Automatic apparatus for treating milk by means of steam comprises a
steam-generating source, a reservoir containing the milk to be treated, a
mixing chamber into which a flow of milk with a predetermined flow-rate
and at least one flow of steam with a predetermined flow-rate are brought
through respective ducts opening into the mixing chamber, the chamber
being provided with an opening for the delivery of the mixture produced,
as well as a peristaltic pump operating on the milk duct between the
reservoir and the chamber and driven by an electric motor with adjustable
speed. The flow-rate of the pump and consequently the ratio between the
flow of milk and the flow of steam can thus be varied so as to achieve
the desired temperature in the final product. The apparatus includes an
air source, a respective duct connecting the air source to the mixing
chamber in order to bring a predetermined air-flow thereto, and a milk
frothing chamber disposed downstream of the mixing chamber and in
communication therewith, and having an opening for the delivery of the
product which, in the case in question, is heated and frothed milk.