How to boil milk without a pot?

Question

How to boil milk for a cup of coffee without a pot?

Kettle sounds reasonable, but it's difficult to clean it after use.

A microwave is best. If you use a kettle or a little immersion coil you will never get the milk off it. — RedSonja, Feb 02 '15 at 14:56
Yes, microwave could be an option if it won't explode. Last time when I've tried, I've broke my favorite mug. — kenorb, Feb 02 '15 at 18:15
Interesting, I've never heard of people making coffee with milk. Is it better than using water then adding cream? — Minnow, Feb 03 '15 at 02:13
@Minnow In the UK, at least, almost everyone who has a white coffee will use milk. — Duncan Jones, Feb 03 '15 at 08:03
@Minnow In local cafes they never use water (e.g. Starbucks, Nero, Eat), but only hot milk. — kenorb, Feb 03 '15 at 17:30
I done learned something today. Guess what I'm going to try tomorrow! — Minnow, Feb 04 '15 at 02:06
@Duncan: nope, not true - I'm in the UK and most of the coffee I drink, apart from cappucinno is what's called Americano - black with a dash of milk or cream. A common choice in order to avoid all that unhealthy milk... — Bamboo, Feb 04 '15 at 16:35
@Bamboo Sorry, I meant milk rather than cream but in an americano. I didn't realise we were discussing lattes. — Duncan Jones, Feb 04 '15 at 17:30
@Duncan - ah, seems I mistook your comment - given the original question was about boiling milk for coffee, I assumed you meant we all drank all milk coffee in the UK. On rereading your comment, that's not what you're really saying. — Bamboo, Feb 05 '15 at 16:56

score 8 · Accepted Answer · answered Feb 02 '15 at 18:39

Microwave is your best bet. If it exploded last time, it might have been the container. First, get a new container and test that it's microwave safe. Add your milk and a few coffee grounds to create a non-uniform volume so it won't get superheated. Nuke until boiling.

If you don't want to go the microwave route, I can think of an alternative but it takes a while and won't technically boil the milk but it will get it pretty close. Put your milk in a container and place that inside a larger container (like a cup inside a big measuring bowl). Boil water through your favorite means and pour it into the large container. Stir a bit and wait for the heat transfer. Repeat with fresh boiling water until the milk is hot enough. I use this to heat frozen breast milk - not to boiling, of course - and it works but it's tedious. Microwave is still the way to go for a daily routine.

I microwave mine all the time. I also take a balloon whisk, put it in the milk and roll the whisk between my hands, frothing the milk up really well. — Jason D., Feb 03 '15 at 01:26

score 3 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 24 '15 at 10:19

My favourite method, in absence of microwave, is to place your mug directly onto electric oven stove.

For example to make a coffee, add instant coffee and pour into your mug boiled water (e.g. kettle) to warm your mug (1/3, 2/3 or optional), pour the milk (other rest), place the mug on the stove and set the heat to minimum power (otherwise your mug could break of heat) and relax. It's a bit slower method, but having your whole mug hot, your coffee stay warm for longer. See example:

Or if you don't have electric oven, buy a alcohol stove (such as Zelph Starlyte Stove).

Or create your own. Here are the instructions:

Super Cat Alcohol Stove

Find or buy some small cheap food in aluminium can, e.g. cat food.
Empty the container (by giving to your neighbour's cat if you don't have) and make some small holes as below.
Add some fuel or alcohol (e.g. spiritus) and set on fire (on some safe ground).

Source: Super Cat Alcohol Stove at Frontage Roads

How to boil milk without a pot?

3 Answers3