Italian baristas appreciate this jug for two reasons. First and foremost, the shape of the rounded spout is an advantage, as it allows a well-dosed, drip-free pouring over the entire surface - so that the foamed milk can easily be poured over the side into the cup to create a small work of art. At the same time, the design of the base of the jug and the proper wall thickness ensure that the temperature can be controlled when heating and frothing the milk with the steam lance of the bar machine. This second factor is just as important for the result, as the liquid cannot be built up into a regular froth if it is heated too quickly.

Our milk jug comes from Ilsa in Collegno, Piedmont. Originally founded as an aluminum processing company - ILSA is an acronym for Industria Laminazione Stampaggio Alluminio - the company has been producing utensils for coffee preparation and other kitchen accessories for over 70 years. The most famous appliance in the company's range is the classic Caffettiera alla Napoletana, a coffee maker for the stovetop in which the upper and lower parts swap roles during preparation. Stainless steel was first used in the 1950s and the milk jug was created to celebrate Ilsa's 60th anniversary in 2006.