As someone who believes that incorrectly foamed milk destroys great coffee in much the same way as poorly prepared coffee does the latest domestic auto-frothing devices I have to say are a real mixed bag.
Whilst it's impossible to replicate the steam pressure on a domestic machine that is achieved on a commercial machine, there have been many approaches by manufacturers to overcome dodgy foamed milk, you know that little bit of foam floating on the top that disguises the superheated liquid below.
Well Jura now offer three options on their bean to cup machines:
1. Professional cappuccino frother
2. Easy cappuccino frother
3. 2-stage frothing nozzle
As standard Jura sell the Easy cappuccino frother with their latest ENA 5 machine. Kept clean and fitted properly it does a good job if all you want is foamed milk. The bubbles can be a little coarse, but the overall result is very acceptable.
However should you wish to just heat the milk for a latte you will need to choose one of the two other options, namely the professional cappuccino frother or the 2-stage frothing nozzle which are extras to the basic package.
I'll start with the 2- stage frothing nozzle. This has two positions, when closed in the upper position, the result is good steam pressure that will heat milk to your heart's content. If instead you want foam, you place the nozzle in the lower position. The idea is that whilst heating the milk, air is also let in to create foam.
My experience is that you get foam after a fashion, but not nearly of the quality
of the easy-cappuccino frother. For a part that costs around £15 sterling I have to say I'm pretty disappointed with the results that I've seen. The mouth feel of the milk is at best ordinary.
The best system however by a country mile is the professional cappuccino maker, and it begs the question why this isn't fitted as standard on all ENA5 models.
The quality of the foam outstrips both of the other options, it's ability to deliver quality froth or steamed milk for either your favourite Cappuccino or Latte is outstanding. I love the mouth feel of the milk for cappuccinos in particular.
Is it a price point issue? Surely Jura who lead the market in domestic bean to cup machines haven't felt the need to cut a corner here? The rest of the technology is outstanding, the new design is phenomenal, so surely the easiest thing in the world is to make sure that you fit the best device out there for heating milk on to your machine - isn't it?
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6 comments:
Hi,
My Ena 5 came with the Easy Cappucino Frother.
I am primarily interested in creating steamed milk with a "head" of microfoam in a jug. I am not really interested in creating "light" foam that some people like to top off their cappucinos.
My current Easy Cappucino Frother does not work well for my preferences.
From your review, it sounds like the best solution for me is the 2-stage Frother?? What is your view?
BTW - great blog!
Absoutely!
A costly addition, but well worth it
For the professional jura frother do you also need to buy a steam tube or something like that? also does it run on batteries or what?
thanks for you time.
ooops...you have to attach this to a machine dont you?
I have the professional cappuccino frother and find the bubbles too big. I have tried to use it just steaming in a jug and it isn't much better. Have you tried the new fine foam professional frother?
Cheers
Phil
Cant stand foam! I would prefer to have just coffee, although I think that steamed milk makes all the difference and the 2 stage frother is just right for this and yes, you do have to attach it to the machine....
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