Steaming oat milk can feel a little mysterious at first, especially if you’re used to dairy. With the right technique (and the right oat milk), you can create beautifully smooth, creamy microfoam at home.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to steaming oat milk for consistently great results!
Why oat milk steams differently
Oat milk behaves a little differently to dairy milk. Instead of relying on milk proteins, oat milk foams thanks to a careful balance of oats, water and natural fats. That means technique really matters – but once you’ve got it nailed, the results are deliciously rewarding.
Our PureOaty oat drinks are designed to perform well with heat, giving you a creamy texture and a naturally mild, oaty sweetness that complements coffee rather than overpowering it.
What you’ll need
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A carton of PureOaty oat drink
- A clean steam wand
- A metal milk jug
- An espresso machine (or milk steamer)
Step-by-step guide to steaming oat milk:
1. Fill your jug
Pour your oat drink into the jug, filling it to the bottom of the spout.
2. Purge the steam wand
Before steaming, briefly turn on the steam wand to clear out residual milk and water. This will help ensure you get a powerful steam and perfect velvety microfoam.
3. Introduce a little air
Place the steam wand just below the surface of the oat milk and turn on the steam. You’re listening for a soft hissing sound, not loud spluttering. This stage is all about gently ‘stretching’ the milk.
With oat milk, less is more. Too much air too quickly can create big bubbles, so take it slow.
4. Heat and texture
Once the milk has increased slightly in volume, lower the wand a little deeper into the jug (but make sure not to hit the bottom of the jug otherwise you’ll burn the bottom!). This helps create that silky microfoam and evenly heat the milk. Make sure to get the ‘swirl’ of the drink in the jug, rather than moving your jug up and down.
Aim for a smooth, glossy texture – think wet paint, not stiff foam.
5. Watch the temperature
Oat milk prefers slightly lower temperatures than dairy. Ideally, stop steaming when the jug feels hot to the touch but not uncomfortable (around 60-65°C). You can also use a temperature gauge to check the exact heat. It’s also worth noting that our PureOaty oat drinks reach temperature much quicker than the average oat drink!
Overheating can dull the flavour and often burn the oat milk, so it’s best to stop a little earlier rather than later.
6. Finish with a swirl
Turn off the steam, wipe and purge the wand again, then give your jug a gentle swirl and tap on the counter. This helps remove any remaining bubbles and keeps the milk beautifully smooth.
Steamed oat milk is perfect for lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites. Pour straight away for the best texture, letting the creamy foam blend seamlessly with your espresso.
Steaming oat milk is as much about feel as it is about technique. Don’t worry if it takes you a few tries, every coffee is a chance to learn and improve.
Happy steaming!
