HOW TO STEAM MILK FOR LATTE ART (featuring 2x Latte Art World Champion Lance Hedrick)

An exhaustive milk steaming tutorial that can work with both dairy and nondairy and is applicable for any steam wand- whether a home machine or commercial.
My videos are aimed at home enthusiasts and baristas, to supply them with access to reliable education.
0:00 - Introduction
2:33 - Wand and Pitcher Position
5:51 - Wand Depth
12:25 - Demo with Whole Milk and Oat M*lk
16:40 - Shake Test
Please ask any questions in the comments below! I prefer doing my videos in essentially one take, so if anything was unclear, please don't hesitate to ask. And comment suggestions for future videos below!
Support the channel on Patreon- / lancehedrick
Find me on IG: / lancehedrick
Cheers
Lance

[@LanceHedrick]

ATTENTION: Re: the music, I understand some of you aren't content with its volume. This was my first video for youtube, so I'd love some grace! I know it has been distracting for some, but there is nothing I can do to change it. I have since heard the criticism and have ditched it in the newer videos. Thank you for your patience as I'm brand new to KZbin. Day 24 here, and that was posted in the first week. Thanks! Perhaps turn on Closed Captioning if you think you are missing information! Cheers

[@LanceHedrick]

Definitely! I was considering this, actually. Issue is, I really don't want people skipping through haha! Could be my ego, or the fact I plan to build future videos off prior ones. But, it is a good idea. Do I just put a time stamp or is there a trick to link to that time? Will it automatically give me a blue link if I put, say, 10:10?

[@LanceHedrick]

Jk! Me doing the example answered my question hahaha!

[@hanzohcafe.]

@@LanceHedrick 😆😆😆

[@hanzohcafe.]

Coffee + Music = ❤

[@LanceHedrick]

I've had lots and lots and lots and lots of worked up people about the music lol. No worries tho! It's been changed in forthcoming vids 🖤

[@ryancastelaz9049]

This is absolutely next level instruction. In years as a consultant, trainer, and barista, I’ve never seen this process broken down so clearly and articulately. You’re an absolutely born teacher, man.

[@LanceHedrick]

Wow thank you! Really means a lot, Ryan!

[@TannerValdez]

Agree 100% I have never really understood the process until now.

[@alexdantessmith]

This is by far the best and most detailed tutorial I’ve seen for steaming milk. Tomorrow, we steam!!

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much! Stoked you like it

[@burger85]

Agreed Alex - thanks Lance!

[@PedroJohnston1]

"By far" is selling it short. This is the only video in it's category.

[@LanceHedrick]

Haha! Thank you! I really appreciate those kind words, friend. Stay tuned for more! Latte Art basics coming soon 👀

[@Combat556]

The B-E-S-T “how to steam milk” on the planet. Tomorrow I will be a hero as I steam my wife’s oat milk. Thank you :)

[@justdoit2521]

You are one hell of a teacher. This reminds of the old KZbin days when tutorials were made out of love and not to just for the views.

[@ashleygrisham8739]

I agree!

[@jbrown292]

This dude just loves coffee!

[@baileysadler5212]

I’ve been a barista for 7 years, at one point management of a cafe. I have never been able to have proper training. I am in a really great cafe right now being their lead barista, new cafe in a small town. These videos are so useful, as I learn I can help this cafe bring quality coffee to the community and I will be able to train younger people on the machine in the future carrying on the coffee culture!

[@samsonchan1488]

It’s 1 am... must not go make latte art..

[@LanceHedrick]

*do it do it do it* haha!

[@baristajunkies7567]

i feel u 😂

[@Jamiemwhelan]

Did you do it ?

[@DeeBeeBiz]

😂😂😂

[@Bubreherro]

This may be a new Matchbox Twenty song

[@anoddexperiment]

Just wanted to jump in and say that I've been practicing home barista skills and latte art for about 6 months now, and my milk has been very inconsistent. Some days it was perfect, some days it was a mess. I've watched tons of videos, but this really drilled it in. Because my milk is the same every time now, I can actually practice latte art productively every morning. This was the magic bullet to getting consistent milk.

[@LanceHedrick]

Incredible! Thank you for the support! Excited to continue making videos. Appreciate you watching, friend. Stay tuned for more!

[@kathyedson6784]

Incredible video. I'm new to latte art (and almost 70 yoa)and it's the best simplistic video I've found. Never too old to learn...🎉🎉🎉

[@mapulemokoena5848]

Enjoyed the tutorial, so detailed and step by step guide, how you froth your milk is simply what makes the whole difference to what I've known thus far, thank you for the videos 🙏

[@jppirr1031]

I want to learn latte art 😊

[@giraffeapproved]

The fact that I can get this for free is just mind blowing. It's literally a Master Class. THANK YOU.

[@MinaMcKay]

Hey! I have 5 years experience as a "speed barista", I was never taught the proper technique here by either of my employers. It was all about getting those drinks out fast. But I just started a job at a new café where they do latte art and I confess I was really intimidated by it as I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. Then my boss showed me without milk in the pitcher and I had a light bulb moment. Now, watching your video, I see her technique is the exact same as yours so im looking forward to steaming and making more fancy drinks in the future. Thanks for your video.

[@wei-chunlee7140]

Latte art champion: "this works on anything" me: "I need to get that handless pitcher!"

[@LanceHedrick]

Do it! From Slow Pour Supply. They ship anywhere. Awesome people.

[@timmystrong]

@@LanceHedrick You should link the pitcher in the video description - I had the same thought as Wei-Chun :)

[@LanceHedrick]

Haha! Will do! Though, on the DL, I may or may not be developing my own so....

[@diegoignacio08]

@@LanceHedrick Is it the narrow or round spout?

[@LanceHedrick]

Round!

[@DeeBeeBiz]

Only 7 minutes in and already have to pause to quickly type this comment: You sir, are a GREAT teacher! Well done! You go over the basics repetitively and thoroughly, so that people can master the basics...as it is truly the foundation for perfectly steamed velvety milk. Bravo! 👏👍

[@noahthoms1026]

Feel like I should have paid for this information. I've never been good at steaming milk, feel like ive learned so much in one video!

[@rodrigodepazos3771]

Man, you are a natural born teacher, thanks a lot!

[@LanceHedrick]

Thanks for saying that! Really gives me encouragement!

[@Timski2543]

“And we’re gonna live here until...whooo! Michael Jackson hits ya” 😂

[@LanceHedrick]

Grew up on motown and michael and prince. Gotta throw in the throwbacks every so often. Lol! Thanks for watching and supporting! More to come 👀

[@criticalbil1]

8:37 recap of how to start 11:02 summary of complete steaming process 14:47 demo with dairy milk 17:41 demo with oat milk 20:06 quick latte art!

[@hectoronthemoon]

🐐

[@FatNorthernBigot]

I have been trying to steam milk correctly for years. I've watched numerous videos, none of which have helped. After watching this video, I've made dozens of milky drinks correctly. I wish I'd watched this years ago. Thank you, Lance.

[@Tazer2death]

KZbin I cannot thank you enough for letting me stumble upon this video. Instantly loving Lance's personality and educational style. Stepping up my Steamed milk game!

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so so much! That means the world. How to dial in espresso and latte are basics coming up soon! Thanks for your support 🤗

[@CERiess-hq8iu]

This made a HUGE difference for me. I've never seen anyone break it down this specifically. Its been about a week and I am blown away at the difference in my milk texture and consistency.

[@LanceHedrick]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing! Another vid dropping in the AM 👀

[@sdsupple]

The tip about stop stretching when the milk reaches hand temp is pure gold! Never heard that one before. Thanks!

[@sburnsclark]

shout out to Lance. this steamed milk lesson did the job. worked the first time! Listen to this man. He knows what he's talking about !

[@briankendalll2093]

The rare overhead shots with the steam wand visible makes this video super helpful! Cheers.

[@LanceHedrick]

Thanks! I'm stoked you enjoyed it and found it helpful! Latte art guide coming within the hour! Cheers friend

[@StickyCactus]

Omg I have never been able to understand why I have been screwing up milk frothing no matter how many videos I watched, u finally broke that curse for me! Thank you!!

[@LanceHedrick]

That is SO AWESOME to hear! Stoked we broke the code!

[@kurtiskronk5979]

Finally, a great explanation of steaming my milk properly. My lattes have been pretty good, but left an after-taste of baby vomit (lol) - now my milk is foamy throughout instead of just on top. Sooooo much better. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Loved your teaching style. Keep on keeping on with the repetition. Repetition is good. Repetition is good. I said what I said.

[@Berean490]

Lance, you are a natural born teacher. You are, throughout the entirety of the video, continually aware of the mind of the beginner. This is empathy and a separator IRT great teachers vs someone who just teaches. As a famous New Yorker once said, "You either gots it... or you don'ts!" So many steaming and latte art videos I've watched over the years. These details you point out are what make the difference. You've made a full Subscriber out of me. Can't wait to watch your other videos. You gots it Lance!

[@abdulrahmanakbar4477]

I watched a lot of videos on KZbin, literally literally no body give us this steps in details. Big like and subscribe. Thanks bro

[@LanceHedrick]

Wow thank you so much! Means a lot. Latte Art basics and espresso dial in videos coming soon!

[@nazinas21]

I’ve worked at a cafe for 4 years!! Never have I been taught this way! My lattes always sucked! Thank you for this video I’m about to change the game 🔥🔥🔥

[@LanceHedrick]

Absolutely! Love that!

[@johnmarkharris]

I don’t even have an espresso machine and I really enjoyed this video. You’re a gifted teacher.

[@LanceHedrick]

That means so much! Thank you

[@annabananna44]

Thank you Lance! Just turn 60 and have decided to learn news things every year. Yes I learned how to steam milk to have the GREAT coffees at home. You made it easy to understand with great direction. You made my new skill a easy thing to learn from your you tube video. Have a great latte.

[@michellerevuelta394]

Wow, I've already corrected a few mistakes that I've been making. This was super helpful! You're such a natural in front of the camera btw!

[@LanceHedrick]

That is great news! So stoked you found it useful! Please let me know if I can be of further assistance with your steaming technique!

[@himanshutaneja1982]

I had been struggling for two days. I tried just once with your method and I couldn’t believe myself that I could do it much better than before. Your methods are foolproof. Thank you for your help. 😊

[@uninspired_nickname4503]

woaw, one of my favorite tuto ever : clear, repeated just enough to integrate informations, just the dose of humor not overacted, master of the technique and good instructor in overall (i haven't skipped one moment) answered all my questions, what a beautiful moment, thanks a lot

[@therobinfromseoul5289]

Pure gold! Watched so many videos on this and they never explained what the final texture should look like as well as you have! One of the most helpful things you did was pouring the milk into the cup on it's own. I haven't seen any one do that and it really helps with understanding how it should be without the espresso in the view. I haven't even started yet, but I can't wait! I feel less intimidated by the process now too.

[@anti1337speak]

The concept of controlling how you start and stop stretching was a big game changer for me. Thank you for this!

[@LanceHedrick]

Absolutely! Glad you found it helpful! Much more to come so stay tuned! Filming more today 🤗

[@matttrowsdale2804]

Total Barista nerd going into insane amount of detail - brilliant, I absolutely love it!! He leaves nothing to the imagination, zero ambiguity, I hate instruction videos that raise more questions than answers. After watching this, I have no questions.

[@hopehelmer7797]

Holy man. This is some solid advice. Love the precision as some milk steaming videos are too vague. Wonderfully done!

[@jennelynsantos3229]

i am from Philippines with zero knowledge and i want to say you are MAHUSAY in teaching ( very good it means) very basic ,simple and easy to follow. SALAMAT .(THANKS)

[@carlom.3737]

Longtime home barista here who has gotten some pretty decent microfoam thru tons of trial and error. This is by far the best video I've ever seen on the topic. They should make "pull wand out 40 degrees, lean the wand against the spout, tilt halfway back, one quarter to the side" into a t-shirt. I'd buy it. Using that I've suddenly upped my foam game tremendously after years of stagnation (sometimes I'd get great microfoam, other times less so). Using Lance's method for the past three days, I'm like 6 for 6. Thank you!

[@LanceHedrick]

That is SO AWESOME! Thank you! So stoked you left this comment. Makes me even more excited to continue pumping out videos! Latte art basics coming later this week 🤗

[@carlom.3737]

@@LanceHedrick no joke you saved me 5K. I have a Quickmill Vetrano dual boiler and I thought the reason I got inconsistent foam was steam power, so was prepared to upgrade to a Linea Mini. After using your method, I realize the Vetrano V2b has more than enough steam power and it's my technique that was inconsistent! I will eagerly await any foam art/latte/espresso videos you decide to make!

[@LanceHedrick]

YES! Love that! Will be dropping latte art basics this Friday and espresso dial in basics sometime next week hopefully. Shooting for latte art Wednesday. Get them notifications on so you know when it drops! Appreciate the support, friend

[@Troubadour03]

Lance, you’re making the Hedrick family proud. Sincerely, Steve Hedrick. 👊🏼

[@TheAndersDanilet]

This is the ultimate Masterclass on milk steaming! 21 minutes just flew by!

[@andersjacobsen8821]

8 years of ofte good, sometimes failed steams has been fixed with the blink of an eye. This method is REALLY the most consistent and usable. And i really like your non-judgmental approach of stating the obvious again and again. That is exactly how these kind of videos should be made and it is best-in-class 👌

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much! Means a lot. Have had some people be rude about me being repetitive, though it is completely intentional haha. So thanks! More to come soon. Filming another tomorrow 👀

[@chriscoleman2489]

Vital, vital work @Lance Hedrick I am now going to be subduing the whole family to more steamed milk beverages than they could possibly need or want!

[@LanceHedrick]

Hahaha! Yes! Love it! Check out my new espresso vid to start upping the spro game, too!

[@carito3515]

This guy is a champ! I was engaged that whole time, doesn't blab on and is so specific with instructions. Kudos

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much! Means a lot

[@popionut1539]

This is absolutely amazing!

[@blizzbee]

the "Michael Jackson move" WINS !!! 👍☕😍😆🤭💪👍 ...oh and the editing in the last minute is superb, perfect to watch 🏆

[@LanceHedrick]

Haha thank you so much. Means a lot!

[@DavidStavis]

Thank you so much for teaching to help people instead of trying to profit off of low-paid baristas! This means so much to me.

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you for watching and supporting! Been so cool hearing so many baristas comment they're using this on bar. Makes me happy

[@KamilRozkopal]

Man I tried these tips and I must say that positioning makes really huge difference. You are a real steaming god.

[@PinkMarz]

Very very cool! I'm so glad I found this!

[@nathanhermanus4620]

What a brilliant video! Well done! Can't wait to see your latte art videos

[@LanceHedrick]

Thanks, Nathan! Stoked you enjoyed it. Hope it works wonders for you!

[@ohaya1]

What an excellent video, thanks so much Lance!

[@TraceHopperMaster]

Absolutely transformative! Such consistency, much wow

[@eSysmanSuperYachts]

“Just the tip...” is the phrase I come away from this video with! 😆

[@LanceHedrick]

Hahaha funnily, you are the first to bring that up! I always feel so weird saying it, but not sure how else to teach that bit lol. More to come!

[@pyrophallusrex3147]

I'm surprised nobody is mentioning that super smooth transition @19:57. Great edit!

[@LanceHedrick]

Haha! Thank you! Though, I shouldn't take credit lol. Jason Miller from Red Barn Studio did! Appreciate that. And for watching the whole video!

[@eamobyrne1]

Fantastic video, thanks Lance

[@ThePlugSeeker]

Gonna be practicing this every morning 😁

[@marcelvandenheuvel6969]

Dude! This is a game changer! Thanks for posting this!

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you! I really appreciate it 🤗

[@todburres6460]

Just found your channel and subscribed - Had my daughter watch this video and she steamed a perfect batch of milk the first time out - even passed the shake test! Thanks for the very detailed presentations - you are helping me fill in some gaps in a lot of areas - keep up the good work!

[@travisharsha]

Great tutorial! Thank you Lance.

[@hanbui7233]

thank you for such in depth coverage of every step in the process ❤

[@matthewsteinkamp9906]

So after numerous fails it finally “clicked” today. The shot was on point, the milk was silky smooth and the angels were singing. I couldn’t have ever gotten here without your vids. Keep up the awesome content and I can’t wait to start trying to create latte art.

[@itsdayvis]

Great tutorial and helpful tips! Love the sense of humor. We demand more!

[@LanceHedrick]

😂😂😂 if you've already seen all three I have up, well, I'll be filming wednesday and plan to post by Friday! Seriously thank you so much for the comment! Appreciate it sincerely.

[@janis4909]

This video is just perfect. Thank you

[@sodazman]

Love the instruction, keep up the good work man!

[@nesurgrep]

Hands down the best tutorial on steaming and all things espresso I’ve been able to find. So clear and also detailed. Best part is the careful repetition that drives home the important points! Well done Lance & Thank you!

[@joseroda5863]

This is awesome. I have been looking for a tutorial like this one for years. Great level of detail, and wonderful touch with the overhead camera. Thanks Lance!

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much! Happy you enjoyed it friend. More to come!

[@fabj86]

Awesome video, very well explained! Thank you!

[@calvinmondrago7397]

Superb and vey helpful. Kudos!

[@Majnun74]

Followed these directions exactly (Breville Barista Pro) and… I did it it! worked perfectly! Thank you, brother😭🎉❤

[@bigzeeization]

such a damn helpfull tips. i think one of the best most detailed toturial.

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much! I sincerely appreciate that, friend

[@alottagreek3]

Lance, thank you for the masterclass! I appreciate the free content very much, and I love your enthusiasm, passion, and expertise! I can’t wait to try this tomorrow morning. I thought I was going insane with my inconsistency and was getting rather frustrated, and then the KZbin algorithm recommended your video. Awesome stuff!!!!

[@LanceHedrick]

Fantastic, Jason! Thank you for watching and for the support!

[@jordaz1823]

Awesome video! Well explained and most of all detailed.

[@mermaidlisa]

This is the best (and hilarious) instruction on milk steaming technique that I came across! Thank you so much for making this!

[@KingBeef726]

Great video! You laid out everything crystal clear and incredibly easy to follow. You also have great presence in front of the camera. Seriously, awesome video all around. 👏👏👏

[@LanceHedrick]

🥲thank you so much! That encouragement means loads. Always a scary thing to put yourself out there, so it's really nice to hear positive feedback! Looking forward to more videos. Espresso dial in and latte art basics up next 👀

[@traxtar944]

I'm just commenting to say you deserve WAY more subscribers, and I'm glad to see you at the beginning. Job well done!

[@LanceHedrick]

I sincerely appreciate that! I'm trying! Haha I did see a stat that one average, it takes 22 months to hit 1k, so I feel 500 in a week isn't too bad. Haha! Excited to get some more content out there!

[@brilliant334]

It was hopeful. Thank you for making and sharing the video. 🎉

[@rwboshae]

Thanks for the thoughtful instruction

[@Jdwmaguire]

Quality video, very tutorial and easy to follow. Thanks for sharing! New subscriber!

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much! Latte Art tutorial dropping soon! Excited for you to see it 🤗

[@rusocosmico]

One of the greatest steaming milk guides i've seen! Keep the great work! Greetings from Argentina 🙌🏼

[@LanceHedrick]

Hey! Thanks for watching! So excited it is getting views in argentina 🖤 thank you for commenting and letting me know!

[@danielhenry6215]

Thanks! Nice generous explanations ! Much appreciated

[@RussellLewis165]

This was so informative. Fantastic job, thank you!

[@HollyTheCafeBoat]

This is fantastic and just what we need! Thanks for being so generous with your knowledge. Ourselves and our future customers thank you sincerely!

[@LanceHedrick]

Fantastic! So happy you found the vids useful! More to come

[@nG27227]

Awesome vid. I was angry at never having seen your content before, until I realized it's because it's new! Looking forward to more.

[@LanceHedrick]

Haha! Wow! Thank you so much! I'll be filming a latte art tutorial tomorrow to be published hopefully friday. Stay tuned, friend!

[@MsYasmar]

Great tutorial! Thank you very much.

[@cheatdeathproc]

You make great videos Lance. They are extremely informative whilst being entertaining. Nice work

[@DESCENDINGDR]

Your greatest gift Lance, as wonderful as your milk steaming tips are, is your ability to clearly and concisely communicate your ideas... Bravo, subscribed!

[@LanceHedrick]

Wow thank you so much! I really appreciate that. It might not surprise you, but prior to jumping into coffee full time, I was pursuing a doctorate to become a professor 🤣 needless to say, I love a platform lol! Thanks for subscribing and following along!

[@mihir1997]

The way you broke down the process into easily repeatable steps is awesome. I noticed a near instant improvement in my milk quality and this is after struggling with consistency for a couple years.

[@LanceHedrick]

This is so great! So extremely stoked you saw some immediate improvement. If I can be of any further help, please don't delay to reach out!

[@danrose1760]

Thank you for such a thorough video 🙌🏻💡

[@Rayafaemusic]

exactly what i was looking for thank you!! so so helpful

[@MashApi]

Super! I watching at midnight but wanna jump out of bed to do latte art right now. Thanks for your effort man.

[@LanceHedrick]

Hahaha! I know the feeling all too well 😂😂😂 thanks for the support!

[@dave5926]

Excellent video 👍

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much! Appreciate it

[@robshift]

Amazing tutorial. Thanks for making this.

[@MrBoro1212]

Amazing video! Can't wait to try out your technique.

[@elliottgordon5152]

As a coffee roaster and trainer this is by far one of the best vids I have seen for simple and concise advice. Great job

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you so much! Appreciate that

[@sposma]

This is wonderful, Lance, I'm making my whole staff watch this!

[@LanceHedrick]

Awesome, Sarah! Thank you! (Get them all to subscribe 🤓). More vids to come in the future that I'm sure will be helpful. Espresso distribution, dialing by taste, different theories broken down, etc. Hope you all are well up in alaska! 🖤

[@sposma]

@@LanceHedrick love it! Thanks for your dedication to coffee!

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you for being awesome so supportive. Appreciate y'all!

[@themodularmodular]

This really helpful and super clear tutorial. You're a great and fun teacher. Thanks, Lance!

[@TerryGriffith-nn9uj]

Awesome video! Very informative and very descriptive!! Thank you!

[@Kbilsoy]

Ive been a barista for two years and still learned some stuff. love the video

[@LanceHedrick]

Fantastic! Thanks for watching! I'll be releasing my latte art basics video later this week if interested in following along! And soon after, how to dial in espresso. Cheers and thanks again!

[@balt0sm00ve]

Literally you have up'd my milk steaming tremendously. After these tips I am able to get great micro foam. Keep up the great work.

[@LanceHedrick]

Heck yes! That is awesome news. Thanks for sharing! Now go watch my espresso vid 🤣🤣 seriously, thanks for the support.

[@Simofskii]

Very helpful and clear video. Many thanks!

[@bricelegendnducho]

Fantastic tutorial,thank you

[@nicolaaswagenaar7330]

Man, this was amazing. I've been a home espresso enthusiast for years, but always struggled to find consistency in my steaming. Your process to get the wand set up well from the get go has been a huge help to get good results every time. All the best!

[@LanceHedrick]

Incredible! I LOVE hearing this. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave the note! How to dial in espresso and latte art basics coming soon!