating more air using that method, but it feels like it.
The Bellman is phenomenal. My espresso machine has a steam wand that does a similarly great job, but the experience of using the Bellman just feels so much better. I feel like I have much more control with it than I do with any steam wand at any price. The Bellman can be positioned any way you want and you have absolute control with the knob on the valve. And unless I'm in a HUGE hurry, In which case, I'm probably not making a latte anyway, the 5 minutes for it to build up heat and pressure are inconsequential.
yes.. as others have said.. you should have used a NanoFoamer to compare.. I own a Bellman and NanoFoamer, and you didn't really show how to use the Bellman properly. It needs to have a certain amount of water and then wait for the overpressure to go off.. This unnerves many people. Then you need to purge wet steam.. finally wait for the valve to release once more and you are ready to go.. It can be easy to overpower the milk and learning to use a steam wand takes much time to master.. . You can also get a Bellman with a pressure gauge (which I don't have, but should be easier to use). So if you learn to use a NanoFoamer, it is pretty comparable to the Bellman. I have both and both have a learning curve. I would say the Bellman might make a tad slightly better foam.. but both are quite good when you learn how to use them. One advantage of the NanoFoamer is that it does not add water to your Latte. Bellman will add at least 10%, or 20g in 200g water.
What about those steamers that typically come in steel containers with non-stick interiors, a whisk on the inside and a separate heating element that goes on the bottom?
Moka + Bellman = portable camping latte that doesn't suck at all. How does the bellman deal with over pressure if you forget it on the stove? Does it whistle like a steam kettle when it's hot enough or some indication? Blow off?
If you have the time I’d like your recommendation on the most affordable espresso machine that actually makes espresso and steams milk! I need to learn how to make my cappuccino at home!
I have this (the Bellman steamer). Each time I use it, I feel with my hand until the temperature is too hot to touch, and then I stop it. Then I add it to my coffee. Its always way too cold, and not warm enough to enjoy so I have to heat up my coffee in the microwave. What am I doing wrong??
I think the hand frother is worth having if only for mixing drinks quickly, that was why I bought it (and this explains why it was called a milk frother. I was very confused!)
For me, I bought a hand frother and a 1-quart pot for my milk needs. I'm not looking to make fancy latte art at home, and I use that tiny pot for so many other things around my kitchen that I felt it was better for my personal setup :) I also can create a ton of foam using the one I bought for Epic Foam Mountain on my weekend coffees, and we use it for frothing hot chocolate as well! This does seem like an awesome upgrade, though, if I do want to start upping my game in the years to come. Nice review!
It'd be cool if there was an automated frother that you could attach to a pitcher's rim, then set the pitcher & device into a microwave, let the microwave heat the milk and also power the device to do its frothing mechanism at the same time.
I use a small saucepan with a couple inches of water on a burner, set the pitcher in the water once it's hot and start frothing. Works beautifully if I'm into the process to make a better coffee drink (Capp, Latte etc) with my Moka pot coffee.
I used to use a hand frother pre coffee machine. However I had a milk pan that could be used on the hob. I wonder how that might stack up in the test as you can incorperate the foam while heating instead of foaming after the heat
Thanks Morgan! I have a Bellman myself and it's a combo Espresso/Frother! It's one of my fave coffee makers... any chance of you doing a review of the two part Bellman? PS- you rock!
There is a cut at 6:46 because I guess the milk was messed up. I have this steamer and what I can tell you this is a toy for kids. It's just ridiculous. Not sure how many years of training you need to get good results. I can do latte art with my espresso machine (Profitec Pro 300) and was looking for a manual setup but this is just trash.
I'm a barista and have been using it almost daily at home for a good portion of this year. Honestly, I love it. It's affordable and with proper practice, you are able to get gorgeous milk texture. I just wished the build quality felt nicer for its price point. Also, you would definitely want to get a set of rechargeable batteries for the Nanofoamer because on a low charge, frothing it is impossible
@@felicityfoo6240 I’ve had mine for about 7-8 months and I agree with a lot of what you said. It can do a great job, but it would really benefit from a v2/revision (better build quality, more comfortable button, etc)
From my training so far as a barista, it’s to help homogenise the mix. The denser foam tends to sit on top of the rest, so pouring it into another pitcher helps further mix the foam to make it homogenous and good for pouring consistent art.
Hi Morgan, love your videos!!! Just curious, when you used the Bellman and the hand held frothier, in both cases, after frothing the milk, you transferred the frothed milk from the small pitcher to a larger pitcher. Why is that? Thank you.
So do you not recommend that other milk frother that was like a perforated cylinder in stead of a spring that you tested out a year or so ago? Nanofoamer?
Great video well done. Is the Bellman safe? What if you just need steamed milk or steamed Eggnog? Is there another device you can recommend for steaming other than the Bellman? I don't have espresso machine anymore and don't drink lattes but do still like making cappuccinos.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Visit vessi.com/mdc to shop all their holiday deals and use code MDC for $25 off your purchase!
Based on your recommendation, just order my Vessis. And they’re purple!
Wow, there’s a brave woman right there! I had a few interesting “accidents” with the Bellman, which involved it literally becoming an unguided ballistic missile. Nobody died, but some kitchen china is no more. We stopped using it in fear for our safety after the third time it happened.
Explain... Lol
@@martinwoodfilms at some random time the main lid gasket was pushed out by the internal pressure. Then: fooom, rocket mode activated.
Did not matter how hard I screwed the lid on.
There is a safety valve on the thing that is supposed to release before things like this happen but it never did. I started having the steam valve open all the time to avoid too high pressures inside, but it happened anyway.
If you have never had this happen it can be hard to imagine the sheer power and speed of a sudden release of steam from an opening like this. The thing just takes off. I was lucky it never hit me, a full hit on the forehead would probably have broken my neck or cracked my skull. It always ended up somewhere on the other side of the kitchen, taking a glass or a flower pot with it. The pressure quickly decreases of course, so it won’t go very far. But it is heavy enough to cause damage.
@@zixzysm that’s insane. Thank you for sharing. That’s very worrisome. I’m going with nanofoamer 2 lithium now…
@@martinwoodfilms The steamer I finally got for my kitchen was the Dualit Cino steamer. Just a stainless steel box, but it takes up just a little bench space, it is a good steamer (as good as any prosumer machine) and it gets warmed up in like 30 seconds. Just turn it on, pull your shot and then steam your milk. Then turn it off again, or put a timer on it. It has a flash boiler so it is better for it not to be turned on too long. My espresso machine only makes espresso, and only two of us drink milk, so it fits our family perfectly.
Not sure why James never tested that one. Maybe it was just too ugly or too dull. I like Dualit though, have only ever had good experience with their products.
P.S. I found it cheap on UK ebay. Official price is 249£, I believe I got it for like half of that. There is a 110V US version with another brand name on it.
@@zixzysm looks legit! I went with the nano lithium for simplicity and travel
I got my sister one of these at a garage sale this summer, I'm glad to see what it is exactly and how to use it. (We had a good guess on how to use it but still)
I’ve used a bellman stove top milk steamer for years and love it. Combined with my flair espresso I get to enjoy milk based coffee drinks at a fraction of the price of expensive electric machines.
I'm a minute away from selling my single boiler espresso machine for a flair. I ordered a stovetop milk frother, it's on the way. So is a single induction cooktop
Technically it's a double boiler this way, right?
After a while of having these things, would you say it's worth it?
This is our second K-Classic. We had our first one for many years, so when we had to replace it, we wanted nothing else but this exact ruclips.net/user/postUgkxBrV-RbF5Nk0Rlt9i15aao-YMzqzTG8Vf model. We use it for about three people everyday in the morning. The taste and quick brew is one of the reasons we like it so much. There are so many choices of brands of coffee that we would grab what was on sale and test the different brands from there. I would definitely recommend trying different brands of coffee to find the ones you like the most because there are brands that quite frankly taste horrible.
Your videos have this wholesome, warm energy to them and I’m paying attention to what you’re saying but it’s sooo relaxing at the same time. Thanks for such great content Morgan! ☕️
This is perfect for me who doesn’t drink coffee, but love my parent’s espresso machine for the steam wand! I drink matcha and always want to practice doing latte art so this will be perfect without having to spend $$$ on an espresso machine that I won’t be using
14:35 You just spilling all tat without even noticing was actually hilarious! You're so endearing!
I've used a french press, a 10$ hand frother like the wand in the video and now I have a nanofoamer(~35$).
In my experience with the cheap frother you don't get a stable foam (kinda like beer foam). It is possible to get getting silky milk but it's really hard, like months of practice/experimenting.
The french press gets you a great texture on the milk but I feel it is hard to get it to pour into late art (it is great for cappuccinos though).
Finally the nanofoamer is a bit weird and it has a learning curve, but I feel like it is almost there and you get pourable and silky milk.
For 30 something dollars y think it's a good middle ground between the handfrother and the bellman.
For the French press, transfer your milk after frothing to a milk pitcher (the kind you’d use to steam with an espresso machine), and it’ll pour great
after a couple of months, the Bellman is familiar enough that I am able to steam and pull shots at once.
I bought a used coffeemaker on ebay. works the same.
practice , practice..
I was today years old when I learned you could use a french press for this...... and I already have one....... Thank you i need to try that asap now haha
This Bellman steamer is brilliant I've been using one for over a year now along with the Flair Signature getting near café quality latte and capochinos coffee every morning
I'm doing exactly the same when we're in the RV, but at home I usually find the Flair (especially cleaning the puck) too much work. I rather prefer my Rocket R58 there... Nevertheless, great combination!
@@StefanPfetzing if you have the flair pro or flair pro 2, the puck should come out in one piece if you pressed out all the water
Steamed Milk Machine would be the perfect name for a niche cover band that only does Neutral Milk Hotel and Steam Powered Giraffe songs
The NanoFoamer would have been a better comparison. I don’t love mine (it’s a pain), but it does make good foam. I have a Bellman on order for use with my FlairPro2 for on the road (I have a regular machine for home), and I’m absolutely sure the Bellman will do a great job, but I really think the NanoFoamer would have been a better comparison point.
I own both. Both are a pain. I just wonder why there isn't a electric steamer on the market.
@@EvanBlack11 hopefully flair comes up with a good solution. They are supposed to introduce it this year
You won't disappointed with Bellman. Mine's been working well for 4 yrs now and still shiny like a new one. 👍😉
Hand frothers are great for non-dairy milks though! Specifically a 1:1 ratio of unsweetened almond milk and vanilla oat creamer. Since non-dairy milks don't have fat, the added stabilizers to creamers makes hand frothers work perfect
That is true I found the hand frother is a great option for the oat milk I use even though when trying with actual milk it makes the milk waaay too frothy for a creamy consistency.
It's not as perfect as other methods, but it's definitely easier to do with plant milk over dairy milk
FINALLY!!!!!! THE STAR WARS REFRENCE WAS MUCH NEEDED!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU EVEN MORE NOW
I’m not sure if I scroll down all the comments but there is the Bellman with coffee chamber, just like Moka Pot and with an extra spout so you can brew the coffee and then steam the milk. I have one of them. Nice gear, good to impress your friends at the party 👍
I own one of these, too. Didnt even know theyre available as steam-only.
@@christopherpattberg2431 I didn't know that either. I got one last week, and I was really getting confused with this video when she mentioned that it wasn't meant to brew coffee
I actually found Morgan’s channel via vessi as RUclips recommended it to me after searching for reviews and since then I have never regretted subscribing
Her face is so captivating! And the presentation settled it for me, if I want an affordable cuppucino set up, it would the option. Thank YOU.
My grandma has a similar stovetop steamer, except it’s literally older than I am and just seeing it in her cabinets scares me. We used it for the first time that I can ever remember recently and not only were the steam nozzles clogged, but the safety valves were caked in buildup too! It took hours to get it to work and even then it was nerve racking
I don’t know why they don’t have two safety release valves one at a lower pressure and another at a slightly higher pressure. seems like that would make it a whole lot safer
You are right ! I just bought it with espresso tap and the gauge meter .. It is truely an upgrade item to learn milk frothing in a professional way … and yet a cheaper way 😂😂😂 I like it ❤️
Can u try different thermos mugs/travel mugs? I work early and always bring my coffee in a travel mug, I’ve tried many but either they don’t keep the heat, the leak or they make the coffee taste weird. I love your way of reviewing things! ♥️
I just got my husband a moka pot for his birthday, and I would love a video on that!
I don't drink coffee because I don't like the taste, but I absolutely love steamed milk drinks like tea lattes, chai, London fogs, matcha, and hot chocolate.
The hand frothers just don't really cut it, the pitcher style ones are okay but they incorporate a huge amount of foam that breaks down quickly. I really want to try the Bellman steamer but I have a gas stove and just see it being a disaster to try.
Honestly I'm kind of just thinking I'll buy an expensive espresso machine at some point just for guests and the steam wand lol.
The other issue is that I went dairy free a few years ago and developed lactose intolerance, so I am usually working with alt milks that don't foam as well. Oatly is the best imo.
I have used a hand frother with my Aeropress for years, everyday. I've learned that if I froth deep into the warm milk, at 45 degree angle, my froth bubbles are like silk.. Important to not overheat the milk to separation, and a fast frother..
I'm sometimes disappointed by barista coffees now, I achieve better foam with my $5 frother. And compared to the $100+ (in Australia) bellman.. 😁
I use a moka pot and a cheap hand frother as well and use a similar method to yours and get very good results as well. I did purchase a Nanofoamer, but returned it. It was harder for me to use because of where the button is located and the results, even after following instructions and practice did not justify keeping it. If someone gave me a Bellman stovetop steamer, I would try it, but I am not going to be running out to purchase one for $100.00.
Do you heat milk before frothing or after? Do you use a thermometer?
@@ggivensjr I used to microwave the milk to just before it began to boil.. But I learned that by that point, the milk has begun to separate. So now I heat it to just before it gets to the 'lid' of milk on surface. I used a thermometer, but now I know down to the second how long it needs. I don't recall the temperature I used, but you can google, or ask a barista whose coffee you enjoy..
I just visited Ikea, and picked up a new hand held frother for AU$2.50 each.. (I actually bought 2 extras as spares) . Best ever, so smooth and easy to froth my milk.
I spent hours trying to find something like this but the algorithm kept giving me frothing when I just wanted this! Thanks for this review 😭 now I know what I want to get
Watching this after my third dose, I feel crappy but I am happy.
I love Morgan! I don't know what it is, but her personality is just so sweet 😍😊
I use an electric hot chocolate pot to heat and sort of froth my oat milk. I think it would froth normal milk more but I haven’t tried it. It takes about 6 minutes to heat and “froth” my oat milk. Bonus feature is that it doesn’t require my constant attention.
I've worn a pair of Vessis since even before they started sponsoring Morgan B) And I still wear them. So in addition to all those other benefits, they don't fall apart.
Haha, I love your opening…every time I watch your videos, I audibly say, “Hello there.” So my family knows who I’m watching. Love it even more now knowing it’s an Obi-wan reference.
That is a really well done comparison going into some real world differences you can expect. Great content!
I got the milk frother wand, and it works fine for the price, and I usually drink my coffee right away so I don't notice the bubbles, not for latte art at all. But this is to say it's an improvement to just adding warm milk. I may look into the Stovetop Steamer, but honestly I'll probably just save up for a cheaper espresso machine for about 200.
I love your explanation and coverage on the Bellman(aka the only available seperate steam wand). I just ordered their CX25 that has the moka pot combo unit so I could use that vs the Flair pro I have if I wanted to travel or mix it up. This is going to be a major upgrade to just heating up some whole milk or oat milk in the microwave and brewing on top of that!
Many of the Bellman steamers, including the one I have, also include a Moka Pot, so they do brew coffee and steam milk with one device. Personally I still do prefer having a Moka Pot and a Bellman each dedicated to one part of the task though.
I have a handheld frother from Ikea and what I did was to heat the milk in the stainless steel pitcher over the portable burner at the lowest setting and froth the milk as it heats. I did have a thermometer cause direct the milk tends to heat up incredible fast over direct fire.Though the foam is not perfect but it does the job quite decently 🤭
Hey Morgan, my wife and I lived in Portland 20 years ago and there was a great local chain called coffee people. I think they are all gone now 😢. They had a very unique drink made with Mexican chocolate called a Velvet hammer, it was smooth and sweet with hints of sweet spices (velvet)with a kick of caffeine (the hammer). Oh and Coffee People had these cups with quirked sayings on them. Would you ever consider trying to recreate a drink you have probably never had and sharing the recipe with us!
Buy some abuelita chocolate and crush it fine. It's delicious on coffee.
Another entertaining video enjoyed while drinking my morning brew..... Suggestion, use the microwave and a french press to froth the milk. Aerate the milk by rapidly pumping the french press tap tap then put in microwave until volume doubles........
Those battery whisk milk frothers are great for matcha!
You fit perfectly in the Dan Howell shaped hole in my heart.
i was bored one day and took apart an old hand frother and put the mixing wand in my cordless dremel hand tool. ..lol... it spins at about 9k rpm's an it's fun to use if i'm in the workshop with the keurig i got second hand.
I have a Dualit milk frother which I mainly use for hot chocolate/a drop of foam for a macchiato. Lavazza makes something similar. I've never attempted latte art with them but they do a decent job of not overheating the milk/getting air in. Not a patch on a proper steam wand, obviously.
On the topic for steaming/frothing milk, I have a delongi espresso machine with one of those single hole steam wand. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong but the milk creates lots of bubbles and overflows even doing the right steps for a latte. Plus it doesn’t get steamy hot when it happens
Congratulations for the 500k followers 🎉
I have been pondering getting a Bellman for a while now.
Hello Morgan!
So, my real question is, is that would you prefer the Bellman Steamer versus your Rancilio steam wand? Ideal they should be working the same, but at home I have a La Pavoni, and I feel that they're notorious for their traditional set up etc, but...I find that the steam wand is super poor, possibly I should change the three hole to a single hole steam head, but also there's not enough pressure build up to steam my milk properly.
Would love to hear back, thanks! 🤗
How would a French press compare with the Bellman in terms of steaming the milk it's quality and overall texture?
congrats on 500k!!!
Just for that answer at 00:05 which we long suspected, thank you and we all love you.
It would be a crime if the new merch design didn't come in a turtleneck.
oo cute merch design! im definitely getting one
Just went and bought one after seeing your review!
Was hoping to see you compare it to a nanofoamer since that is a more fair comparison
I’ve been able to achieve very thick and silky foam with a handheld frother but it took practice (pushing the on switch about halfway to achieve a sort of half speed, being careful where to place the frothing “spoolies” in the milk, etc). But after about 8mos of daily use, the thing pooped out on me. Since I don’t wish to throw a frother into the landfill every year, I’ll be switching over to a Bellman. And that will complete my manual cappuccino trifecta! (Current setup is a Kinu grinder and a Cafelat Robot. Excited to ditch the battery-powered frother and finally get steamed milk again!)
I’d love to see a comparison with one of those countertop electric frothers that heat the milk as well.
I was literally just looking for this ahhh! Thank you
Good review Morgan. Could be a good addition to my Campervan coffee set up. Just need to get my wife to watch this video….
This would be Awesome for camping!
This answered A LOT of my questions. Great detail, and production. Thanks! .. Unfiltered spillage, YESS 😎👌
How would you rate it compared to the nanofoamer ?
I still need to get the hang of it. For non dairy milks it’s introducing a lot of air to the mix.
Over here in the UK electric milk frothers that also heat the milk are relatively common, probably around $30 for an averagely decent one 🤔
what about those milk warmer things that can also heat the milk while frothing? Have you ever used one of these? (e.g. aeroccino)
I can't afford the espresso machines or that Bellman. I do use my wand frother from time to time. I start out with it near the bottom until the milk starts swirling pretty good. Then, I go back and forth between the bottom to just somewhat poking out (at this point the wand is tilted to expose only have of the wheel). I don't know for sure that I'm incorporating more air using that method, but it feels like it.
Im still a huge fan of a cafetiere for frothing milk, both cow and alternative milks its great for
The Bellman is phenomenal. My espresso machine has a steam wand that does a similarly great job, but the experience of using the Bellman just feels so much better. I feel like I have much more control with it than I do with any steam wand at any price. The Bellman can be positioned any way you want and you have absolute control with the knob on the valve.
And unless I'm in a HUGE hurry, In which case, I'm probably not making a latte anyway, the 5 minutes for it to build up heat and pressure are inconsequential.
yes.. as others have said.. you should have used a NanoFoamer to compare.. I own a Bellman and NanoFoamer, and you didn't really show how to use the Bellman properly. It needs to have a certain amount of water and then wait for the overpressure to go off.. This unnerves many people. Then you need to purge wet steam.. finally wait for the valve to release once more and you are ready to go.. It can be easy to overpower the milk and learning to use a steam wand takes much time to master.. . You can also get a Bellman with a pressure gauge (which I don't have, but should be easier to use). So if you learn to use a NanoFoamer, it is pretty comparable to the Bellman. I have both and both have a learning curve. I would say the Bellman might make a tad slightly better foam.. but both are quite good when you learn how to use them. One advantage of the NanoFoamer is that it does not add water to your Latte. Bellman will add at least 10%, or 20g in 200g water.
Is bellman better than french press and nanofoamer in making latte art ?
What about those steamers that typically come in steel containers with non-stick interiors, a whisk on the inside and a separate heating element that goes on the bottom?
I use an electric milk frother from Lavazza - it works wonderfully.
Moka + Bellman = portable camping latte that doesn't suck at all. How does the bellman deal with over pressure if you forget it on the stove? Does it whistle like a steam kettle when it's hot enough or some indication? Blow off?
With the Bellman, how deep did you insert the wand, and just where did you place it in the pitcher?
If you have the time I’d like your recommendation on the most affordable espresso machine that actually makes espresso and steams milk! I need to learn how to make my cappuccino at home!
Thank you so much for sharing!
I have this (the Bellman steamer). Each time I use it, I feel with my hand until the temperature is too hot to touch, and then I stop it. Then I add it to my coffee. Its always way too cold, and not warm enough to enjoy so I have to heat up my coffee in the microwave. What am I doing wrong??
I think the hand frother is worth having if only for mixing drinks quickly, that was why I bought it (and this explains why it was called a milk frother. I was very confused!)
Hi Morgan if you haven't already done it, how about a video on the Bellman stovetop Espresso maker
Just talked to a friend about this yesterday.
For me, I bought a hand frother and a 1-quart pot for my milk needs. I'm not looking to make fancy latte art at home, and I use that tiny pot for so many other things around my kitchen that I felt it was better for my personal setup :) I also can create a ton of foam using the one I bought for Epic Foam Mountain on my weekend coffees, and we use it for frothing hot chocolate as well!
This does seem like an awesome upgrade, though, if I do want to start upping my game in the years to come. Nice review!
I'd love a review of the version that both does espresso and steams milk
It'd be cool if there was an automated frother that you could attach to a pitcher's rim, then set the pitcher & device into a microwave, let the microwave heat the milk and also power the device to do its frothing mechanism at the same time.
I use a small saucepan with a couple inches of water on a burner, set the pitcher in the water once it's hot and start frothing. Works beautifully if I'm into the process to make a better coffee drink (Capp, Latte etc) with my Moka pot coffee.
I used to use a hand frother pre coffee machine. However I had a milk pan that could be used on the hob. I wonder how that might stack up in the test as you can incorperate the foam while heating instead of foaming after the heat
Thanks Morgan! I have a Bellman myself and it's a combo Espresso/Frother! It's one of my fave coffee makers... any chance of you doing a review of the two part Bellman?
PS- you rock!
Hand frother does heat the milk slightly through friction.
Great video! How does this compare to the Subminimal Nanofoamer that you reviewed awhile ago?
There is a cut at 6:46 because I guess the milk was messed up. I have this steamer and what I can tell you this is a toy for kids. It's just ridiculous. Not sure how many years of training you need to get good results. I can do latte art with my espresso machine (Profitec Pro 300) and was looking for a manual setup but this is just trash.
what about the nanofoamer ?
I'm a barista and have been using it almost daily at home for a good portion of this year. Honestly, I love it. It's affordable and with proper practice, you are able to get gorgeous milk texture. I just wished the build quality felt nicer for its price point. Also, you would definitely want to get a set of rechargeable batteries for the Nanofoamer because on a low charge, frothing it is impossible
@@felicityfoo6240 I’ve had mine for about 7-8 months and I agree with a lot of what you said. It can do a great job, but it would really benefit from a v2/revision (better build quality, more comfortable button, etc)
This actually cool
Nice Demo.........time for an espresso
If you can get your hands on a flair 58. I would love to see your review of it.
Have you compared the Bellman to the Miroco 4 in 1 milk steamer?
When you steam milk, I'm always wondering why you steam in one pitcher and transfer in another one before pouring... can you explain?
From my training so far as a barista, it’s to help homogenise the mix. The denser foam tends to sit on top of the rest, so pouring it into another pitcher helps further mix the foam to make it homogenous and good for pouring consistent art.
@@KnobleKnives Thanks
Hi Morgan, love your videos!!! Just curious, when you used the Bellman and the hand held frothier, in both cases, after frothing the milk, you transferred the frothed milk from the small pitcher to a larger pitcher. Why is that? Thank you.
What will they think of next totally cool video and very good instruction Nifty
So do you not recommend that other milk frother that was like a perforated cylinder in stead of a spring that you tested out a year or so ago? Nanofoamer?
finally got the star wars reference into a video :D
Do you think you can do a tutorial on how to make a good latte with a breville barista express, I’m having trouble
I was thinking about getting one of these go go along with my Flair 58.
Have you tried this steamer combined with the Cafelat Robot?
Great video well done. Is the Bellman safe? What if you just need steamed milk or steamed Eggnog? Is there another device you can recommend for steaming other than the Bellman? I don't have espresso machine anymore and don't drink lattes but do still like making cappuccinos.
I see rancilio silvia pro x, hoping you will do an in depth review