The Best Milk Frothers

Buying Guide for Milk Frothers

Why buy a milk frother?

A milk frother is a handy kitchen gadget used to create frothy milk for coffee drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos. They’re a quick and efficient way to add fun and flavor to your favorite beverages. Whether making specialty coffees, hot chocolate, milkshakes, or a protein shake, a milk frother adds something special. They give the milk in your drinks a creamy, frothy texture that complements the flavor, especially in coffee. While milk can be frothed by hand, this process can be time-consuming and difficult. With a milk frother, you can achieve the same results quickly and more efficiently. And buying a milk frother can save you money in the long run, as you can make coffee shop-style drinks at home.

What should you look for in a milk frother?

• Type: Electric frothers are super convenient but need a power source to function. Some require you to pour the milk inside to use. These models can handle larger quantities and take work out of the process, but they also take up more room on the counter. Other electric models are handheld and similar to mini spinning whisks that you insert into a mug full of milk. These types of electric frothers are easy to use and store. Well-designed manual frothers are similar to french press coffee makers with how you use them and can make a lot of foam with little effort.
• Type of Milk: There is a wider variety of milk than ever, not just cow or other dairy-based milk. Almond, oat, soy, and other plant-based milk are popular substitutes for dairy milk in many drinks. Most frothers work with all kinds of milk, but be sure to check to ensure it’s compatible with your preferred type of milk, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
• Temperature Preference: If you want precision in texture, a manual frother might be your best option. If you want accuracy in temperature, some electric models will heat your milk as they foam it. If you don’t care much about these factors and want froth quickly, you should feel good about an automatic handheld model.

Can you heat milk with a milk frother?

Electric steam wand frothers generally have a heating element that heats the milk as it gets frothed. They also typically feature a spout that dispenses the frothed milk directly into your cup. It’s worth noting that some electric milk frothers can heat milk but do not have a steam wand. Instead, they work by heating the milk with a small internal heating element, similar to how an automatic frother works.

Handheld frothers and manual pump frothers don’t have any heating element and rely on external heat sources, such as a microwave or stove, to heat the milk before frothing. If you want warm or hot milk, you will need to heat the milk separately before using these types of frothers.

Our Picks for the Best Milk Frothers

Pros: Save yourself a trip to the coffee shop with the Zulay Original Milk Frother Handheld Foam Maker. It’s a battery-powered cordless mini whisk that lets you froth your milk directly in the mug. It works with hot or cold beverages. Press the button at the top, and your milk will be ready in seconds. It’s also great for mixing powder perfectly into drinks. To clean, turn it on under running water. It comes in 32 colors.

Cons: Some people found it annoying that you had to hold down the power button rather than switch it on and off. This wasn’t always the most convenient option for them.

Bottom Line: This is an easy-to-use and affordable option for a milk frother. It’s sturdy enough to use daily but won’t break the bank. It comes in various colors, so you can choose your favorite.

 

Pros: The Bean Envy Milk Frother for Coffee is a lightweight battery-operated mini milk frother. It’s great for making special drinks on the go at a price that’s easy on your budget. The stainless-steel shaft and whisk quickly turn milk into frothy foam in seconds. To clean it, rinse it underwater. Plus, there’s an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to hold.

Cons: The only common complaint about this frother is that it may not last long. While you probably shouldn’t expect that type of longevity out of a frother at this price point, it’s something to keep in mind.

Bottom Line: This frother packs a punch for the price and size. You can quickly give almost any drink a frothy topping with this milk frother. While you may have to replace it eventually, that’s not much of an issue since it’s affordable.

 

Pros: If you enjoy a good hot drink and don’t have a large budget to work with, then this milk frother is an essential tool for your kitchen. It’s a handheld, automatic model with a unique blending power that can create perfect froth in just a few seconds, giving you a creamy and delicious texture for your favorite hot drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or hot chocolate. This frother is also notable for its compact size and portability, making it easy to take wherever you go. It’s also quite versatile, especially for its size, and can be used for other tasks, such as blending eggs or making matcha lattes.

Cons: Some have reported that the frother stopped working after only a few uses or a few months, which is disappointing. Others have said that it burns through batteries quickly, which could become expensive (and less eco-friendly).

Bottom Line: You don’t have to fork over a ton of cash to enjoy a frothy beverage in the comfort of your home. This is a reasonably priced, handheld, automatic milk frother worth considering for anyone who enjoys a perfectly frothed beverage and is on a stricter budget.

 

Pros: This high-end and easy-to-use milk frother can heat or cool off milk for whatever beverage you make. Just hit a button and choose what kind of foam you want for your drink. This milk frother is easy to clean; gently scrub it and rinse it off. It makes plenty of foam to enjoy a specialty coffee with a group or an extra frothy protein shake. As a bonus, this milk frother can heat the milk without frothing it, so it’s essentially a two-in-one device.

Cons: Some users had some issues with the longevity of this frother. It didn’t last as long as they had hoped, especially considering its higher price tag.

Bottom Line: This is an easy-to-use home solution for making your favorite coffee. Just hit the button, then pour out the foam for a delicious drink, whether you want something hot or cold.

 

Pros: This product is worth considering if you’re a coffee lover and want to enjoy barista-quality drinks at home. With its ability to create foamy, voluminous froth and its versatility in frothing hot and cold milk, you can make various specialty drinks. It’s important to note that the quality of your brew depends on factors such as grind size and tamping, but with some experimentation and practice, you can achieve great results. The product is also designed for convenience, as it can be easily microwaved and is dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning. Its cylindrical shape and compact size make it a great addition to any kitchen setup, whether you have a dedicated coffee bar or not.

Cons: The main downside of this product is that some customers have had difficulty cleaning it, particularly the coffee line that develops inside the carafe. Additionally, some customers have reported that the carafe is smaller than the original and therefore holds less coffee, which may be inconvenient for those who want to brew larger quantities.

Bottom Line: Manual frothers are an excellent option for those who want control over their froth without using electrical power or batteries to create their milk froth. This option is worth considering if you are looking for a quality frother that is easy to use but still manually operated.

Final Thoughts

Be your own barista with a milk frother that allows you to make great coffee drinks. Plenty of options are available, so check out these picks and get the perfect fit for your kitchen.