Lelit stainless steel milk pitcher – 0.35 l and 0.5 l with latte art pen
The swirl in the pitcher slows down, the milk settles glossy against the wall, and a white thread flows from the spout and settles into the crema.
A milk pitcher is a simple tool with a surprising amount of impact. The spout here is drawn so that it doesn't drip – that sounds like a small thing, but it decides whether the last drop lands as a clean dot or runs across the pattern as a smear. When you pour latte art, you work with a narrow stream and just a few centimetres of distance, and that's exactly where the shape of the spout makes the difference.
Then there's what happens inside while you froth. The steam draws air into the milk and at the same time breaks it into the finest bubbles, until liquid milk becomes a dense, glossy mass. Stainless steel conducts the heat quickly to the outside, so you feel the temperature rise directly in your hand and know without a thermometer when it's enough. The heat receptors in your skin are more reliable here than you might think.
And then there's perception: vessel, colour and material measurably change how something tastes. A dense, warm layer of milk foam on a dense espresso brings out sweetness and caramel that weren't as prominent in the espresso on its own. Taste and smell are inseparably linked anyway, because a large part of the aroma only develops retronasally as you swallow.
Both sizes have the same spout, and both come with a latte art pen for drawing fine lines into the pattern. 0.35 litres is the size for one to two cappuccinos, 0.5 litres for two to three or for a large milky coffee. Which one is right depends only on how you drink. Our opinion is one of many.
At a glance
| Material |
Stainless steel |
| Spout |
No-drip shape for latte art |
| 0.35 litre version |
35 cl, item number PLA301S |
| 0.5 litre version |
50 cl, item number PLA301M |
| In the box |
Latte art pen |
| Cleaning |
Dishwasher-safe |
| Origin |
Lelit, Italy |
Who it's for
For anyone who froths milk – on a Lelit, on any other espresso machine or on a separate frother. The pitcher doesn't care about the brand of the machine; it cares about the quantity.
And for anyone who wants to start with latte art without turning it into a science. The pen takes the pressure off: if the heart doesn't come out right, you simply draw a pattern into it. There's no right and no wrong. More sizes and shapes are in the milk jugs and barista pitchers collection.
What goes with it
Milk foam needs steam, and steam comes from the machine. If you're comparing right now, you'll find the selection among the espresso machines and some guidance in the advice tool.
Beneath the milk lies the espresso, and that starts at the grinder. For anyone who wants an affordable, precise grinder: Varia VS3 or Comandante C40. If you want more, go for the Varia VS6, the Weber Workshops EG-1 or the Option-O Lagom – side by side in the coffee grinders collection. And because you work by weight ratio, 1:2 as a starting point, a scale belongs with it: Normcore for the affordable, precise route, Acaia for app, flow-rate display and Bluetooth, both among the coffee scales.
Frequently asked questions
Which size should I choose?
0.35 litres is enough for one to two cappuccinos and is easier to handle because it weighs less. 0.5 litres is the choice if you regularly make two or three cups together or a large milky coffee is part of it.
Does the pitcher only work with Lelit machines?
No. A milk pitcher isn't tied to a brand and works with any machine that has a steam wand.
What is the latte art pen?
A slim stylus you use after pouring to draw fine lines through the foam. Both sizes come with a pen.
Can the pitcher go in the dishwasher?
Yes, both sizes are dishwasher-safe. After frothing, it's still worth giving it a quick rinse while the milk is still warm.
Can I see the product before buying?
Yes. In Bern at Gerberngasse 44 and in Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b, you can see both sizes in person. Delivery within Switzerland and to Liechtenstein takes 2 to 4 working days.
From the roastery
Under milk, what's dense and sweet wins through. Cozy Chocolate and Nutty Delight bring chocolate, nuts and caramel and still come through clearly in a cappuccino. If you want maximum body without any acidity, go for Very Nutty. For a fruity experience, Wild Peach is ready. That's our recommendation, one of many – any other bean works just as well.
