Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a beverage, comprising: —a water reservoir (1); —a chamber (5) that is connected to said reservoir for delivering water; —means (17) for filling said chamber with water; —means (16) for emptying water from the chamber; —a compressed gas reservoir (2) with a three-way valve (4) for displacing said means so as to empty the chamber; and —a conduit (14) for conveying the water from the chamber to an extraction head.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine is provided that is arranged and configured to dispense infant formula or children's beverages from a liquid concentrate with a consistent temperature in a receiving receptacle. In one form, the beverage preparation machine operates to provide a beverage in a receiving receptacle consistently and reliably at or near a predetermined final temperature based on the beverage type, such as formula or children's beverage, and independent of environmental conditions.

Abstract: A device for brewing batches, such as, but not limited to, relatively small one or two cup batches, of coffee from water and liquid coffee concentrate, preferably shelf stable. The size of the device, preferably similar to an automatic drip coffee maker, allows the device to be conveniently utilized in the home, an office, a hotel suite, or hospitality area or the like. The device includes a metered volumetric mix valve assembly that, when activated, admits simultaneously or sequentially a finite volume of water and liquid concentrate to a mixing chamber or conduit where they are mixed and then dispensed to a container such as a carafe, cup, mug or the like. Mixing can take place in one or more of the mixing chamber or conduit and the container in which the water and concentrate are dispensed. In this manner, repeatable beverage solutions are obtained.

Abstract: A beverage brewing system is adapted to have a brewing configuration, in which, a brewing chamber has a brewing substance therein, a bottle initially has a fluid therein, a lid is located over a cup, the bottle is removably attached to the lid and located over the lid, the brewing chamber is located between the bottle and the cup, and a blow-out valve is located between the bottle and the brewing chamber so that the blow-out valve initially hinders a flow of the fluid from the bottle to the brewing chamber. The blow-out valve is adapted to be breached at a predetermined pressure when the fluid is heated to allow the fluid to pass through the brewing chamber into the cup to form a brewed fluid. The entire system is preferably disposable and microwavable. Preferably, the system has a compact storage configuration and a portable drinking configuration as well.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a dispensing machine and method for making a beverage. The dispensing machine of this invention has a delivery means which can deliver beverage precursor and beverage enhancing component with a single pump. The method results in a beverage, such as a tea-based beverage, that has superior quality, and the dispensing machine is quieter and more energy efficient than standard beverage dispensing machines.

Abstract: The apparatus for preparing a beverage with a foam layer suitable for consumption is provided with a mixing chamber, supply means for supplying a liquid, such as water or steam, to the mixing chamber and first dosing means for dosed supply of a concentrate to be mixed with the liquid, such as a coffee concentrate, to the mixing chamber for mixing the concentrate with the liquid in the mixing chamber while foam is formed for obtaining the foamed beverage suitable for consumption. The mixing chamber is designed as a whirl chamber while the supply means supply the liquid to the whirl chamber in such a manner that in the whirl chamber a whirl is formed of the supplied fluid. The supply means are provided with a second dosing device for dosed supply of the liquid to the whirl chamber and the apparatus is further provided with a control device for controlling the first and second dosing device for preparing a predetermined amount of beverage.

Abstract: The water heating flow detection system for a beverage maker includes a heater control logic circuit that controls heating in response to temperature and flow conditions in the beverage maker. A heater control logic circuit receives a temperature detection signal and a flow detection signal, and generates a water heater control signal for controlling operation of one or more water heaters. A flow detection device may be connected to the hot water outlet conduit or the cold water inlet conduit, and may include a magnetic flow detection device. A faucet lever position detection device may also be used to indicate flow through a faucet outlet valve.

Abstract: A beverage carafe including a main section having a first liquid dispensing system comprising a pouring spout, and a handle connected to the main section for tilting the main section. The beverage carafe can be tilted to pour liquid from the pouring spout. The carafe also includes a second liquid dispensing system extending through the handle from the main section. The second liquid dispensing system is adapted to be actuated to dispense liquid from the main section out of the handle.

Abstract: A foamed milk system for creating foamed milk from a source of milk, a source of air, and a source of steam. The system may include a milk inlet system for pressurizing the milk, an air inlet system for pressurizing the air, a mixing area to mix the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam, and an expansion area to expand the mixture of the pressurized milk, the pressurized air, and the steam.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a housing and a brewing assembly. Pushing a handle leftward moves projections along slides in a direction for rising a cylindrical member until being stopped. A funnel-shaped member with a coffee bag placed therein can be slid along the rails toward the housing until being stopped. Pushing the handle rightward moves the projections in an opposite direction for lowering the cylindrical member until being stopped. The coffee bag is pressed by a clamping member and the funnel-shaped member. The coffee maker will supply hot water to an inflow opening such that hot water may then fall through a recess, a mesh element, and a cavity to pass through the coffee bag and proceeds to form coffee extract. The coffee extract may pass an outflow opening and a filter prior to flowing out of the coffee maker.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a valve mechanism having a micro switch, an electromagnetic valve, a magnetic covering board activated by the electromagnetic valve for opening or closing a powder path, and a spring interconnecting the covering board and the electromagnetic valve. A motor-driven grinding mechanism includes two ring-shaped outer grinding members having teeth facing each other, and a spring biased inner grinding member including a hollow feed rod with a lead screw formed thereon. A powder fineness adjusting mechanism includes an adjustment lever. In a powder fineness adjustment for producing coarse coffee powder, pivoting the lever toward one direction will pivot an abutment member and move the same outward to push one grinding member for increasing a space between the grinding members filled with coffee beans to be ground. Pivoting the lever toward the other direction will produce fine coffee powder.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for brewing a brewing substance. The apparatus including a liquid conduit (18) for supplying a brewing liquid, a liquid permeable container (28) for retaining the brewing substance and allowing the brewed liquid to pass through, a spray member (20) for delivering the brewing liquid from the liquid conduit to a brewing substance and discharging the brewing liquid into the liquid permeable container, a liquid flow modifier (52) for varying the flow rate of liquid at the spray member, and a control member (44) operably connected to the liquid flow modifying member for causing the liquid flow modifying member to vary the liquid flow rate. The alteration of the discharge of the liquid from at least a first spray pattern to at least a second spray pattern facilitating mixing of the brewing liquid and brewing substance within the liquid permeable container.

Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a coffeemaker (116) receives a plurality of timer settings from a network and communicates the state of the coffeemaker (116) to another network device while keeping a real-time clock (1112) synchronized and correctly set by receiving period time synchronization messages.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electric kettle comprising a power supply base (1) including electrical connection means (3), and, a removable container (2) including a reservoir (4), a electrical heating element (5), matching electrical connection means (8) adapted to co-operate with the electrical connection means (3) of the base (1), and control means (9) adapted to interrupt electric power supply of the electrical heating element (5) and which comprise a switch mobile between an open position and a closed position. The invention is characterized in that the power supply base (1) comprises a manual control knob (11) mobile between a neutral position and an activating position, and the kettle comprises transmission means (12) adapted to shift the switch in closed position when the manual control knob (11) is placed in activating position.

Abstract: A method for preparing beverages, includes supplying water from a water source to a tapping point, supplying powder for beverages from a container to the tapping point, characterized in that the supplying of powder for beverages is performed without the influence of gravitational force. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A kettle is described having a pair of heating elements each connected to a cable with a plug at its end. The two plugs can be inserted into two separate sockets of a wall plug so that each heating element separately receives power from the sockets.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device or indicator device and a timer circuit. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within a beverage receptacle. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The timer circuit, automatically, after a certain period of time, may change the indicator device from the first or second state to a third state in which the indicator device does not provide a visual indication of the type of beverage within a beverage container.

Abstract: A method includes the steps of: providing an electric coffee brewing machine; providing a single-use, disposable brew basket, inserting the disposable brew basket into the electric coffee brewing machine; brewing a single cup of coffee with the electric coffee brewing machine; and discarding the disposable brew basket after the single cup of coffee has been brewed. The electric coffee brewing machine has a cold water reservoir, an electric heating element for heating the water, and a basket receiving recess. The disposable brew basket has a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending generally upwardly from the bottom wall to define a brewing reservoir for receiving heated water from the electric coffee brewing machine. The bottom wall of the basket has at least one port located in a central portion thereof to permit brewed coffee to flow from the disposable brew basket. The disposable brew basket is inserted into the basket receiving recess of the electric coffee brewing machine before brewing.

Abstract: An automatic tea maker comprises a cover body, a tube base, and a bottom base, wherein the cover body is covered on the tube base, which is eccentrically disposed on the bottom base. A partition is disposed on an interior of the tube base to partition an independent drainage area. A vent disposed on the partition communicates with the tube base. Each of water exits, provided with a stopping members, are disposed on a base surface of the tube base. A baffle extends from an internal periphery of the bottom base with push rods placed on the baffle protruding outward from the water exits. The push rods placed on the baffle extend corresponding to the stopping members of the water exits, is able to push the stopping members away from the water exits, when the tube base is slanted corresponding to the bottom base.

Abstract: Device and method for brewing coffee comprises a body connected to a container for allowing the formation of a dispersion of flavor-containing materials and liquid and the extraction of the flavor-containing materials to produce a liquid extraction, a porous filter connected to the body and having a first surface for contacting the dispersion, filtration openings for allowing the liquid extraction in the dispersion to pass through but blocking the flavor-containing materials and a second surface for receiving the liquid extraction, and a flow facilitator having a selective opening adapted to allow air to pass through but restrict the flavor-containing materials from passing through. The body and porous filter are adapted to allow the container to be tilted to generate a liquid head to act on the first surface of porous filter to drive the liquid extraction through the porous filter to produce a beverage.

Abstract: A combination water and coffee dispenser includes a hollow housing having an interior chamber. A water supply line extends from a domestic water source into the interior chamber for supplying fresh water to a cold water storage tank, a hot water storage tank and possibly to a raw water dispensing nozzle on the exterior of the housing. A liquid coffee concentrate storage container is received within the interior chamber and is in liquid communication with a pump. A discharge tube extends from the pump to a mixing chamber. Hot water is routed from the hot water storage tank to the mixing chamber wherein the hot water is mixed with liquid coffee concentrate to produce coffee having a predetermined concentration. The pump speed and thus the concentration of coffee produced in the mixing chamber is controlled by a potentiometer. The device is also equipped with a chilled compartment for storing refrigerated liquid coffee concentrate formulations.

Abstract: A dispensing unit for dispensing hot, dairy-based beverages has a self-contained refrigerated unit located above a venturi-type emulsification foaming head. The dispensing unit has particular applicability to the dispensation of foamy, hot milk for use in beverages such as cappuccino and nonfoamy, hot milk for use in beverages such as coffee latte, hot chocolate, and other hot dairy-based beverages. The refrigeration unit accommodates a “bag in box” cold milk storage container of the type widely used in food service establishments. The dispensing unit employs a pinch valve that avoids direct contact between the milk and the valve components. The refrigerated milk is stored above the level of the foamer head so that the flow of milk results partially from gravitational force on the milk, and is not totally dependent upon venturi suction created in the foamer head.

Abstract: A coffee maker includes a liquid container. A handle assembly includes a seat placed on the container. A pan is placed in the seat. A spring-biased discharge control assembly and a check valve are mounted to the pan. A lid assembly is fitted on top of the seat. An elongate actuation assembly is hingedly connected to a rear of the lid assembly and includes a push button located intermediate the rear and a forward actuation member. Pressing the push button will lower the actuation member to press down the discharge control assembly and will form a gap for permitting coffee to flow out of the container by tilting the coffee maker. Releasing the push button will expand the spring to lift the discharge control assembly for closing the gap.

Abstract: The tea brewing system comprises a blending system, brewing system, bag squeezing system and cooling system to produce liquid tea for bottling and distribution. The blending system comprises a system for heating and blending water, sweetener and other flavorings in appropriate proportions. The brewing system comprises brewing and filtering mechanisms coupled with the blending system to brew liquid tea concentrate. A bag squeezing system provides apparatus and method for introducing tea bags into a brew tank and for squeezing tea from the bags into water for producing liquid tea concentrate.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a two chamber disposable cartridge that has fresh water in one chamber and brew ingredients in the other chamber. The cartridge fits into a cavity formed in a housing that includes a water heating system and expansion chamber. The water heating system is energized when the disposable cartage is nested in the housing. The system produces a pre-measured volume of a brewed beverage or hot liquid automatically.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a mixing chamber for mixing hot water, a beverage concentrate and cold water, as well as one or more additives. The hot water and cold water are supplied at a predetermined flow rate at a predetermined proportion, regardless of the pressure of the water supply. A water heater supplies the hot water within a specified pressure range and without significant entrapped air.

Abstract: The machine includes a first hydraulic circuit (2) with a tank for a liquid to be dispensed and a device for heating the liquid. The first hydraulic circuit (2) includes a removable tank (5) for containing the liquid to be dispensed and at least one delivery pipe (12), the first hydraulic circuit (2) being operative by command between an open configuration, in which the liquid is dispensed outside of the machine, and a closed position, in which liquid is circulated inside the machine. The device for heating the liquid includes a closed second hydraulic circuit (3) for a heating liquid and a heat exchanger (4) internally of which at least one tract of the delivery pipe (12) and at least one tract of the closed second hydraulic system (3) pass.

Abstract: An espresso machine steam docking unit which can be connected to a milk steaming pitcher (1). The steam unit includes a steam inlet (10), a steam outlet (7) which can be pressed, by means of an activation lever (19) that can be swung out of a rest position into an operating position, against a steam inlet opening (2) of a milk steaming pitcher (1), a valve (12) which is connected to the steam inlet (10) and the steam outlet (7) and which can be activated by the activation lever (19). In addition, a switching contact (21), which is activated by the activation lever (19) to activate a steam generator in the espresso machine when the activation lever is in operating position, is provided. In addition, a steam release line (18) is provided and is connected by means of the activation lever (19) through the valve (12) to the steam inlet (10) and the steam outlet (7).

Abstract: A coffee brewer (10, 10′ and 10′) is provided with a plurality of solenoid controlled, bi-position dispense valves (40, 40′), a size adjustable valve (60) or a combination of both and a programmable controller (18) for controlling the dispense valves in accordance with preselected brew parameters of batch quantity and dispense time duration (FIG. 8).

Abstract: An automatic tea maker device with buoyancy structure including a teacup, a percolator cup, and a cap, wherein two tube members are configured within a receptacle of the percolator cup, and lower portions of the two tube members are interconnected with a passage there between. A float is configured within one of the tube members to actuate a limit flow rod penetrated within a through hole. A plug end of the limit flow rod seals a tea outlet of a filter seat. A pull rod having a plunger head is disposed within the other tube member. Tea within the percolator cup slowly seeps into one of the tube members through an interstice between the limit flow rod and the through hole, thereby causing the float to float upwards, thus opening the tea outlet allowing the ready steeped tea to flow into the teacup, thereby achieving objective of time setting.

Abstract: A brewing machine suitable to deliver beverage enhancing component to a beverage precursor is described. The brewing machine may be used to dispense a ready-to-drink tea beverage having superior aroma, flavor and color characteristics.

Abstract: A combination frothing pitcher and dial thermometer includes a cantilevered portion on the handle of the frothing pitcher. The cantilevered portion includes a projection having a substantially vertical bore for receipt of a dial thermometer. The dial thermometer has a stem which is received in the bore and a shaft of predetermined length such that a tip of the dial thermometer is precisely positioned both longitudinally and radially with respect to the bottom of the pitcher at a preferred location merely by inserting the thermometer into the handle.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for brewing a beverage. The apparatus has a brew funnel, a key and an elevation device so that only one brand of beverage can be brewed to thereby prevent harm and confusion to consumers.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrically heated jacket to maintain a hot beverage contained in a disposable hot-beverage container at optimum temperature for consumption. Electrical power for heating may be provided, in various embodiments, by household electric power, electric power from a motor vehicle electrical system, or batteries, which may be disposable or rechargeable. The invention also provides a method for keeping a hot beverage warm comprising providing freshly recharged batteries convenient to the point-of-sale of hot beverages.

Abstract: A coffeepot comprises a body, a handle assembly, a lid connecting assembly, a discharge control assembly, a check valve, a disc-shaped abutment assembly, a push member, and a disc-shaped lid. In a closed state of the check valve, press the push member to lower the discharge control assembly a distance with a spring of the discharge control assembly being compressed, a gap is formed between a base of the discharge control assembly and the lid connecting assembly, a coffee discharge passageway is formed from the gap to a spout through a passageway of the lid connecting assembly, and tilt the body will pour coffee out of the spout via the coffee discharge passageway. Further, in an open state of the check valve, releasing the push member will close the coffee discharge passageway.

Abstract: A hot beverage maker has a stand, fresh water chamber, a brewed beverage tank, and an actuator means for dispensing brewed beverages. The tank includes a filter basket, a reservoir portion, and an outlet port. The reservoir portion is adapted to hold a brewed liquid, and the outlet port is positioned in substantially the bottom of the reservoir portion. The dispenser actuator means is connected to the outlet port and is biased to a closed position, but may be moved to an open position by a vessel for holding a hot beverage. The dispenser actuator includes a plug that further includes a stem and a seal ring mounted on the stem. The bottom of the stem has a substantially inverted conical shape.

Abstract: An extraction bag with support includes a support member and a bag member which contains a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extracted or which is capable of containing a material to be extraction, and is obtained by using a sheet composite on which the support member is arranged and joined along the center line of a water-permeable filtering sheet member, by folding the sheet composite into two and by passing it through a bag-making machine (and, as required, though a filling machine). The head portions of the extraction bag with support are torn apart, the right and left ends are pushed down or up toward the inside to push open the head portions. At the same time, the leg portions continuous with the head portions are folded down to place the extraction bag with support on an extraction container.

Abstract: A coffee pot has a strainer (3) in the form of a bag which extends down into the pot (1). Ground coffee (6) is first poured into the pot (1), and then hot water (5) is filled into the pot, causing the coffee (6) to be stirred up and to be mixed with the water, so that the coffee extraction takes place in a gentle and effective manner. Over time, the ground coffee (6) quietly precipitates on the bottom of the pot. When the coffee is poured out of the pot, the coffee grounds (6) are retained in the pot by the strainer element (3).

Abstract: Device and method for making beverage from flavor-containing materials comprises a body connected to a container for allowing the formation of a dispersion of flavor-containing materials in liquid and the extraction of the flavor-containing materials to produce a beverage, a porous filter connected to the body and having a first surface for contacting the dispersion, filtration openings for allowing the beverage in the dispersion to pass through but blocking the flavor-containing materials and a second surface in communication with a beverage outlet from which the beverage may be poured or drunk, and a cling-on chamber on the body adapted to form a vacuum therein to suck to the interior surface of the container, thereby allowing the container to be tilted to generate a liquid head to drive the beverage out of the container through the filtration openings.

Abstract: The present invention is composed of a drink extraction portion, a drink container for storing drink extracted by the drink extraction portion, a heat retention chamber surrounding the drink container, a fan for supplying air to the heat retention chamber for air circulation, and a heater for heating air supplied to the heat retention chamber by the fan to make warm air, the warm air heating the drink container to keep drink therein warm.

Abstract: A coffee machine of the “espresso” type that includes a water tank, a pump, a heater unit and passages for feeding hot water and steam to a percolation nozzle. The machine includes an integrated steam delivery device having a steam inlet connected to a steam feed passage and a steam outlet. The steam delivery passages include a cylindrical body equipped with an aperture connected to the steam inlet and a cylindrical piece which can move within the body to open or close the steam circuit depending on its position in the body. A control member actuated by a control or trigger finger enables the steam outlet to be brought into contact with the aperture in the closure of a receptacle.

Abstract: A tea/coffee pot includes a pot body designed to be filled with a liquid, and a strainer body which is arranged therein and is pivotable by way of a handling device between a submerged position and an emerged position. The strainer body includes at least one compartment for receiving an additional substance, such as tea leaves, ground coffee. The handling device includes a pull element for pivoting the strainer body, and the pot body has a guiding device in which the pull element is displaceably guided along a predetermined path for pivoting the strainer body.

Abstract: A dual mode liquid concentrate beverage dispenser includes both a pour-over water inlet and a plumbed water line inlet, either of which may be used to provide water to a heating tank. The pour-over water inlet is used to add water to the dispenser when located remote from a plumbed water supply line. A dump valve selectively supplies heated water to a mixing chamber. A concentrate pump selectively moves concentrated liquid beverage from a source thereof to the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber dilutes the beverage concentrate with heated water to provide an individual serving of a desired hot beverage.

Abstract: A device for making hot filtered water comprising a filter unit for filtering water, a first chamber for receiving the filtered water, a tubular heater connected to the first chamber, a hot water temperature optimizer connected to the heater outlet for ensuring the temperature of the hot water to be optimized for drinking or steeping bags, a first dispensing station connected to the optimizer for dispensing hot water therein into a cup and a second dispensing station connected to the first chamber for dispensing cold water therein into a cup. The optimizer comprises an inlet connected to the heater, a second chamber, an outlet, and a vent that is opened into the first chamber in a first embodiment of the invention or connected to a brew station for making coffee in a second embodiment. Alternatively, the optimizer comprises a closable inlet connected to the heater and a bi-metal heat activating valve for controlling the size of the closable inlet.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system for measuring the volume of liquid in a container having a lid in which an ultrasonic signal is emitted and received by a sensor subsystem located on the underside of the lid of the ultrasonic system. The ultrasonic system can measure the exact amount of liquid or the level of the liquid held in the container by processing the roundtrip time the ultrasonic signals took to travel from the sensor subsystem to the surface of the liquid where the ultrasonic signals are reflected back to the ultrasonic sensor subsystem. A solid state, three-phase SCR/diode bridge converts a three-phase alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC) power source for heating the liquid in a boiler subsystem prior to its transport to the container. A second, triac controlled heater is powered by a single phase of the three phase power source, and is used to warm and maintain the liquid held within the container at a constant temperature.

Abstract: A food preparation system comprising a container having a prescribed quantity of foodstuff. The container includes an interior chamber expandable by the addition of a liquid. The food preparation system further comprises a vessel sized and configured to receive the container and a prescribed volume of liquid. A pump is in fluid communication with the liquid and the container. The pump is operative to transfer the liquid from the vessel into the container such that as the foodstuff is mixed with the liquid, the interior of the container will expand into the vessel.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a two chamber disposable cartridge that has fresh water in one chamber and brew ingredients in the other chamber. The cartridge fits into a cavity formed in a housing that includes a water heating system. The water heating system is energized when the disposable cartage is nested in the housing. The system produces a pre-measured volume of a brewed beverage or hot liquid automatically.

Abstract: Device for cooking food directly in a dish includes a generator for producing hot gaseous fluid, an applicator having a body for covering the dish, an inlet connected to generator for receiving hot gaseous fluid, a seal plate for sealing to the rim of dish to create a closed cooking chamber and a distributor for distributing hot gaseous fluid to food, and an arrangement for allowing the applicator to move upwards and downwards from and to the rim of dish during cooking process to modulate the cooking pressure for the food. Method of use comprises forming a closed cooking chamber between the applicator and dish, increasing the pressure therein to a predetermined pressure, maintaining the predetermined pressure for a period of time and superimposing numerous pressure pulses upon the predetermined pressure for more effective cooking.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device. The apparatus may also be comprised of a beverage pitcher onto which the display device can be placed. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of beverage which is within the beverage pitcher. The display device may be comprised of a sliding member for allowing or preventing a first or a second designation for a first or a second type of beverage to be displayed. The beverage pitcher in one embodiment is a coffee pot. The first type of beverage may be decaffeinated coffee and the second type of beverage may be caffeinated or regular coffee. In other embodiments, a coffee machine includes an indicator device which indicates whether coffee is decaffeinated or not.

Abstract: The steam generating device (1) is used to heat and/or froth liquids, especially milk. It includes an electrically driven pump (3) supplied with water from a water source (2), which pump delivers water in a controlled fashion to a continuous flow heater (6) heated by an electrically operated heating (22) by way of a conduit (13). The continuous flow heater (6) heats the water it receives in its steam pipe (18) to steam that is subsequently supplied to a steam tapping point, preferably a steam nozzle (7), where the steam exits under pressure. An intermediate tank (5) with an overflow chamber (53) which stores a defined quantity of water is provided in the conduit (13) between the pump (3) and the steam pipe (18).