Drinking the same cup of coffee can get boring. A desire for change has sparked a curiosity to put milk rather than water in our coffee maker.
Before we try anything new, it raises the question – can you put milk in a coffee maker?
The short and simple answer is yes, you can put milk in a coffee maker.
Brewing coffee with milk is a simple swap of water for milk. The coffee maker processes the milk as it would with water.
Swapping water for milk can change the flavor and texture of your coffee.
Putting milk rather than water in your coffee maker is possible, but it may not be the best idea.
Milk vs. Water
Milk must be handled carefully, or it can become a safety hazard. Unlike water, milk is pasteurized, can quickly spoil, and can create bacteria.
Heating milk in your coffee maker comes with possible issues that water does not have. This complicates the simple answer of yes.
While you can put milk in a coffee maker, you might consider whether or not you should.
How To Put Milk in Coffee Maker
Swapping milk for water in the coffee maker is like making it with water.
Use the carafe to measure and pour the milk in place of the water, add the desired amount of coffee grounds, and power on the coffee maker.
The switch is simple, but there are some things you should keep in mind. If you wish to try putting milk in your coffee maker, here are some tips to consider:
- Use fresh milk. Spoiled milk will spoil your coffee. The instant heat can cause the milk to curdle quickly. It is best to avoid using milk that will expire soon. Be sure to reach for milk with a label with the latest expiration date.
- Consider the type of milk you use. Whole milk is known to clog coffee makers because of its thick consistency. Consider any other milk with a thinner texture to avoid any clogging.
- Put less milk. Coffee makers were not designed to brew coffee with milk. Milk has a thicker consistency than water and can clog the filter. Using less milk than you would put water to brew can reduce the possibility of clogging.
Cons of Milk in Coffee Maker
The idea of a thick, frothy cup of milky coffee sounds like a mouthwatering dream. The reality of putting milk in the coffee maker is not always so salivating and dreamy.
Unpleasant Taste
Coffee is meant to be brewed with water. Water is the best way to extract the flavor from coffee grounds. Although brewing with milk seems like it’d be mouthwatering, it won’t taste as good as you may imagine.
Burnt Milk
Milk and heat don’t always do well together. Too much heat can burn the milk and ruin the flavor of the coffee.
Weaker Coffee
Most of us need the caffeine fix to get us through the day. Brewing your cup of coffee with milk will weaken the coffee. If you’re looking for an energy boost midday, you might want to avoid this switch.
Bacteria Buildup
Milk spoils quickly and can create bacteria. If you don’t clean your coffee maker properly after placing milk in the maker, you risk bacteria building up in your machine.
Bacteria of milk residue can also survive regardless of extreme cleaning, and your coffee maker becomes a bacteria-infected machine.
Cleaning Hassle
To prevent the possibility of bacteria buildup and infections milk may cause, you must thoroughly clean the maker.
For a thorough clean, it is best to remove each piece of the maker and individually clean out any milk residue. Constant and careful cleaning can become a hassle.
Can Damage the Coffee Maker
The clogging buildup can cause, and constantly removing parts for cleaning can cause damage beyond repair.
If you put milk in the coffee maker too often, you may need to purchase a new one.
Other Alternatives
You don’t have to risk damaging your coffee maker or consuming bacteria. If you want to change your daily cup of coffee, there are other ways to get creative with your favorite hot beverage.
Froth Milk
You can use a milk frother, jar, whisk, or hand blender to froth the milk. The process is quick and straightforward.
Heat your milk, froth it, and pour the mixture into your hot brew of coffee.
Try a Different Milk
Many milk alternatives come in a variety of flavors and textures. Oat milk has a distinctive flavor that is thick and filling.
Other alternative milk, such as almond and soy, has a vanilla flavor that pairs well with coffee.
There is something for everyone’s taste buds at the dairy and nondairy department.
Use Cold Milk or Creamer
Milk is typically heated before combining with a brew to keep our coffee warm. Instead of warming milk, pour cold milk directly into hot coffee to create a creamier texture.
Creamers come in a wide variety of flavors. You can enjoy caramel macchiato, french vanilla, hazelnut, and many more flavors creamers offer while remaining in the comfort of your home.
Creamers provide a flavorful, thicker consistency.
A minor change can quickly transform your traditional cup of coffee into a fancy, coffee shop-like java.
Wrapping Up
Drinking the same cup of joe to keep us going two or even three times a day can feel tedious. If you find yourself tempted to pour a cup of milk into the maker rather than water, consider the tips for the best ways to do so.
Make sure your milk is fresh. Keep in mind the type and amount of milk you use. Check out the manual or contact the manufacturer to be sure your coffee maker can handle the swap.
The cons of swapping water for milk may or may not be worth it for you. You can always try a more straightforward alternative – froth or switch your milk.