Steam tip

The exit nozzle of the steam wand — a small metal piece with one or more drilled holes that focuses and directs the steam jet. Tips are usually replaceable, with different hole counts and patterns for different applications.

Why it matters — Steam tip geometry directly affects how the wand steams milk. Fewer, smaller holes (2 holes) produce slower, finer texture — ideal for home use and latte art. More, larger holes (4–6) produce faster, more powerful steam — designed for high-volume café use.

Good to know

• Match the steam tip to the boiler. A 4-hole tip on a small home boiler will exhaust the steam too fast; a 2-hole tip on a commercial machine will steam slowly.
• Tips are inexpensive and screw on/off — keep a couple of sizes and try them with your specific machine.