why milk drinks slow down service
Once an espresso extraction starts, the machine runs it without the barista's constant attention. Steaming milk needs that attention: the milk has to be aerated properly, heated to the right temperature and combined with the espresso. The larger the portion of milk, for example for a latte, the longer it takes to steam.
That is why, with a high share of milk drinks, the same number of groups will handle fewer orders at peak times than in a venue where espresso dominates. Our group calculator takes this into account: enter the share of milk drinks and it helps you estimate how many groups you need.
the steam boiler in la marzocco machines
Steam for frothing milk comes from the steam boiler. A larger boiler gives a bigger reserve of steam during busy periods, especially when several people are steaming milk at once. In La Marzocco machines the steam boiler size grows with the number of groups:
| Model | Steam boiler by number of groups |
|---|---|
| Linea Classic S | 1 gr.: 3.5 l, 2 gr.: 7 l, 3 gr.: 11 l, 4 gr.: 15 l |
| Linea PB | 2 gr.: 7 l, 3 gr.: 11 l, 4 gr.: 15 l |
| Linea PB X | 2 gr.: 7 l, 3 gr.: 11 l, 4 gr.: 15 l |
| KB90 | 2 gr.: 7 l, 3 gr.: 11 l, 4 gr.: 15 l |
| GB5 S | 2 gr.: 7 l, 3 gr.: 11 l, 4 gr.: 15 l |
| GB5 X | 2 gr.: 7 l, 3 gr.: 11 l, 4 gr.: 15 l |
| Strada S | 2 gr.: 8.2 l, 3 gr.: 11.8 l |
| Strada X | 1 gr.: 3.5 l, 2 gr.: 8.2 l, 3 gr.: 11.8 l |
All models in the table have a separate coffee boiler and steam boiler, so using steam does not draw on the boiler that supplies water for espresso. More on this in the guide dual boiler and saturated group.
steam wands and steam valves
- Pro Touch steam wands. They stay cooler on the outside, which makes them easier to clean and reduces the risk of burns. They are standard on the Linea PB X, GB5 X, KB90, Strada S, Strada X and the Leva machines. On the Linea Classic S and GB5 S they are available as a special order.
- Half-turn steam valve. Half a turn of the knob is enough to open the steam fully. It is fitted on the Linea Classic S, Linea PB and KB90.
- Proportional steam valve. On the Strada S and Strada X, steam flow is controlled by how far the lever is moved, so you can match it to the amount of milk in the jug.
- Front-access steam valve. On the KB90, GB5 S and GB5 X it is serviced without dismantling the machine, which makes service work easier.
We choose the number of steam wands together with the model, to suit your bar layout, menu and the number of people per shift.
how to make milk work more efficient
- A fridge next to the machine. Milk should be well chilled, and a fridge close to the station cuts down on unnecessary movement for the barista.
- Jugs in several sizes. Match the jug size to the portion of milk the drink needs. Steam only as much milk as the order requires, and do not reheat what is left.
- Separate jugs for plant-based drinks. Clearly marked, for example by colour, they keep the station organised and reduce the risk of mistakes, which matters with allergies.
- Division of tasks. With two baristas, one can make the espresso while the other handles the milk and serves the drinks.
- Clean the steam wand after every use. Wipe the wand with a damp cloth and purge it with steam. You will find the cleaning schedule in the guide cleaning and backflush.
When we commission the machine, we also practise milk steaming technique with your team. More in the guide on barista training.
wally milk automatic milk frother
Wally Milk is La Marzocco's automatic milk frother. The barista places a jug of milk on the tilting shelf and starts frothing with a button. Wally detects the amount of milk in the jug, sets the amount of steam and froths the milk with a vortex tip, while sensors monitor temperature and texture.
- it uses steam from the machine's boiler and works as an extra steaming station;
- it works with cow's milk, plant-based drinks and blends of the two;
- it stores up to 20 recipes;
- it has a Pro Touch steam wand, and the vortex tip limits milk being drawn back into the system;
- it is 49 cm tall, 22.5 cm wide and 32.5 cm deep, and weighs 10 kg.
While it froths automatically, the barista can make espresso or the next order. Wally is useful in venues with a high share of milk drinks and where many people work in shifts and drinks need to be consistent, for example in hotels and chains. We will check compatibility with your machine when choosing equipment.
Want to know whether Wally Milk makes sense in your venue? Tell us how many milk drinks you make at your busiest times.
which machine for a high volume of milk drinks
First work out the number of groups you need from your traffic and share of milk drinks. Only then choose a specific model. For high traffic, consider the KB90, designed for speed of service. In bakeries and patisseries, where coffee complements the main offer, a simpler model is often enough. We cover this in the guide espresso machines for bakeries and patisseries.
frequently asked questions
What determines an espresso machine's steam capacity?
The size of the steam boiler matters a great deal. A larger boiler gives a bigger reserve of steam during busy periods.
How large are the steam boilers in La Marzocco machines?
From 3.5 l in 1-group versions to 15 l in 4-group versions, for example in the Linea PB, KB90 and GB5.
What are Pro Touch steam wands?
Steam wands whose outer surface heats up less. This makes them easier to clean and reduces the risk of burns.
Does steaming milk lower the espresso temperature?
Not on models with a separate coffee boiler and steam boiler. All La Marzocco machines in our table have this layout.
How does Wally Milk work?
It uses steam from the machine's boiler, detects the amount of milk in the jug and steams it automatically. It works with cow's milk and plant-based drinks.
Do plant-based drinks need a separate jug?
It is worth using separate, clearly marked jugs. This makes work easier to organise and reduces the risk of mistakes.
read also
- Linea Mini or GS3? Which one for your home?
- Which espresso machine for an office? Does a traditional one make sense?
- Linea Micra or Linea Mini? Which one for your home?
- Grind-by-Sync: how La Marzocco controls a Mahlkönig grinder
- Espresso machine for a roastery or showroom: how to show off your coffee
- 10 mistakes when buying a café espresso machine (and how to avoid them)
- Espresso machine for a bakery or patisserie: selling coffee alongside your bakes
- Is a more expensive café espresso machine worth it?
- New espresso machine in your café: a barista training plan for the first month
- Espresso grinder for a café: on-demand or doser, and how many you need
- ABR drip tray scales or AV dosing? When the extra cost pays off
- Espresso machine service: what it covers, how often, and when to call a technician
- Café espresso machine leasing: lease, rent or buy?
- La Marzocco in Warsaw: Tekla, Doza and Wandal
- Specialty café: which espresso machine to choose? What a specialty café needs
- Opening a café? An equipment plan, step by step
- Dual boiler, saturated group, independent boilers: what they change in the cup
- When to replace your café espresso machine? 5 signs
- Water for espresso machines in venues: hardness, filtration, boiler protection
- Espresso machine cleaning and backflush: a schedule for your team
- Espresso machine for a restaurant or hotel: what to look for
- Which espresso machine for a café? A guide to La Marzocco machines
- Linea Classic S, Linea PB, KB90 or Strada? A comparison
- AV, ABR, EE, MP: what La Marzocco machine versions mean
- Preparing your venue for an espresso machine: power, water, drain
- How many groups does your venue need?