The professional matt black teflon coated Europa by Metallurgica Motta milk jug just oozed unique style when I first layed eyes on it in 2015. It offered the promise of silkier and creamier steamed milk for my flat whites and cappuccinos, so of course, I put aside the premium cost of about 3x the entry level and grabbed one.
12 months later, I'm here to report how it has stood the test of time and offer a long term review.
12 months later, I'm here to report how it has stood the test of time and offer a long term review.
Motta 350ml milk jug in use at home.
The unique bell design of the jug offers a nicer flow for the milk swirling inside the jug and the wide and elongated spout gives a nice feel to the pour - I'm certain in the hands of a pro around Latte Art they could do much better than I ever could!
I'd be lying to myself if I expected the matt black surface to keep that finish forever - I've seen too many matt finishes in various products (not limited to coffee) that just don't hold up well. They do give a unique tactile feel, which manages to make it feel warm and soft to touch - much like a luxury European car interior when compared to a budget Korean car's plastic interior, but as you can see, the finish isn't forever.
I'd be lying to myself if I expected the matt black surface to keep that finish forever - I've seen too many matt finishes in various products (not limited to coffee) that just don't hold up well. They do give a unique tactile feel, which manages to make it feel warm and soft to touch - much like a luxury European car interior when compared to a budget Korean car's plastic interior, but as you can see, the finish isn't forever.
Motta 350ml milk jug showing some wear to the matt black finish (serial number digitally removed)
The handle suffered the same issue, flaking paint finish around all of the touch points. The manufacturer does claim they are dishwasher safe, but then continues to say they should be kept aware from brushes and harsh chemicals. For home use, convenience wins, and this guy found itself in the dishwasher most days.
Motta 350ml milk jug showing wear to the matt black coating on the handle
The body is made from 18/10 stainless steel, which from my understanding is a grading, but I can say they are much heavier and thicker than a standard milk jug you have used in the past. The weight of the walls actually work opposoite to what I originally expected; it will slow down the heating of the milk, giving you more time to create the perfect microfoam, compared to a jug with thinner walls which will heat up faster and take the milk with it.
Motta 350ml milk jug showing no wear to the teflon coating inside
They say beauty is only skin deep, and for this Italian beauty, its aged gracefully. the inside teflon coating is completely intact, and I have not been gentle considering I always use a thermometer with a metal probe. If this coating looked like it was breaking down, I would probably discontinue using it without thinking much more about it.
In summary, its been a great jug. I expected the coating to suffer from age, which does make it look less attractive than when I first brought her home to meet the parents, but I like it - it feels comfortable and has a bit of patina to it now.
In summary, its been a great jug. I expected the coating to suffer from age, which does make it look less attractive than when I first brought her home to meet the parents, but I like it - it feels comfortable and has a bit of patina to it now.
I replaced my Polished Stainless Steel Motta with a Matt Black finish milk jug originally
My first 'luxury' milk jug was also a Motta, but in polished stainless steel finish - its been the go-to milk jug in the coffee industry for over 40 years and the benefit with the polished version is it can be polished if you have the time or inclination to restore it to new, where with the matt black, you can't.
UPDATE August 2016: I didn't realise that the Italian company Metallurgica Motta s.r.l. who manufactures these jugs offers an exceptional 5 year warranty - now that is impressive!
UPDATE August 2016: I didn't realise that the Italian company Metallurgica Motta s.r.l. who manufactures these jugs offers an exceptional 5 year warranty - now that is impressive!
