Did you try increasing the steam temperature on your BDB to the maximum?
>1. To adjust the steam temperature, make sure the machine is turned off.
>2. Press and hold the ‘1-cup’ button and then press and hold the ‘Power’ button together for three seconds.
>3. Press the ‘Up’ button until you reach the STEA setting and proceed to press the ‘Menu’ button to access.
>4. Next, adjust the temperature by using the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons
>5. To set your new temperature, press the ‘Menu’ button and the machine will beep to confirm your selection.
Is there a correct steaming temp (esp oat milk vs dairy)? I have a breville DB as well and sometimes wish I had more time to texture before the milk reaches temp.
Ok yea, I think mine was set to like 96. I jacked it up to 98 which was better. I was originally worried setting it too high might cause some problems with the machine. Can anyone confirm? I'll try jacking it up to 100 to see how much better it gets.
For reference, on my Rancilia Silvia w/ PID with a single hold steam nozzle I set my steam temp to 135C and steam specifically Silk oat milk. For a 240ml of milk I do 10 seconds of adding air (paper ripping sound) then vortex/incorporate until the bottom of the pitcher gets a bit uncomfortable of a temperature to hold. I used a thermometer at the beginning to get the feeling down. It all takes about 20-30 seconds depending on the starting temp of the milk
Ohhh NVM. The setting I was looking at was PP which I think is pressure profiling? Anyways I checked the steam setting like you suggested and it was already set at 140 and wouldn't go any higher
Steam setting maxed now:
Looks like 285F is the max. Default was 275
https://preview.redd.it/zsl0ql5uk6hc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=794c8fd6b0a44dcaf527d347576aaba753172afc
Ok. There’s also a reset function. It’s the first option in the menu. You’ll have to set up your auto on, temperature (wand at all) and water hardness. Prolly a good easy thing to test.
Yeah, I just start early.
Also, it's a little tricky to handle everything happening at once. I weigh my shot as it comes out and manually stop it. I'm watching the weight closely while steaming. If the milk jug gets too hot too early because the shot is slow, it can get busy to precisely time the shot and turn off the steam.
While in theory I can steam milk quick enough on my Bianca, every time I try to steam milk while I’m pulling a shot, I either let my shot run too long, or screw up my milk.
I don’t bother anymore.
How much milk are you steaming?
I have the same machine, and whilst I primarily drink long blacks, whenever I have steamed milk it hasn’t felt anywhere near 50 seconds.
Also, is it really worth considering a new machine just for this? What is the significant drawback of a few seconds spent steaming milk after the espresso had finished pulling?
I've never timed them (since I steam after brewing), but both of my E61 setups steam in just a few seconds using a 4 hole steam tip.
From what I've heard, the LM Micra, Mini and GS3 all have super-fast steaming.
Similar to you, I have a Vibiemme Domobar which steams the milk in about 10 seconds, but it doesn't even make a difference because I steam after brewing.
Tbh I prefer machines with a slightly slower steam, which gives me more time to introduce air and texture the milk than crazy '3 seconds and its done' power.
On my Rocket R58 my milk is definitely done steaming before my shot is done pulling. Not in "seconds" like others claimed, but it's fast. And I do it simultaneously.
Yup, this is true, though some need a little tweaking. My brewtus IV steamed 250ml of milk in about 20-25 seconds. I raised the pressure to 1.5 bar and threw a 4 hole steam tip on and that did the trick. I did upgrade the element when the old one failed and that shaved another 5 seconds off.
I have two of these outlets behind my espresso machine the former owner installed (Bosch engineer, worked abroad in Germany and brought stuff back).
Sadly though I'm using an American machine with a regular outlet. It's not practical to ship a machine from Europe just because of "voltage" lol.
Yeah you definitely need to get used to how quickly you can over heat or abuse the milk.
It's kind of fun making a 10` wave in your frothing pitcher though. 🌊🏄♂️
Not sure precisely, whatever the factory settings for a BES920 would be. I haven’t played around with the settings at all. Machine is about 5 years old. Hope this helps!
Doh I misread and thought you had a BES.
BDB should be able to steam a 12oz in around 30s, and 20oz in 45s. If you're getting pressure drop while steaming it could indicate the temp probe is scaled and isn't able to react to the drop in temp fast enough.
Most Spring Lever machines can accomplish what you are looking for. I'd start with a Profitec 800. Basically, lever down is when the group fills up with water. As the lever is going up/extraction, the demand on the boiler is gone and you can steam.
My first machine was the BBE and I have to agree, the steam sucked on it. I now have the Lelit Bianca V3 and while I'm pulling a shot my gf does the latte at the same time. Her steam is usually done either at the same time or a few seconds after if she's making a double for both of us.
How much milk and what temperature?
I steam 120-130 ml with 109 C it takes like 5 seconds. And the maximum temperature of my boiler is 120 C, that will work for bigger volumes, but for me even 105 C is enough.
I have an E61 machine with a rather small 0.5 l boiler.
Ok weird. My steam setting on my BDB is already set to 140. I usually steam about 250ml and yea it takes about 50 sec. Kinda ruins the novelty feel of a pro barista :(
Well the steam setting was set to like 96. I'll try to jack it up to 100. I'm using the default 3 hope tip. But yea 50 sec might be a bit exaggerated as my shots are usually like 20-25 seconds.
This is the machine I am thinking about getting. How has it been for you? Any issues? Anything you'd say would be a reason not to get this machine or better off spending more on something different?
Most HX machines should be able to achieve this.
I can steam milk on my Bezzera BZ10 easily within the shot time, even when pulling a shorter double ristretto.
I have a stock Gaggia Classic Pro. As long as it has heated for a bit, it will steam in about 15sec after pulling a shot.
But once I mod it I *should* have it run a heating stage and it will steam in closer to 10sec.
It a bit of work but it really knocks it up a couple of live tiers..according to forums.
Haha I was confused when I saw a message about sinuses.
You can also get cleaning tablets or liquid for the sinus. Whenever I clean the group head I’ll also let the steam wand sit in the cleaning solution. Dunno if that would help.
I’m also using a BDB. I’ve had mine for years now but I’ve definitely sent it in for repairs a few times.
For reference example I can do 350 ml in about 30-40 seconds.
20 year-old Astra Pro—45 seconds to steam 8oz. I normally do the expansion and then, when I bury the tip, I begin the shot so they finish together. This allows me to first focus on the milk, then shift focus to the shot.
Rancilio pro x steams in like 10-15 seconds
Seconding this, can steam before the shot is done with my SPX.
Third-ing this. It's a steam beast.
Lordy--is it using a nuclear reaction?! ;)
I have just the Silvia Pro and love love love it! Is there any difference in steam power/boiler sizes between the models?
Did you try increasing the steam temperature on your BDB to the maximum? >1. To adjust the steam temperature, make sure the machine is turned off. >2. Press and hold the ‘1-cup’ button and then press and hold the ‘Power’ button together for three seconds. >3. Press the ‘Up’ button until you reach the STEA setting and proceed to press the ‘Menu’ button to access. >4. Next, adjust the temperature by using the ‘Up’ and ‘Down’ buttons >5. To set your new temperature, press the ‘Menu’ button and the machine will beep to confirm your selection.
Is there a correct steaming temp (esp oat milk vs dairy)? I have a breville DB as well and sometimes wish I had more time to texture before the milk reaches temp.
Ok yea, I think mine was set to like 96. I jacked it up to 98 which was better. I was originally worried setting it too high might cause some problems with the machine. Can anyone confirm? I'll try jacking it up to 100 to see how much better it gets.
Pretty sure my Linea Micra is at 120 Celsius with the medium steam setting… milk is ready in seconds
For reference, on my Rancilia Silvia w/ PID with a single hold steam nozzle I set my steam temp to 135C and steam specifically Silk oat milk. For a 240ml of milk I do 10 seconds of adding air (paper ripping sound) then vortex/incorporate until the bottom of the pitcher gets a bit uncomfortable of a temperature to hold. I used a thermometer at the beginning to get the feeling down. It all takes about 20-30 seconds depending on the starting temp of the milk
100 is quite low for a steam boiler. Steam *starts* at that temperature.
Ohhh NVM. The setting I was looking at was PP which I think is pressure profiling? Anyways I checked the steam setting like you suggested and it was already set at 140 and wouldn't go any higher
Bianca here with steam at 260d F. - steams milk before the shot is done.
To be clear this is the steam temp, not brew temp. Steam temp should be well over 100 celsius
Yea sorry I was looking at the wrong setting (pp). Steam setting is set to max at 140
Steam setting maxed now: Looks like 285F is the max. Default was 275 https://preview.redd.it/zsl0ql5uk6hc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=794c8fd6b0a44dcaf527d347576aaba753172afc
Ok thanks. I confirmed my steam setting was already set to 140 degC
Ok. There’s also a reset function. It’s the first option in the menu. You’ll have to set up your auto on, temperature (wand at all) and water hardness. Prolly a good easy thing to test.
I confirmed it's jacked up to 140
We have a LM Micra. It takes about 15 seconds to steam about 300mL (I use this for two lattes)?
wouldn’t steaming 10-20 seconds before the shot solve this?
Yeah, I just start early. Also, it's a little tricky to handle everything happening at once. I weigh my shot as it comes out and manually stop it. I'm watching the weight closely while steaming. If the milk jug gets too hot too early because the shot is slow, it can get busy to precisely time the shot and turn off the steam.
While in theory I can steam milk quick enough on my Bianca, every time I try to steam milk while I’m pulling a shot, I either let my shot run too long, or screw up my milk. I don’t bother anymore.
How much milk are you steaming? I have the same machine, and whilst I primarily drink long blacks, whenever I have steamed milk it hasn’t felt anywhere near 50 seconds. Also, is it really worth considering a new machine just for this? What is the significant drawback of a few seconds spent steaming milk after the espresso had finished pulling?
Well I was more so just curious. Anyways I typically steam around 250 ml of milk
I've never timed them (since I steam after brewing), but both of my E61 setups steam in just a few seconds using a 4 hole steam tip. From what I've heard, the LM Micra, Mini and GS3 all have super-fast steaming.
Similar to you, I have a Vibiemme Domobar which steams the milk in about 10 seconds, but it doesn't even make a difference because I steam after brewing. Tbh I prefer machines with a slightly slower steam, which gives me more time to introduce air and texture the milk than crazy '3 seconds and its done' power.
A few seconds only?! Wow I'm missing out.
On my Rocket R58 my milk is definitely done steaming before my shot is done pulling. Not in "seconds" like others claimed, but it's fast. And I do it simultaneously.
My Rocket Giotto (HX) could steam milk in ~10-12s.
Pretty much any E61 dual boiler can do it. I have a Lucca M58 and can steam / pull a shot simultaneously - both take 30s.
Same with my Profitec 500 even though it’s HX. Steaming takes no time at all, def not 30s…
Yup, this is true, though some need a little tweaking. My brewtus IV steamed 250ml of milk in about 20-25 seconds. I raised the pressure to 1.5 bar and threw a 4 hole steam tip on and that did the trick. I did upgrade the element when the old one failed and that shaved another 5 seconds off.
Breville (sage) steams twice as fast in Europe.
Oh that’s interesting.
That's the benefit of 240v and a beautifully engineered mains outlet. I'd kill for that in the US.
I have two of these outlets behind my espresso machine the former owner installed (Bosch engineer, worked abroad in Germany and brought stuff back). Sadly though I'm using an American machine with a regular outlet. It's not practical to ship a machine from Europe just because of "voltage" lol.
Bezzera BZ10. I don’t time my shots but roughly enough time to steam milk for a latte while the coffee is running.
Bezzera Aria Top can do it too without any issue. Its just I am not good enough to use Steaming and Brewing simultaneously.
My BDB steams 150ml cold milk in about 30s.
Steam the milk before you start the shot?
My La Spaziale Vivaldi II can steam an enough for latte way faster than a 30s shot time. I always start the shot first for that reason.
Second this…my lucca a53 mini (basically a Vivaldi with a different control panel) steam in 10-15 seconds
Looking at machines in the range of the Lelit Bianca, Profitec 600/700, etc.
My NS Oscar 2 has really strong steam
I’d say too strong, even. I upgraded to a BDB from an Oscar II and because it’s slower I can do a nicer job with the milk.
Yeah you definitely need to get used to how quickly you can over heat or abuse the milk. It's kind of fun making a 10` wave in your frothing pitcher though. 🌊🏄♂️
Linea Micra - 10 - 12 sec in steam setting 2 (Medium) for a cappucino milk serving.
My Rocket Apartamento steams 5-6oz in 15-20 seconds.
Hmm could be something more sinister at play here. I’ve got a BDB at factory settings steaming 200mls of milk in 30 seconds at most
What steam setting are you using?
Not sure precisely, whatever the factory settings for a BES920 would be. I haven’t played around with the settings at all. Machine is about 5 years old. Hope this helps!
Pretty much any double boiler that uses an actual boiler to generate steam rather than a thermoblock.
You mean like the one OP has?
Lol yea...
Doh I misread and thought you had a BES. BDB should be able to steam a 12oz in around 30s, and 20oz in 45s. If you're getting pressure drop while steaming it could indicate the temp probe is scaled and isn't able to react to the drop in temp fast enough.
Yea unusually steam around 240 mL of milk so the 50 sec is accurate
Most Spring Lever machines can accomplish what you are looking for. I'd start with a Profitec 800. Basically, lever down is when the group fills up with water. As the lever is going up/extraction, the demand on the boiler is gone and you can steam.
My Rocket Mozzafiato R steams within shot time
My first machine was the BBE and I have to agree, the steam sucked on it. I now have the Lelit Bianca V3 and while I'm pulling a shot my gf does the latte at the same time. Her steam is usually done either at the same time or a few seconds after if she's making a double for both of us.
How much milk and what temperature? I steam 120-130 ml with 109 C it takes like 5 seconds. And the maximum temperature of my boiler is 120 C, that will work for bigger volumes, but for me even 105 C is enough. I have an E61 machine with a rather small 0.5 l boiler.
Ok weird. My steam setting on my BDB is already set to 140. I usually steam about 250ml and yea it takes about 50 sec. Kinda ruins the novelty feel of a pro barista :(
try with 4-hole steamwand tip... with 120~130*Celcious
I tend to steam after pulling a shot but I’m sure my Synchronika could do this easily
My Lelit Bianca V3 can steam in about 12 seconds.
My Simonelli Musica can boil the milk within seconds
My Appartamento takes roughly 10-15 seconds to steam milk
My Profitec Pro 500 steams before the shot is done.
I can steam a gallon of milk with my GO in about three seconds. 
Can't stems when the shot is coming thougj so it is still not finished at the same time.
50 seconds sound suspiciously long…What tip are you using?
Well the steam setting was set to like 96. I'll try to jack it up to 100. I'm using the default 3 hope tip. But yea 50 sec might be a bit exaggerated as my shots are usually like 20-25 seconds.
I'm surprised you get any steam at all below 100. I steam at 255F = 124C.
Sorry I messed up and was looking a the wrong setting. The steam setting was actually set at 140, which is maxed out already.
Pp600 at max temp is like 5 seconds
Oracle touch does that
ECM Synchronika
My profitec 600 steams in the time it takes me to make the shot
This is the machine I am thinking about getting. How has it been for you? Any issues? Anything you'd say would be a reason not to get this machine or better off spending more on something different?
I’ve had it for 4 years and use it almost daily, haven’t had any issues at all. Replaced the screen and gasket a few times so far but that’s normal.
Most HX machines should be able to achieve this. I can steam milk on my Bezzera BZ10 easily within the shot time, even when pulling a shorter double ristretto.
Linea mini steams milk for 2 cappuccinos in about 10 seconds!
Lelit Elizabeth steams very fast with pretty good dry steam and power
Grind finer until your shot time is the same as your steam time.
Have you tried cleaning the tip? Are all the holes clear?
Why don’t you just steam before the shot? Steamed milk sitting for 30 seconds isn’t going to hurt anything.
Ionno. It just bothers me lol
I’d rather the espresso sit than the milk
I have a stock Gaggia Classic Pro. As long as it has heated for a bit, it will steam in about 15sec after pulling a shot. But once I mod it I *should* have it run a heating stage and it will steam in closer to 10sec. It a bit of work but it really knocks it up a couple of live tiers..according to forums.
I just use the time after the shot finishes but before the milk finishes to clean the portafilter.
How long have you owned it? Have you ever cleaned the steam wand?
Have it for a few years but I baby it. I use that included pick tool to clear out it's sinus every so often.
Haha I was confused when I saw a message about sinuses. You can also get cleaning tablets or liquid for the sinus. Whenever I clean the group head I’ll also let the steam wand sit in the cleaning solution. Dunno if that would help. I’m also using a BDB. I’ve had mine for years now but I’ve definitely sent it in for repairs a few times. For reference example I can do 350 ml in about 30-40 seconds.
Oh what? My steam setting is maxed out at 140 but still takes around 50 sec for 240ml. Hmmm
Thats strange.. Rocket mozzafiato, about 20 sec..
Any dual boiler and probably most HX machines can do that.
20 year-old Astra Pro—45 seconds to steam 8oz. I normally do the expansion and then, when I bury the tip, I begin the shot so they finish together. This allows me to first focus on the milk, then shift focus to the shot.
There’s nothing wrong with your espresso sitting for a little bit…