gaggia steam wand

 

the metal pipe is 6 mm OD 

the upper part of steam wand, the steam hole

is ~ 1mm 

there are 4 slits, at top of outer sleeve.  these help to froth milk, ie fluffy foam, eg in cappuccino. the bottom view of steam wand output.

one central hole( steam) and 4 side holes ( sucked in cold air)

when you open steam valve, air is sucked in via these 4 slits into milk, making extra air bubbles.

but these air bubbles are not heated up, and do not warm up the milk. such air just helps to make fluffy foam.

so if you want to make shiny silky microfoam, some other ways have to be used.

remove the outer sleeve. and use upper part ( 1mm hole) for foaming. but it is very short, and not suitable for some milk jug or small milk volume

- block the  slits. can try to block all slits or just some slits)

- change use other 3rd party steam wand. eg rancilio steam wand. cost 20 to 30 USD ( 3 steam holes)

- change to Tidaka bullet steam wand. ~ 40 USD

- WLL professional steam wand kit

- steam wand with extra hole:

delonghi steam wand

rancilio steam wand with conversion kit