There’s no actual substitute for the silky easy texture of completely steamed milk. Milk frothers attempt their finest, however the outcome simply isn’t the identical. And shopping for a complete espresso machine just for its steam wand is overkill. What’s a steamed milk lover to do?
The Bellman Stovetop Steamer is the right answer – a standalone milk steamer that works in your stovetop. Learn on for an in depth skilled evaluation of this revolutionary product.
Abstract: Bellman Stovetop Steamer
- Standalone stovetop milk steaming wand
- Constructed from sturdy stainless-steel and bakelite
- The right companion for a guide espresso maker or Moka pot
This stand-alone steamer does an amazing job steaming and frothing milk. Straightforward to arrange and it produces ample steam for specialty coffees.
– Buyer
The Full Bellman Stovetop Steamer Assessment
The latest recognition of barebones espresso makers just like the Aptitude, Cafelat Robotic, and Rok has made it simpler and extra reasonably priced to make cafe-quality espresso proper in your house. However what a few cafe-quality latte? That’s the place the Bellman milk steamer is available in. Whether or not you may have a easy espresso machine or wish to steam milk to your morning espresso, this standalone milk steamer is the device for the job (1).
Design – 4/5
The Bellman Stovetop Steamer 50SS (aka Bellman Stovetop Steamer CX25S) is a cute and compact machine, measuring 6.7” by 8.5” by 8” and weighing beneath 3 kilos. It’s produced from high-grade stainless-steel, which provides it nice sturdiness and a cultured aesthetic. Equally, the black bakelite knob and deal with are made to final.
The compact design of this steamer doesn’t simply make it simple to stash in your kitchen; it’s additionally nice for tenting and journey. The sturdy construct means it will probably face up to the trials of the street or path. And it operates with out batteries or electrical energy. Paired with the equally travel-friendly Aptitude espresso maker, you may get pleasure from high-quality milk-based espresso drinks wherever.
Options – 3.5/5
The Bellman milk steamer isn’t stuffed with options, however that’s a part of its attraction. It’s easy to function, and there may be nothing to interrupt. It does precisely what it must do and does it properly.
It operates on a precept just like a Moka pot, utilizing the stovetop – or any warmth supply – to boil water to create steam (2). It takes round 4 minutes for it to warmth to a steaming temperature. You may pace the method by utilizing boiling water within the reservoir, however I discovered that heating from chilly gave me the right period of time to tug an espresso shot.
The steam wand is supplied with a two-hole steam tip, and steam stress is managed by the knob on high. Whereas it doesn’t have the excessive energy of a prosumer espresso machine, it has enough stress to attain the silky easy textured milk wanted for latte artwork. Impressively, you may even put together two drinks in a row earlier than you run out of steam.
A pressure-release security valve ensures you by no means fear about harmful stress build-up.
The one characteristic it lacks that I’d prefer to see is a stress gauge. Monitoring the steam stress whilst you texture milk is an efficient approach to grasp the ability and enhance your consistency.
Ease of Use – 4/5
Utilizing the Bellman milk steamer is on par with utilizing any steaming wand. In the event you’ve by no means tried making steamed milk, attaining the right texture might take some apply. However when you’ve mastered the approach, creating professionally steamed milk is straightforward.
Fill the water reservoir, assemble the steamer, and set it in your stovetop over medium-high warmth whilst you put together the espresso or espresso. The Bellman milk steamer works with gasoline, electrical, ceramic, and induction cooktops. You’ll understand it’s able to go while you see steam popping out of the steam valve and listen to a gentle hiss. Submerge the tip of the double nozzle steam wand in a milk frothing pitcher, and switch the knob on high to begin steaming.
The bakelite knob and handles keep cool all through the heating and steaming course of, however beware that the steel parts can get very popular.
The perfect outcomes are achieved with dairy milk with no less than 1.5% milk fats, which is true of any milk-steaming system. It has the most effective steadiness of fat and proteins (3).
With affordable fats content material you’ll acquire good and glossy microfoam, and it’s simpler so that you can pour latte artwork.
The Bellman steamer is equally appropriate with non-dairy milk options. Merely alter your approach to compensate for the completely different milk compositions.
How To Clear Bellman Stovetop Steamer
After every use, purge the steam wand to wash milk from the steam tube. Then let the machine physique cool fully earlier than taking it aside. You may pace the cooling course of by operating it beneath chilly water.
The milk steamer wand might change into clogged. On this case, attempt utilizing a needle or toothpick to take away the clog. If that doesn’t work, it’s extra doubtless on account of a build-up of milk or limescale. Use a specialised product like Urnex Rinza Steam Wand Cleaner to wash it following the producer’s instructions. Utilizing filtered or distilled water in your Bellman Stovetop Steamer will assist keep away from the build-up of scale.
Worth for Cash – 4/5
The Bellman Stovetop Steamer retails for simply over $100, a exceptional worth in comparison with the competitors. As a result of the Bellman is the one standalone steamer available on the market, your solely different possibility is to purchase an entire espresso machine outfitted with a steam wand. And even a poor-quality espresso machine is prone to be triple the fee.
Including to the worth is the truth that the Bellman milk steamer is constructed to final. The stainless-steel construct and lack {of electrical} elements imply you may count on ten years or extra of loyal service – far exceeding the lifespan of an inexpensive automated espresso machine. Plus, most Bellman elements are bought individually, so if one thing breaks, you needn’t purchase an entire new one.
Issues We Appreciated:
- Makes nice steamed milk with out an espresso machine
- Straightforward to make use of and clear
- Sturdy stainless-steel construct
- Appropriate for journey and tenting
Issues We Didn’t Like:
- No stress gauge
- Doesn’t work on some induction cooktops
Don’t Purchase The Bellman Stovetop Steamer If…
- You need one thing extra hands-off: In the event you don’t wish to study the artwork of steaming milk, you’ll get pleasure from an automated milk frother just like the Breville Milk Cafe Frother. This modern Bellman Stovetop Steamer different can froth milk sizzling or chilly on the contact of a button. However don’t count on the micro foam you want for pouring advanced artwork in your espresso and tea lattes.
- You additionally wish to make espresso: Shopping for an espresso machine that may do each is sensible if you happen to want a approach to make espresso AND steam milk. Take a look at our picks for high espresso machine fashions, together with the Breville Barista Categorical, Breville Infuser, and Rancilio Silvia.
- You desire a extra reasonably priced possibility: You received’t get steamed milk any cheaper than this. Nonetheless, there are many extra reasonably priced handheld and electrical milk frothers available on the market, just like the MatchaDNA handheld frother, which may froth sizzling or chilly milk.
The Verdict
The Bellman Stovetop Steamer is an excellent product I’m completely happy to suggest, supplied you fall into its target market. It produces creamy café-quality drinks, and the sturdy construct and easy design make it an unbelievable worth.
On condition that it has no competitors, Bellman might have let the standard slide and doubtless nonetheless profited. In my assessments, I used to be happy to seek out that this isn’t the case.

References
- Stanley, Z. (2022, October 31). Exploring the evolution of milk foaming expertise within the espresso business. Retrieved from https://perfectdailygrind.com/2022/10/the-evolution-of-milk-foaming-technology-in-coffee/
- Bialetti. (n.d.). How the Moka works: elevate the lid and uncover all its secrets and techniques. Retrieved from https://www.bialetti.com/it_en/inspiration/publish/how-the-moka-works
- Makela, Okay. (2020, July 21). Steaming Milk – Principle Behind the Microfoam. Retrieved from https://www.baristainstitute.com/weblog/karoliina-makela/july-2020/steaming-milk-theory-behind-microfoam