Steam milk

Steam milk (the manual)

The manual's steps.

1. Silvia E: run the coffee switch for a few seconds, so the timer does not switch the machine off mid-steam.
2. Switch on the steam switch and wait for the orange light to go off.
3. Open the tap for about 2 seconds to clear the water, then close it.
4. Put the wand in the milk and open the tap slowly. Close it at the temperature you want and take the jug away.
5. Switch off the steam switch.
6. Open the tap for about 2 seconds to purge it, then wipe the wand with a damp cloth.

Then refill the boiler: the next screen. The manual also asks you to keep milk at 5 °C or below.

Stretch, then spin

How to texture milk on the Silvia's single boiler. The technique is common practice (La Marzocco's steaming guide gives the temperature); the steps around it are the manual's.

1. Fill a metal jug about a third full with milk straight from the fridge.
2. Put the tip just under the surface, a little off centre, and open the tap.
3. Let air in with a soft hiss for a few seconds, lowering the jug as the milk grows.
4. Raise the jug so the tip sits deeper and the milk turns in a whirlpool.
5. Close the tap when the jug is too hot to hold, about 60 to 65 °C, and take it away.
6. Tap the jug on the worktop and swirl until glossy. Then purge and wipe the wand.

Rancilio Silvia V6: every job