• expired

Breville The Temp Control Milk Jug $23.96 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $39 Spend) @ Amazon AU

881
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

I've found this milk jug to be really helpful in getting consistently well steamed milk for latte art. The temperature sensor on the side allows you to end steaming at exactly the right time (typically 65 degrees), no batteries needed.

Fits enough milk for a 350-380ml cup, with a 36-44ml espresso shot.

For anyone wanting to work on their latte art skills, I'd recommend checking out Lance Hedrick's and Emilee Bryant's milk steaming and latte art tutorials, they're both former latte art world champions and go into a lot more detail than some of the other tutorials I've seen.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.

Related Stores

Amazon AU
Amazon AU
Marketplace

closed Comments

  • +12

    Jug is too big imho. As for temp - just feel the side of the jug with your hand and you'll get used to the sweet spot.

    • +5

      Fair enough - very much depends on how big your latte is. I've personally found it to be exactly the right size for one of these guys.

      I've also found that if I use my hand as a temp check, I typically stop steaming earlier than I should.

      • I just count for 10 or so seconds of steaming after I remove my hand. On the Gaggia Classic I even turn off the steam thermostat to help speed up the temperature cooling down for the next shot.

        • +8

          Interesting, never thought to do that, I just wait till I feel some pain

        • +1

          Time will vary based on the machine you're using. Entry level would take about a minute to heat up the milk where an industrial machine can do it in 10-15 seconds. You can never go wrong with simple tech like this. (or the one which has analogue temperature gauge)

      • +2

        Yeah massive cup isn't my taste, I tend to make magics (double ristretto + 1/3rd cup of milk). I make two of these using a 375ml jug.

        If you typically stop too early than perhaps go a few extra seconds :)

        • -3

          magic lol - 'invented' by Melbournians when Perthites have been doing it for yonks… basically a traditional long Mac but in a cup rather than small shot glass and topped with milk 3/4 of the way ;)

          • +3

            @jasiano: A long mac is a double not a double ristretto, and 3/4 full isn't +1/3rd milk. Either way make it the way you like.

      • +2

        Then you count to X number of seconds when it's too hot to the touch. After some trial and error, you'll get used to what works for you.

      • +1

        I read, "I typically stop screaming earlier than I should."

    • +2

      Too big for what? It's perfect for 1 cup coffee.

      • spout too wide to pour intricate patterns

        • +4

          Yea that's true. The problem I've found is that 65 C seems to be the perfect temp for milk. However when my hand finds the jug too hot to touch, its not even 55 at that point.

          • +2

            @jaygee: that's fair enough, 50-55c is most people's limit.
            i normally count to 4 mississipis after my hand is off and that hits 65c.
            this jug would definitely help a lot though.

    • +2

      Not sure why the neg. And agree with feeling with hands, you’ll get used to it and get much better consistently between pours.

      I prefer wider bottom with narrower top for my jug.

      • +2

        Probably because it's a dismissive attitude, that while valid in a certain sense, can literally be applied to just about anything.

        Deal on a clothes dryer? Just use a clothes line
        Deal on a car? Walking is healthier
        Deal on a lawn mower? Just use a freakin scythe.

        • Was giving advice on why you probably don't need it. On why I think it's a bit of a gimmick.

          Your analogies are anything but.

          If this saves some people money, I'm happy.

        • Mowing your lawn with a scythe FTW!

    • As for temp - just feel the side of the jug with your hand and you'll get used to the sweet spot.

      100% agree

      • +21

        I think it represents two different approaches to coffee and cooking more broadly.

        I have a few friends who own significantly more expensive espresso machines than I do - they think the idea of measuring beans, constantly recalibrating grind settings, measuring and timing shots, and relying on a temp sensor for milk is ridiculous, nerdy and a waste of time. They prefer to go with feel, both in making coffee and cooking - they typically loosely go off recipes when cooking, using it more as a broad guide than a strict set of instructions. They're usually very pleased with the results they're able to achieve.

        I personally really love being able to know and play with all the variables in coffee and cooking, and being able to constantly and accurately make adjustments based on the outcome of a combination of variables. I'm the kind of person who follows recipes to the gram and see it as a strict set of instructions to start with, and once you know the outcome - then to play with in a controlled way. I often take notes on the recipes I make, with suggestions on specific changes to make for next time. Is it ridiculous? Maybe. Is it nerdy? For sure. Is it a waste of time? Not to me.

        Neither approach is better and both have their pros and cons, just gotta do what works for you or what you enjoy! That said, for better or for worse, a huge part of the home coffee enthusiast scene is geared towards the nerdy, measure and control everything crowd.

        • +1

          Ex-barista here, so yeah, you get to know by feel, especially if doing it on a daily basis and it really doesn't take long to get that feel worked out.

          Given there's only a 5-10 degree sweet spot for the milk, once you know roughly where to stop it then you'll always know. It's not like it varies a great deal, and nothing stops it from hitting that temp (milk brand, previous temp etc). Once it gets there, it's ready

          • +3

            @spackbace: Like I said, different approaches work for different people. I like to visit speciality cafés and checkout the gear they use - I've noticed quite a few that do use the temperature strips or thermometers and quite a few that don't.

            I do find it pretty funny just how angry both sides can get at the other's approach, just do whatever works!

              • +3

                @spackbace: Might want to take a few breaths, follow your own advice and read through both of my comments. I'll repeat my point for the third time now - neither approach is wrong, this is a jug that many people, including baristas at speciality cafés find useful. If your hands are all you need, then more power to you - do whatever works!

                Never said that you were the one who was angry either!

          • @spackbace: Very true. I have this jug (I have the UK/Sage version of the Barista Express which came with this jug) and I don't even use the thermometer strip on it. When the jug gets to the point I can only tap the metal without being burned, it's perfect every time.

            And for anyone saying 'this is too big', unless you're having a cortardo or short mach, it's perfect for one flat white/latte.

          • @spackbace: My method is wait until if feels uncomfortably hot to touch with your hand and give it another burst for 2 seconds then she's cooked.

        • Higher end machines has features that gets the variable right, hence being more forgiving. You need to properly mess up before you get a bad shot.

          Source: Ive changed my setup 3 times

    • Too big? This is perfect for 2x small coffees tbh. If you only want one coffee you need volume anyhow (to get that silky texture) so you just end up with a little wastage. Less milk would make that impossible.

    • +1

      Yep, use the hand. I was surprised how quickly and consistently I could dial in 54 degrees by touch, which is what I'm going for with soy milk.

      • +2

        Is that the number? I thought it was 60-65?

        Not sure what I get normally, but I'll check with my thermometer. I suspect I've been doing it perfectly all this time because I'm a legend.

        • Yeah, you'll be perfecto too I reckon.

          I find 55 best for soy, almond & oat.

          I go for 60 - 65 with dairy.

        • 65 degrees is the optimal temp for dairy milk.

    • Exactly what i do.
      Or buy a pin thermometer , ive seen pro baristas do that

    • -2

      Jug is too big imho.

      Huh ?

    • I find the jug to be too small for the size of flat white I like :)

      As for temp, nothing wrong with using a thermometer!

    • too big? isnt it smaller than the original? Just… fill it half way up- my Pro seems to work fine using it?

      Although that said, I think the temp gague is a gimmick more than anything. Unless your machine is like chest height its pretty hard to see it unless you actively are changing your position so you can see it (which isnt ideal)

      • I have multiple jugs of varying sizes and find it harder to get silky smooth microfoam with a small amount of milk in a larger jug. YMMV.

    • When you compare that with one with temperature guide you'd know how wrong your sweet spot has been :) (Have tried this with 2 folks that was against using thermometer and boy that was a good laugh :) )

      • +1

        I've used thermometers (the kind that clips to the side) and get consistent results with or without, and so does any half-decent barista. I just returned from Italy where not a single barista used a temp gauge, and while their milk-based coffees are a little cool for my taste, they are consistently good.

        Use it if it works for you, but don't go poo-pooing on those of us that have no need.

        • There is no harm in having a preference if that makes the job easier. I prefer to use tech that takes the guessing game away and keep things consistent and predictable. Similar reason why I use cruise control whenever I drive, everywhere it fits even if its for a 2 mins drive to the shops. ymmv.

    • not sure why you got so many negs……..good to have differing opinions

    • When I saw this jug in person which was several months ago I thought it was actually too small.

      Bigger jugs are better overall because they hold more milk so you can have enough milk for two mugs of coffee easily.

    • Just stop having your coffee with milk and you won't even need the jug!

    • The best way to keep consistency is to buy a cheap $6.10 Coffee Thermometer at Officeworks.

  • +2

    Jug size is good for a single large coffee and thermometer one the side is useful but the lip of the jug isn't sharp enough for some precious latte art control

    • +14

      That's a good point, the lip is more on the curved side, which isn't as conducive to pouring sharp lines.

      That said, I've been pretty satisfied with the latte art I've been able to achieve with it.

      • +1

        Good work!

      • +1

        Noice!

      • +1

        Very nice! What machine are you using?

        • Thanks! I currently use a Breville Dual Boiler which is what that particular cup was made on. I started out with a Breville Barista Express and I also use a Breville Bambino Plus and a Delonghi Dedica with the Rancillio steam wand mod.

          To be honest, once you get acquainted with each of these machines (and with a few upgrades like a deeper portafilter and the steam wand on the Dedica), you can nail very similar coffees across the board. The biggest differentiator is the user experience, and the amount of control you have over the process via the machine. In terms of my preference, I'd probably rank them as Dual Boiler > Bambino Plus > Barista Express > Dedica, but they're all very capable.

          • @poppingtags: I have the Oracle, I get great coffee from it that's better than what I get from a lot of cafes, but years of practicing latte art and I still suck! hahah. I've spent countless hours watching Youtube instructionals too. These are about the best we can do: https://imgur.com/a/NCNY8YD

            • @bleeder: The Oracle is a great machine, and that's pretty solid effort! It can be difficult to practice and improve, given home users like us only get to make a few cups a day. It wasn't until I found Lance Hedrick's and Emilee Bryant's milk steaming and latte art tutorials that I really started to understand the nuances behind milk steaming and latte art - would recommend if you haven't checked them out already :)

              • @poppingtags: I've watched a lot of both of them :)

                My wife suggested I get a weekend job for a few hours in a cafe just so I can get practice in if I want to learn it so bad haha

    • Agreed, my only criticism of this jug is the lip. Beginner not going to know the diff though.

  • +2

    I believe you can also buy these thermo stickers, I’ve used some for beer brewing

    • +3

      That is correct - the problem is that they tend to peel off when you wash the jug over time.

      • I've had mine, bought on amazon for years. Still there, washed in the dishwasher a few times (accidentally by others) but mainly by hand. Benefit of the strip is you can decide on the type of jug you prefer for art. If that's not important, this is probably a good option.

  • +3

    Its been cheaper, I bought it from Amazon for $17.97 back on 28th Feb this year.

    • Wow, that's a great price - looks like it was the all-time low.

    • I bought it for $29 :(

  • Pro tip just search the op shop for these jugs every time you're in and pick one up for a few quid. I don't think I'd ever have use for the little thermostat sticker on the side, which will eventually stop working. I found one in an op-shop that had this feature, it no longer works.

    • Oh it's just a sticker? I assumed it was an actual thermometer.

      I guess better off using something like this?
      https://www.amazon.com.au/Davis-Waddell-Essentials-Thermomet…

      • Yes that would be the best option and likely more accurate if you want to get perfect temps. I've got two of those but never bother using them, I know by feel what a good temperature is.

      • +3

        It's a temperature sensitive strip that has been calibrated specifically to that jug, it's not a sticker - it's built into the cup, so it won't peel off when you wash it.

        I've been using it every day for almost three years now and its still going strong, no signs of slowing down.

        • Also have been using for multiple years and putting in the dishwasher nearly every day, still works fine.

  • +1

    I considered this at first but decided against it due to the difficulty in viewing the temperature gauge.
    Instead, I opted for the Stainless Steel Café Milk Frothing Thermometer, as its gauge is facing me and much easier to read.

    • +2

      I think it depends on your espresso machine's configuration too. Most (all?) Breville machines have the steam wand on your right (when facing the machine), which then makes the gauge very easy to read when steaming.

      • Thanks for sharing this bit of info; I didn't think about it. I'm left handed and it might be tricky for me to view it. Cancelled my order and saved $20.

  • +1

    When I did my barista course I was told as soon as your feel a burning sensation it means the milk is a good temp

    • -2

      Lol

    • +1

      When I experience the burning sensation, it seems to be around 100°C. It is possible that I have a high pain threshold :)

      • wouldn't that just mean you can drink warmer coffee anyway? It's all relative

        • Keeping the milk temperature around 70 or lower is preferable to avoid any negative effects. However, I understand your point, but the skin on my palm is thick, which may contribute to a higher tolerance for heat :)

    • My hands are generally so cold during winter that I feel a burning sensation around 40 degrees.
      Subsequently, I always use the temp gauge.

    • Means you should see a sex clinic my dude.

  • I have this, bear in mind, because of the temperature thingo on the side, they are hand wash only and cant go into the dishwasher. This is per the care instructions that came with the unit

    • been washing it in the dishwasher for almost 2 years now and its still working great -_-

    • +1

      but why would you want to put it in a dishwasher at the first place? a light scrub by a sponge will clean it perfectly.

      • I put everything through the dishwasher mate, coz (1) I'm lazy af, and (2) it is more water efficient to do that

        Also, I was just putting that little unknown fact out there as it's not stated anywhere, and some people take care instructions seriously and might be put off by this…

      • I find when I put it in the dishwasher, not this one but a normal one, it comes out looking like new. No smudge marks, no cluggy bits in the bottom. I always try to add it to the dishwasher and regret it when I forget.

  • I also have this and it’s excellent.
    Great size as it has markings inside for a small and large cup.
    Perfect for making sure you don’t heat soy milk too hot resulting in it curdling in the coffee.

  • pouring spout is terrible.. don't recommend

    • What do you recommend then?

      • +1

        Personally I like Rhino

      • +1

        Slow Pour Supply

  • I got a free one from breville and the temperature gauge never worked… that said, i just wait for the jug to get a bit too hot to hold and thats my cue to stop steaming

  • I've got one. Works well. No complaints. As a beginner the thermometer is really helpful. As an experienced person, I'm sure it doesn't matter much, but it's not like it gets in the way, so why not?

  • Do I search the two names you mentioned on Youtube for the latte art tutorials, or is there an online course somewhere?

    Wanted to pour some patterns but couldn't get it right.

    • +1

      Yup, they both have YouTube channels with a range of latte art tutorials. I'll add the links to the OP.

      Lance Hedrick

      Emilee Bryant

    • +1

      Yeah they're both on YouTube. Should be one of their most popular videos on each channel.
      Lance's one goes into a lot of detail but is very easy to watch.

  • Emilee Bryant

    Why is this such a common trans name btw? Notice a lot of trans people online that chose the name "Emilee" or "Aimee"

    • Probably because it's got one foot in old-school gendered names but is markedly personal.

  • There is an alternative on Amazon with a great sense of humour https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0C55D3DLT/ref=sspa_mw_detail_4…

    It’s a “band temperature induction”, has “olecranon”, 1mm “thicken” and made of 304 stainless steel “edible material”.

  • +1

    I bought a similar item on Aliexpress while ago. Seems to be useless, the temperature sensor is pretty slow so you can burn your milk before it shows 60 degrees.
    www.aliexpress.com/item/1000007494256.html

    • Exactly! I have one and its pretty useless. The temp indicator is too slow to react

  • This for $1.32 on alibaba does the same job. Bought it around 10 years ago and it's still going strong!

    https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003808918664.html

Login or Join to leave a comment