Bodum Schiuma Milk Frother

Before first use, insert 2 AA batteries (not included). Turn the frother upside down so the wand points downward. Press the latch on the base to open the battery compartment cover. Insert 2 AA batteries following the polarity markings inside the compartment, then snap the cover closed until it clicks.

The Schiuma does not require any setup beyond battery installation. Rinse the stainless steel wand under warm water before first use. Do not submerge the body or battery compartment in water at any time.

The on/off button is located on the side of the handle. Press to start, press again to stop. The wand spins as long as the button is engaged — the design is a hold-to-run or press-to-lock switch depending on the specific unit; refer to your instruction sheet for which applies to your model.

Frothing Cold Milk

Pour 2–4 oz (60–120ml) of cold, low-fat milk into a glass cup or beaker. Cold milk froths better than warm milk and produces a finer, more stable foam. Insert the tip of the wand near the bottom of the cup. Switch on the frother and slowly move the wand up and down — keeping the tip near the bottom initially to incorporate air, then raising it toward the surface as foam builds. Froth for 25–30 seconds or until the milk has roughly doubled in volume. If using cold frothed milk on a hot drink, microwave the frothed milk for 20–30 seconds before pouring.

Frothing Warm Milk

You can froth milk that has already been warmed — heat to approximately 140–150°F (60–65°C) before frothing. Warm milk produces a slightly less stable foam than cold milk but works well for immediate use. Do not attempt to froth boiling or near-boiling milk — excessive heat can damage the wand seal over time.

Milk Types

Whole milk produces a rich, creamy foam with good stability. Low-fat and skim milk froth faster and produce larger volume, though the foam is lighter and less rich. Non-dairy alternatives (oat, almond, soy, oat) can be frothed — results vary by brand. Barista-formula non-dairy milks specifically engineered for frothing produce the best results.

Other Uses

The Schiuma can also be used to mix salad dressings, blend powdered drink mixes, make milkshakes, or whisk eggs. Submerge the wand into the liquid and run for a few seconds to mix. Keep the tip submerged to avoid splashing.

Battery Life

Battery life varies with use frequency and battery brand. Alkaline AA batteries typically last for several weeks of daily use. If the wand spins noticeably slower than usual or foam production decreases, replace the batteries. Use fresh, high-quality AA alkaline batteries for best performance.

After Every Use

Rinse the stainless steel wand and spiral tip under warm running water immediately after use. A brief rinse is usually all that is needed as the wand wipes itself relatively clean during frothing. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Do not submerge the handle or battery compartment in water — the motor electronics are in the body and are not waterproof.

Periodic Deep Clean

If milk residue builds up on the wand tip or spiral, fill a small cup with warm water and a drop of dish soap and run the frother in the soapy water for a few seconds. Rinse thoroughly under clean running water and wipe dry. Do not use abrasive sponges or scouring pads on the stainless steel wand.

Storage

Store the Schiuma in a dry location. If storing for more than a few weeks, remove the batteries to prevent corrosion from potential leakage. The frother is compact and can be stored in a kitchen drawer.

Battery Replacement

When performance decreases, replace both AA batteries at the same time. Mixing old and new batteries reduces performance and can cause uneven battery drain. Dispose of used batteries responsibly — do not place in household waste; use a battery recycling point.

Frother Won't Start

Check that 2 AA batteries are installed with correct polarity (markings inside the battery compartment). Try fresh batteries — the frother requires adequate power to spin at full speed. Confirm the battery compartment cover is fully closed and latched.

Weak Frothing / Wand Spinning Slowly

Replace the batteries. A slow-spinning wand is almost always caused by low battery power. Alkaline batteries perform better than carbon-zinc batteries in this application.

Foam Doesn't Form or Collapses Immediately

Use cold milk for best results — cold milk froths more easily and holds foam longer than warm milk. Ensure the milk volume is 2–4 oz; too little milk makes it difficult to create foam. Keep the wand tip near the milk surface as foam builds to continue incorporating air.

Milk Splashing

Keep the wand tip fully submerged while the frother is running, especially when starting. Start with the tip near the bottom of the cup and raise it gradually as foam forms.

Wand Won't Come Clean

Soak the wand tip in warm soapy water and run the frother briefly to loosen dried milk residue. Rinse thoroughly. Clean immediately after each use to prevent buildup.

Warranty and Support

All Bodum products carry a 1-year limited warranty on manufacturer defects. For warranty service or support, contact Bodum directly at bodum.com. Batteries and normal wear are not covered.