The holes on my tip are about 1mm. Could be 0.9mm but I don't have tool to measure it more precisely. But definitely less than 1.2mm. I have been practicing over and over again, but I still get medium sized bubbles every single time. Pretty frustrating. Microfoam is there and milk is thick, but it's always accompanied with medium sized bubbles. So I am pretty much giving up and settled on that subpar result. I am suspecting the holes angle is playing a role there too. The angles on my tip are 45 degree and not pointing down. In my opinion that makes injecting air much harder and more prone to introducing medium sized bubbles. The hole size is probably not a problem though as I could get strong turbulence inside the milk. I have tried different depth and being carefully in injecting air, but no to no avail.
So, the reason I am asking is because I am contemplating whether I should purchase a Toroid pitcher and improve from there, or upgrade the wand like what you did. My current pitcher is too tall and I couldn't reach the bottom using the short cremina steamwand (maybe not an issue). But, the hole angles make me suspicious whether the toroid will make an improvement since the dimple is in the center and the tip holes are shooting at 45 degree, missing the center. I wish I could do both upgrade but budget is definitely an issue.
Is your (new) hole angles pointing down like the pictures I found on Cremina 2011?Are you using a Toroid pitcher?
I know it's probaby the barista issue. Because I know some people have been able to create nice microfoam using the stock tip, easily. Or am I being too picky with the small bubbles?
Edit: Sorry.I took my steamwand off and measure. It seems like they *could* be 1.2mm holes. The +-0.2mm difference isn't that different using naked eye.
It was $66 and was delivered in less than 1 week from OE. (A pretty good price considering the new Cremina's are going for $4K. Sometimes I wonder if I could build a Cremina cheaper from the spare parts.)
Here's what the tip looks like next to my old one.
S, I angled my wand slightly AWAY from the body. Get the smaller Toroid pitcher, it will help the second (thickening0 stage happen more evenly.
I prefer Organic whole milk, but NOT Horizon, as another has posted. Truth is, National brands often get their milk from different dairies in different areas of the country, which can mean different butter fat, etc.
the ONLY reason I am interested in the new wand is for easier cleaning and maintenance.
I have been practicing over and over again, but I still get medium sized bubbles every single time. Pretty frustrating. Microfoam is there and milk is thick, but it's always accompanied with medium sized bubbles. So I am pretty much giving up and settled on that subpar result.
I got these macro-bubbles with the old wand too. The 2011 wand seems to solve this problem for me. I was very pleasantly surprised how good it was. (But it would still be great if someone else could confirm).
As you say, the angle of the holes may be playing a part as well. You can tell this tip is different by the sound. It sounds more gentle compared to the old stock "dragon" tip.
This new tip seems to work great with a regular 12oz , straight walled pitcher. So I wouldn't bother with the Toroid pitcher. Due to the downward hole angle, I think it works best getting a "whirlpool" action off the straight sides, rather than a toroid pattern from the center. Try the $66 wand first and see if that doesn't work for you.
Better late than never...heehee.. Got the new wand Monday, and WOW. Love it. Cleans easily..much more so than the original. Interestingly, my steaming time has been reduced by 20% or more, as opposed to what you (Endo) posted. Maybe my wand was gunked up, though i am really fastidious about keeping things uber clean.
Anyhow, with the small Espro pitcher,5oz of milk is less than 15 seconds...maybe TOO fast! Samuel, i've rad your posts at HB regarding bubbles My trick to eliminate bubbles is to first sink your wand about 1.5 inches, open the steam knob almost completely, than slowly raise the and to stretching depth whilst fully opening the steam knob. Stretch for only 5-6 seconds, then sink the wand down till the pitcher is getting uncomfortably hot, or you like what you see.
Samuel, and anyone else perusing this fine thread of Endo's I will say, for the very modest cost, this is maybe the best mods/additions to ANY piece of gear I've ever done. DO IT!
I'd do the boiler cap, but I'm afraid I'd burn my hand as well!! LOL
Better late than never...heehee.. Got the new wand Monday, and WOW. Love it. Cleans easily..much more so than the original. Interestingly, my steaming time has been reduced by 20% or more, as opposed to what you (Endo) posted. Maybe my wand was gunked up, though i am really fastidious about keeping things uber clean.
Anyhow, with the small Espro pitcher,5oz of milk is less than 15 seconds...maybe TOO fast! Samuel, i've rad your posts at HB regarding bubbles My trick to eliminate bubbles is to first sink your wand about 1.5 inches, open the steam knob almost completely, than slowly raise the and to stretching depth whilst fully opening the steam knob. Stretch for only 5-6 seconds, then sink the wand down till the pitcher is getting uncomfortably hot, or you like what you see.
Samuel, and anyone else perusing this fine thread of Endo's I will say, for the very modest cost, this is maybe the best mods/additions to ANY piece of gear I've ever done. DO IT!
I'd do the boiler cap, but I'm afraid I'd burn my hand as well!! LOL
Rob, I did get the new steam wand about 2 months ago.You're definitely right that the 2011 steam wand cleans much easier!
I read on HB that your 2011 steam wand has a bigger circumference, by any chance it's a little different? My 2011 steam wand seems to be have smaller inner circumference(Comparing the hole where it joins the steam faucet) and has gentler steam coming out from the tips. In fact, I would think that the steam is too weak as compared to the old wand. I much prefer the tooth-picked old wand than the new tooth-picked 4 holes. I was expecting the steam velocity to be higher with the new wand because the hole is smaller but it seems that the steam was more restricted and weaker. Similar to Endo, my steaming time is longer with the new wand too.
new clean cap gets hotter/ Think that results, if it produces demand. Have you tried taking injections ala Barb (OE). very much tamp-less, just a lighting questing, no demand.
new clean cap gets hotter/ Think that results, if it produces demand. Have you tried taking injections ala Barb (OE). very much tamp-less, just a lighting questing, no demand.
That's a good one. Actually, I don't think we need a vacuum breaker cap anyway. I am not sure if this works for all caps, mine has the silicone seal on the cap. Before you heat up or turn on the machine, loosely close the cap all the way until it meets the slightest resistance, without tightening it at all. Then, turn it counterclockwise VERY slightly to open a bit of space. You know how the Cremina old cap has the 5 lobes and grooves in between the lobes? The distance you should loosen the cap is just 1 lobe-to-groove movement. Imagine the groove stays in place and you turn the lobe until the lobe aligns with the imaginary groove. Not sure if that makes sense but if anyone needs it I can make a video. ;)
This way, the machine heats up without the need of releasing steam. It will hiss and release steams a little in the beginning but once it's heated up it will seal itself magically.
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