Why is my milk screeching? Here's what it means, and how to steam milk the right way

So, you've bought yourself a machine with its very own steaming wand (maybe even one of the best espresso machines) and you're ready to turn your hand at steaming milk. But, when you do, the milk makes a horrible screeching sound that sends you into a panic that you're doing something wrong.

Well, you are. But, don't worry, it's a fairly common issue and easily fixed. Even if you're a milk steaming veteran, you might find you're making your milk screech, but you don't have to live your life with the noise and neither does your milk.

So, what does this mean for you and your steaming milk adventures? How do you fix it? And why is it actually a pretty bad thing to just ignore the screeching? I'm about to answer all your milk woes below.

Why your milk is screeching

There's a few reasons your milk screeches and, with a little understanding, your at-home barista skills are about to get an upgrade.

Firstly, if your steam wand is too low in the milk, not only will it make that terrible noise you've come to know and hate, but because it's swallowed under the milk, it'll also under-aerate it creating some pretty flat milk for your drinks. No bueno for coffee lovers.

Secondly, you could also be doing the opposite and placing your steam wand too high out of the milk, over-aerating it and making a strange stiff foam that won't pour nicely and certainly won't be the silky texture you're looking for. Plus, it'll be super noisy.

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How to do it the right way

Instead, to do it the right way, you want to tip the steaming wand into your milk at around a 45-degree angle whilst simultaneously tipping the pitcher away from you a little, too. This will let in a small amount of air at the beginning, blowing some bubbles into your milk.

Then, you can lower the wand tip a little below the surface to make sure your milk swirls nicely around the end of the steam wand and integrates it into your steaming process. The vortex of milk is a good indication you're doing it right.

Another great sign is you won't hear that horrible noise anymore. Instead, the sound you should hear is a low bubbly whirring, similar to tearing paper, which culminates into some lovely microfoam.

Peace at last, and a lovely drink to go with it.

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