The milk foams but never becomes microfoam
The milk produces plenty of foam, but it is airy and bubbly and never turns glossy, however carefully it is steamed.
Applies to: Espresso machine, Flat white, Latte
Likely causes and adjustments
Try one adjustment at a time so you know what actually changed the result. Start with the first cause below — if it doesn't help, reveal the next.
Cause 1 of 4 · Commonly the cause
A pannarello or assisted wand
Is there a plastic collar around the metal wand, with a small hole in the side?
The sleeve introduces air automatically through a side hole, so you cannot control how much goes in or when it stops — which is what microfoam requires. On most machines the sleeve pulls off, exposing a conventional tip underneath; check the manual first, because on some it is part of the steam path.