Once again a steam jet that spins the milk instead of just blowing it up
The tip sits right at the front of the steam wand and is the smallest part of the whole chain – and yet it is the one that decides the foam. The steam exits through its holes and sets the milk in the jug spinning. As long as they are clear, the jet draws the milk into a calm vortex and the texture becomes dense and glossy.
If a hole scales up, the picture changes immediately. The jet becomes asymmetrical, the jug starts to spit, and the vortex turns into bubbling with large bubbles on top. Anyone who steams milk every day notices this within a few seconds. This Tornado tip has the part number A.5.148 and an outlet angle of 60 degrees.
Descale first, then replace
A tip is rarely broken; it is usually blocked. Limescale and dried-on milk build up in the holes, and what looks like a defective part is often just a deposit. So first soak the tip overnight in a descaling solution and then rinse it thoroughly. You will find suitable products in our Machine and grinder cleaning range. If that does not bring the jet back, replacing it is the right step.
When it is due
The steam jet goes off at an angle instead of straight down. The milk no longer spins, it just gets loud. A hole stays blocked even after descaling. Grooves or scratches appear at the outlet. Or the thread can no longer be tightened cleanly.
At a glance
| Type |
Tip for the steam wand, Tornado version |
| Location |
front end of the steam wand |
| Fits |
La Marzocco Autosteam steam wands. We are happy to check which version is fitted to your machine using the serial number. |
| Scope of delivery |
one tip |
| Part number |
A.5.148 |
| Version |
Outlet angle 60 degrees |
| Installation |
Installation by a qualified technician recommended |
| Brand |
La Marzocco |
Important for installation
The tip sits on a component that carries steam at over a hundred degrees. Only work on the machine when it has cooled down and is depressurised, and tighten the thread by hand before you apply the spanner – a stripped thread on the wand costs more than any tip. We deliberately do not give step-by-step instructions here; if you are unsure, have the replacement done for you.
Who it is for
For workshops and for businesses with Autosteam that want to bring their foam back to the usual standard. And for everyone at home who has a wand with a replaceable tip and would rather swap the part than live with a crooked jet.
The steam tips in the La Marzocco catalogue
We carry nine steam tips in the La Marzocco catalogue, spread across four designs. Which one belongs on your machine is determined by the wand, not the machine model. If you are unsure, send us the serial number and we will check the fit together.
On the classic steam wand: the version with four holes of 1.2 mm; the version with four holes of 1.5 mm.
On the Cool Touch steam wand: the version with four holes of 1.5 mm.
On other wands: the PEEK tip with four holes of 1.2 mm for the Linea Mini R, part number A.6.004; the short stainless steel tip with 1.1 mm, A.5.180; the complete swivelling steam tip for the Linea series, T.2.126.
Tips for the Autosteam wand: the Vortex tip Ø 1.3 mm at 45 degrees, F.3.183; the Vortex tip Ø 1.5 mm at 45 degrees, F.3.182; the Tornado tip at 60 degrees, A.5.148 – that is, this product.
For none of the nine tips do our documents state the thread size or material grade. So we leave this information out rather than estimate it.
What goes with it
It goes well with the Autosteam steam wand itself. All other original spare parts are in the Original spare parts section, and the remaining accessories under La Marzocco.
From our workshop
At our places in Bern and Zurich, a small jar of descaling solution sits next to every Autosteam wand. After closing time the tip goes in, in the morning it is rinsed and screwed back on – that is our routine, not a manufacturer requirement, but it has already saved us many a replacement purchase. Once the foam is right again, we like to drink it best with Nutty Delight or Cozy Chocolate. If you like it stronger, go for Very Nutty. The whole selection is under Coffee beans.
No returns
Original spare parts are excluded from exchange and return. They are procured to order and cannot be resold after installation or trial fitting on the machine. So before ordering, check the model, year of manufacture and serial number of your machine – or drop us a line and we will clarify the fit together. Your rights in the case of defective goods remain unaffected.
Frequently asked questions
What does 60 degrees mean for this tip?
The figure refers to the outlet angle. The other two tips in our catalogue have 45 degrees. How the holes are arranged in detail and what the manufacturer means by Tornado is not documented for us – so we do not claim it.
Does the tip fit every La Marzocco steam wand?
No. Not every wand has a replaceable tip, and the threads differ. Send us the serial number of your machine and we will check the fit.
Is a gasket included?
The tip is supplied on its own. Whether your wand also has a sealing ring depends on the version.
Can I simply drill out the old tip?
We advise against it. The hole diameter determines how much steam comes out and how the milk spins. If you re-drill it, you change the behaviour of the wand and cannot get it back.
Can I see the part in your shop?
Yes. Come to our Showroom in Bern at Gerberngasse 44 or in Zurich at Hagenholzstrasse 50b, and we will show it to you on the machine.
Questions about the fit? Write to us at [email protected]. We deliver across Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2-4 working days.
