Bellman Stovetop Milk Steamer 50SS

This is my second purchase after 4 years. The first was still working but some metal was starting was corrode. I love love love the steamed milk this thing can produce. It’s a learning curve, but once you have it down, it’s soooo silky. Not a bubble in sight once you know what you’re doing. Watch videos on this to get the idea, but how much foam you like will be more customization. Some parts will need to be replaced occasionally, but they have also upgraded some pieces like the basket in this newest version, so that should help. You *will* need to keep up with cleaning the steam wand, and I’ve never seen a video address this properly, so the biggest part of keeping the milk from building up on the inside and outside is opening the wand to shoot the milk out *immediately* after taking the wand out of your milk pitcher, and then immediately using a paper towel or washcloth that has been soaked in cold water to rub down all sides of the wand. Be careful to securely hold the steamer while doing it (I like to push down on the top knob) so the wand does not move too much when cleaning. The wand is the easiest part to break on this, so be gentle with it. Then bleed the steamer when you’re done wiping it down unless you have more coffees to make that day.Two other tidbits: the place I’m living in has a stovetop with pressure sensors, and they don’t work with this because of the dip in the middle on the bottom I assume. It should work great on other stovetops, and I’ve always used it with an induction cooktop.It also gets very very hot. Avoid touching any of it other than the valve on the wand, the knob, or the handle. If you let it sit on the heat too long, the knob will also get hot. I have burned myself many times, but I’m bad about this with anything.With all that said, this makes milk that makes you feel want to make coffee at home rather than get it anywhere. It will always be better than the alternatives once you get the hang of it. And the price tag is extremely reasonable considering the price of getting coffee out.

I think the Bellman products are great quality. This was a super cool option for me, as I really didn't want to spend the money on a full espresso machine and I really hate coffee! I know it's silly, but I only like lattes.For some weird reason I'm also picking things here and there to kind of do in a more craftsman style or non-electronic type of manner. This really fit the bill as it's portable, I can take it camping or traveling, and I plan on using it every day in my home.After testing, I am returning this unit, because I realized I wanted to go for the full espresso plus steaming wand by Billman. (25P?) I have a little moka pot that I was going to be using, I'm returning that too. The quality on this is awesome and it does the job. If you've never used a wand to steam milk before, it does take a little bit of practice. Also, I will admit this was a tiny bit awkward to use while it was heating over my stove. I am going to see if the little silicone heat mits I got with my airbake oven will pop on (and stay secure) on the parts that stick out, as to reduce them heating so much while in use.I also wish the directions that came with the unit were a little more comprehensive, I have a few unanswered questions, and I hate watching videos. Mainly, I'm assuming filtered/demineralized water is best? Also important, can I leave the unboiled water in the unit to use the next day? I really hate wasting water, especially if it's my RO.=)I'm actually considering getting a little cast iron burner to use this with on my kitchen counter, and then I'll have that burner for other situations (when I cook a lot of foods at once, if I'm traveling and I want to take it with me for my perfect coffee, maybe when camping if I get my little solar generator.Thanks for a terrific product!

Great gift for my sis. She wanted a machine that was simple. Heat up milk in the morning and provide some froth. This fit the purpose. She loves it!

The media could not be loaded. Works exactly as it's meant to. My only complaint though, and this actually does make this thing kind of hard to operate... It's built for lefties. As in, the spout is facing the wrong way. When I steam milk I (and every barista I've ever known) learned to steam milk holding the pitcher with my right hand and turning the valve with my left hand. However, because the knob to release the steam on this thing is on the right side and the wand points left... it makes it rather tricky to do it that way. Basically have to cross my arms or steam lefty, neither of which are that fun to do. Other than that it's great though. Can get silky smooth milk, perfect foam for lattes and cappuccinos or whatever I want to pour. Takes a decent amount of time to heat up but that's expected for something like this. Use it with my moca pot to make little fake espresso drinks on the stove top!

Saves me so much money not having to go to the coffee shop. Big train chai mix for the perfect chai latte every morning.

The kettle works well to do what a milk foamer should do, but the handle with the release valve is easily broken (a family member just barely bumped it). I must now pay $50 for a new handle/release valve as it is not covered under warranty.The steaming kettle made by Flair Espresso is twice the price, but it appears to be better built.

Pretty good and powerful stovetop milk steamer and good for those who like to not use any plastic, however my unit has rusted within a matter of a few months with only 1 use per day and gentle water washing after. And no it is not just residue on the unit, I have tried everything to remove it and it hasn’t budged. I’d like a replacement unit sent to me please!

Just pure superheated steam. Works perfectly. It takes some extra time to come up to temperature and pressure, so make this the first you start when making your latte or cappuccino. I bought an extra small electric hot plate, it fits perfectly on there.