Steaming and Frothing
PANNARELLO WAND
A number of Gaggia espresso machines come equipped with a specialized milk frothing attachment called a Pannarello Wand. The Pannarello Wand is a device that attaches to the steam arm of the espresso machine and aids in simplifying the frothing process, which can be intimidating to first time users. Depending on the machine, the wand may be made of plastic, metal, or a combination of both. Begin by purging the wand of any water that may have collected in it by opening the steam valve. When the wand has been purged, fill your frothing pitcher 1/3 of the way full and submerge the tip of the Pannarello Wand deep beneath the surface of the milk. Open the steam valve again to begin frothing. No matter the design, every Pannarello Wand operates the same way. On the side of each wand is a small air intake hole that sucks in air and injects it into the milk, creating froth. When you want to stop frothing the milk, simply cover or submerge the hole. At this point, the wand will continue to heat the milk until it is removed. When frothing milk, a frothing thermometer is helpful as you want to make sure that your milk is never heated past 160 degrees Fahrenheit. If you aren't going to immediately add the milk to your espresso, it's recommended that you continually swirl the milk in the pitcher to ensure that it maintains its creamy texture. * Be sure to remove and clean the Pannarello Wand after each use to prevent the buildup of milk residue and keep the wand performing properly.How to Maintain your Pannarello Wand
- In order to ensure the performance quality of your Pannarello Wand, regular maintenance is necessary to prevent milk residue from building up and impeding its functionality. It is important to clean your wand after each use, with particular attention being paid to the air intake hole as you will no longer be able to create froth if it becomes clogged.
- Gaggia Pannarello Wands are made out of five components. The cap nut, the inner wand, a small plastic gasket, a large rubber gasket, and the frothing sleeve.
- To remove the Pannarello Wand, begin by sliding the frothing sleeve off of the inner wand.
- To remove the inner wand, grasp it between your thumb and forefinger and with your opposite hand, unscrew the cap nut which holds it in place.
- When the nut has been fully unscrewed, you will be able to slide the inner wand off of the steam arm, when you do, take care not to lose the small plastic gasket located between the inner wand and the cap nut.
- There is a second, larger rubber gasket that often remains lodged inside of the inner wand after removal. This gasket can be pried out of the inner wand with the use of a small screwdriver or a similar tool. Remove the cap nut and you can begin cleaning the Pannarello Wand.
- When you have cleaned your wand and it comes time to replace it, begin by sliding the cap nut, back onto the steam arm, followed by the small gasket, and then the large gasket.
- With the gaskets and cap nut in place, slide the inner wand back up the arm and back into the cap nut.
- Tighten the cap nut until the inner wand is secure and replace the frothing sleeve. When everything is back in place, gently tug on the wand to make sure that it is secure and won't slide off during frothing.
- There may be some slight variation in the designs of the wands that come with each machine, but the process outlined above is applies to all varieties of Pannarello Wands currently offered by Gaggia.