Ultimate Guide The Top 6 Milk Frothers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed by Beauty and Fashion Expert
Top 6 Milk Frothers of 2023 Tested, Reviewed, and Perfect for Your Coffee Delights
Frothy and Foamy: Find Your Perfect Milk Frother
Whichever milk you choose, you can become a home barista with one of the best milk frothers we tested. Owen Burke/Insider
Are you ready to become the Da Vinci of latte art or simply elevate your coffee game? Well, look no further because we’ve got a treat for you. Milk steamers, frothers, and pitchers are the ultimate tools for creating café-style drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and hot chocolate. And boy, have we got some frothers that will whip up fluffy and foamy goodness!
After consulting with the coffee and espresso experts from Coffee Project New York and Home-Barista.com, we put nine standalone milk frothers to the ultimate test against the steam wand on the best espresso machine – the mighty Gaggia Classic Pro. The results? We found the crème de la crème of milk frothers.
Our Top Picks for Milk Frothers
Best Handheld: Powerlix Milk Pro
– Settings: On/off – Power: 19,000 rpm – Warranty: Lifetime limited
Pros: Compact, capable of approaching close to cafe-quality foamed milk
Cons: Doesn’t heat milk, not as consistent or predictable as a steam wand or a frothing machine
Most people don’t want a milk frother the size of a coffee grinder hogging precious countertop space, right? Well, we’ve got the perfect solution for you! The Powerlix Milk Pro is sleek, slim, and designed to fit snugly inside your drawer, ready to rock your morning coffee routine.
In our tests, the Powerlix Pro worked its magic in under one minute, frothing four ounces of whole milk, almond milk, and oat milk to perfection. Its powerful motor and whisking mechanism create rich and velvety froth effortlessly. And if you like your frothed milk warm, just pop it in the microwave for an extra 30 seconds!
Now, here’s the fun part. The Powerlix Pro boasts running at a whopping 19,000 rpm, which makes it sound like a turbocharged rocket. While it might not be as fast as zooming through space, it does provide a smooth and delightful frothing experience that’ll make your mornings even brighter.
One thing to note: with handheld frothers, including the Powerlix, you’ll need to preheat your milk or milk alternative. Oh, and some users might find the on/off button a bit cheeky to press. But hey, these minor quirks don’t overshadow the fact that the Powerlix Pro is a practical and convenient milk frother that delivers rich, foamy goodness in no time. Plus, it comes with an adorable stainless steel stand! It’s a compact and efficient choice for any coffee lover out there.
Best Automatic: Nespresso Aeroccino 4
– Settings: Cold macchiato, hot milk, cappuccino, latte macchiato – Power: 450 watts – Warranty: One-year limited
Pros: Small footprint, presets for different types of foamed and steamed milk
Cons: Not dishwasher-safe, no temperature control (though unless you’re very picky, you won’t need it)
If you’re looking for a milk frother that takes care of business with minimal effort on your part, look no further than the Nespresso Aeroccino 4. This little beauty is perfect for those who want to add milk (or a milk alternative), press a button, and wait for that satisfying beep signaling your heavenly frothed milk is ready to go.
Wait, it gets even better! If you’re already using one of the best Nespresso machines or considering adding a frothing attachment to your coffee arsenal, the Aeroccino 4 should be your top choice. It’s not only more powerful than its counterparts, but it’s also a breeze to use and clean.
The intuitive design of the Aeroccino 4 makes it a dream to operate. With presets for cold macchiatos, hot milk, cappuccinos, and latte macchiatos, it has all your frothing desires covered. You’ll be sipping on café-quality drinks in no time!
Now, we won’t lie to you. There are more advanced and more powerful frothers out there. And if you’re one of those folks who love to dial in your frother to precise temperature settings, we’ve got more options for you. But for the coffee connoisseurs who want a frother that’s easy to use, delivers outstanding results, and takes up minimal space on the kitchen counter, the Nespresso Aeroccino 4 is your match made in frothy heaven.
Best Splurge: Breville Milk Cafe
– Settings: Precision temperature dial – Power: 1,800 watts – Warranty: One-year limited
Pros: Dishwasher-safe basin, large capacity, precision temperature dial
Cons: Large footprint, no recommended settings on dial (just temperature in degrees Fahrenheit)
Are you ready to take your milk frothing game to the next level? Enter the Breville Milk Cafe, the crème de la crème of milk frothers. This bad boy is for the serious milk frothing enthusiasts out there who want the ultimate frother with advanced features. Brace yourself for milk frothing perfection!
Yes, the Breville Milk Cafe comes with a steeper price tag than other options, but it’s worth every penny. With the ability to whip up four beverages worth of foam in a jiffy, it’s perfect for big households or gatherings where everyone wants a slice of that frothy goodness.
Tied with the Aeroccino 4 for the most consistent foam during our testing, the Breville Milk Cafe is four times as powerful. It’s practically flawless once you learn your preferred settings (you might even consider marking them on the dial). And boy, does it make milk frothing a breeze! You’ll be the envy of your coffee-loving friends with your barista-level frothing skills.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the Breville Milk Cafe ain’t small. It demands a fair amount of space on your countertop. But hey, who needs that extra space when you can unleash your milk frothing superpowers? If you’re passionate about steaming and frothing milk (but crave the convenience of an automatic machine), have a large household with serious frothing needs, or simply want a frother that’s dishwasher-safe, the Breville Milk Cafe is the crème de la crème of milk frothers.
Best Pitcher: De’Longhi Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher
– Number of settings: N/A – Power: N/A – Warranty: Full manufacturer warranty
Pros: Pronounced spout, rounded bottom for easy steaming, oxidation-resistant Inox 18/10 stainless steel, dishwasher-safe
Cons: Some might not appreciate the large logo
When it comes to the best milk frother, a trusty and efficient milk-frothing pitcher is an absolute essential for any self-respecting barista. And out of all the options available, the De’Longhi milk-frothing pitcher is a star amongst its peers.
At 12 ounces, this pitcher is perfect for those single-serve moments or even accommodating a cozy duo. Its compact size won’t take up much cabinet space, but don’t be fooled by its size – this little powerhouse packs a punch when it comes to creating that perfect froth.
The rounded bottom of the De’Longhi pitcher is a game-changer. It helps you effortlessly achieve that wonderful whirlwind of frothy goodness once you steam your milk. Trust us, it makes all the difference in the frothing world. Plus, its pronounced spout gives you ultimate control when it’s time to pour and create stunning latte art.
Now, let’s talk about that sleek stainless steel construction. Not only does it handle high heat like a pro, but it’s also dishwasher-safe for maximum convenience. And here’s the icing on the cake – DeLonghi’s Inox 18/10 steel is highly oxidation-resistant, meaning it’s less likely to stain and lose its shine.
So, if you’re serious about your milk frothing adventures and desire the ultimate control and finesse in creating café-quality drinks, the De’Longhi Stainless Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher is a must-have companion in your journey to frothy bliss.
Best Manual: Bodum Latteo
– Number of settings: N/A – Power: N/A – Warranty: One-year limited
Pros: Microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, no electricity or batteries required
Cons: Glass is breakable, not the best heat retention
Are you a fan of simplicity and hands-on brewing experiences? The Bodum Latteo manual milk frother is the perfect match for you. Built with the same high-quality standards as Bodum’s renowned French presses, this frother is an elegant and affordable option for the coffee lovers who prefer a more hands-on approach.
Now, let’s be real, manual milk frothers require a little bit of elbow grease. You’ll need to give that milk a good ol’ plunge about 60-90 times within 30 seconds. But don’t fret – the reward is worth it! Once you’re done frothing, you can pop the carafe with the foam into the microwave for 30 to 50 seconds (as per the brand’s recommendation) to achieve the desired temperature.
The Bodum Latteo’s glass construction adds a touch of elegance to your brewing routine. It can withstand high heat and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. However, if you’re a bit clumsy or prefer maximum durability, HIC makes a fantastic stainless steel frother for you. Just keep in mind that the stainless steel model isn’t microwave-safe.
Whether you choose the sleek glass beauty or the sturdy stainless steel option, the Bodum Latteo guarantees frothed milk perfection. It may require a little extra effort, but the creamy, velvety froth will make every plunge worth it.
Best Stovetop: Bellman Stovetop Espresso Maker with Pressure Gauge
– Settings: Milk steamer/foamer, espresso – Power (where applicable): N/A – Warranty: One-year limited
Pros: Cafe-quality steamed and frothed milk, compact for what it does, sturdy, high-quality stainless steel components built to last
Cons: Potentially dangerous if misused, can’t churn out a large number of beverages at once
We know some of you crave that authentic café experience, and we’ve got just the thing for you. The Bellman Stovetop Steamer and Espresso Maker is a beast when it comes to producing frothed and steamed milk that rivals the high-end espresso machines found in your favorite coffee shops.
Equipped with a cafe-style two-hole steam wand, the Bellman Stovetop Steamer can effortlessly steam up to six ounces of milk. Picture yourself as a professional barista, skillfully creating latte art like a boss. Trust us, it’ll become the ultimate showstopper in your kitchen!
Now, we won’t sugarcoat it – using a steam wand requires a bit of a learning curve. In the beginning, you might encounter a few mishaps with burnt and splattered milk. But fear not, once you master the technique, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear with pride.
Here’s the best part – the Bellman Stovetop Steamer works like a charm on any stovetop at medium to medium-high heat. Oh, and in case you’re wondering, it can even handle a small campfire (though the brand might not endorse that particular use). But let’s focus on using it in the comforts of your kitchen, shall we?
Apart from producing cafe-quality steamed and frothed milk, this baby is built to last. Its sturdy stainless steel components ensure your frothing adventures stand the test of time. There are no weak links or design flaws in sight!
Looking for the ultimate bundle deal? Bellman has got you covered. Their package includes a manometer (pressure gauge) and a milk-frothing pitcher. Trust us, you won’t need anything else to fulfill your coffee dreams. And if you’re not ready to splurge that much, they also offer a simpler stovetop steamer without the espresso maker attachment. So, it’s time to embrace your inner barista and unleash your frothing potential with the Bellman Stovetop Steamer.
What to Look for in a Milk Frother
We understand that finding the perfect milk frother is a journey. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the important factors to consider:
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Ease of use and cleaning: Let’s face it, dealing with crusty milk isn’t anyone’s favorite task. That’s why we took into account the number of parts, preset settings, and ease of cleaning. Handheld frothers are a breeze to clean, while some countertop frothers might require a little more effort.
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Size and storage: Milk frothers tend to be unitaskers that aren’t used on a daily basis. While the larger models impressed us with their performance, we found that handheld and simple options delivered exceptional results too. Take into account your storage space and cleaning preferences when choosing the perfect frother.
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Timing: Frothing and timing go hand in hand. We meticulously timed each device and didn’t find significant variations in speed. However, manual frothers take a bit longer since you’ll need to preheat the milk in the microwave beforehand.
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Taste: The taste was consistent across all products, except for a few unfortunate incidents when we burned the milk (oops!). Some milk alternatives, like soy and coconut milk, are trickier to froth and might taste burnt if heated for too long.
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Warranty: When it comes to warranties, longevity is key. Two of our top handheld picks come with lifetime warranties, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment.
Types of Milk Frothers
Not sure which type of milk frother suits your needs? Let us break it down for you:
Manual: Affordable and easy to use, manual milk frothers operate similarly to French-press coffee makers. With repeated plunging, you’ll achieve frothing magic – though it requires a little physical effort.
Handheld Electric: Small, portable, and usually battery-powered, handheld electric frothers are equipped with vibrating coils that whip up milk to frothy perfection.
Automatic: Want the full package? Automatic milk frothers feature a basin that heats, froths, and often steams milk with preset settings. They tend to have higher price tags but offer unparalleled user-friendliness.
Steam Wand: Traditionally attached to espresso machines, stovetop steam wands can also be purchased separately. They create a more authentic barista experience, but they might require a bit more skill to operate.
How We Tested Each Milk Frother
Owen Burke/Insider
We take our coffee-related responsibilities very seriously. Our expert team has been immersed in the world of espresso and cappuccino for years, and we’ve spent countless hours testing and recommending coffee equipment. So, you can trust us when we say we know our stuff!
To evaluate each milk frother, we tested eight frothers against the steam wand of the Gaggia Classic Pro – our top-choice entry-level espresso machine. We frothed four ounces of various types of milk and milk alternatives, including whole milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and almond milk. And you know what? Oat and almond milk surprisingly performed exceptionally well, while soy and coconut milk proved to be the trickiest to froth.
FAQs for Milk Frothers
Q: Is it worth buying a milk frother? A: Absolutely! Even if you’re just an occasional cappuccino enthusiast, a handheld frother is a great investment that won’t break the bank. But if you’re serious about upgrading your home coffee routine, larger and higher-end options are available to fulfill your frothing dreams.
Q: Can you froth cold milk? A: Certainly! Depending on the type of frother you have, most manual and small handheld models will froth cold milk. However, many automatic models don’t have a specific setting for cold frothing.
Q: Can you froth almond milk? A: Yes, you can froth most types of milk and milk alternatives. While whole milk offers the best results, oat milk, skim milk, almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk can all produce reasonable frothiness.
Q: What drinks can I make with a milk frother? A: Oh, the possibilities are endless! With a milk frother, you can unleash your creativity and concoct a wide range of coffee-based delights. Try your hand at classic drinks like cafe au lait, cappuccino, cortado, flat white, latte, macchiato, and mocha. The world is your oyster, and your frother is the passport to a world of frothy adventures.
So, are you ready to become the ultimate milk frothing connoisseur? Grab your favorite frother from our handpicked selection and embark on a journey of foamy and frothy bliss. Remember, the perfect cup of coffee begins with the perfect froth!
