Best electric milk frother: Stainless-Steel Milk SteamerBest handheld milk frother: Zulay Original Milk Frother Best milk frother for coffee drinkers: Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk FrotherBest milk frother with a pump: Ninja Coffee Bar Easy Milk FrotherBest budget milk frother: Bosenkitchen Electric Milk Frother
How we selected the best milk frothers
I’m particular when it comes to lattes, so no below-average frother would make the cut. To select only the best milk frothers, I compared 50 products from over 20 brands to find the best value options to make your at-home brew taste as if it came from a cafe. Because we all prefer our specialty drinks served in different ways, you’ll find some options that offer cold foam, iced drinks, or matcha, while others are bare-bones for those who keep it simple. I also chose a variety of electric, hand-pumped, and motorized whisk frothers, depending on the amount of time you have in the a.m. to make your latte or cappuccino. This final selection represents a range of high-end picks with plenty of bells and whistles to the super-affordable motorized whisks that will get the job done.
What to consider when shopping for the best milk frother
Milk frothers come in three basic types: electric milk frothers, motorized whisk frothers, and hand-pump milk frothers. Each one has its own pros and cons. The kind that fits your lifestyle (example: several drinks a day) and drink preferences (cappuccinos or lattes?) will be the best milk frother for you. Electric milk frothers come in pitcher-like designs with a spout and handle, as well as single-piece designs the size of a food processor. Some electric models hold up to three or four cups of milk, while others are single-service, only holding eight ounces. Electric models come in a wide price range. Of all of the milk frother types, electric ones are the fastest and most efficient. Next, handheld milk frothers, sometimes called a milk-steamer wand or motorized-whisk frother, look like a hand mixer with a whisk attachment. They can be corded or cordless, with cordless models offering better portability. They typically work in warm or cold milk, but you’ll need a separate container for the milk. You insert the frother into the milk to do the frothing. These handheld frothers are affordable and easy to use and store, though they don’t make large quantities at once. Finally, hand-pump milk frothers take electricity and batteries out of the equation. The frother’s lid features a hand pump that connects to a plunger that moves through the milk to aerate it. This process can take three to ten minutes, which is much longer than either of the other frother types. However, these inexpensive models offer simple operation and portability.
When to pick an electric milk frother
Electric milk frothers have some distinct advantages over other milk frothers. They make quick work of large quantities of milk. Many, though not all, can heat the milk while they aerate it, providing the option of adding hot or cold milk to your drink. Some of these models can also make deliciously frothy hot chocolate, tea, or cold drinks. Electric frothers come in many designs. Some look like a tall coffee mug or a pitcher, while some are bigger and similar in size to a blender. Consider how much counter or cupboard space you have for one of the larger machines. Some only make about a cup of frothed milk, but others may make a quart or more and require the counter and storage space for that capacity.
Speed and portability—When to choose a handheld milk frother
If you’re not the type of person who makes their own drink every day, an electric milk frother may be more of an investment than you’d like to make. Handheld milk frothers include electric whisk frothers and pump milk frothers. Handheld frothers make about eight ounces or one cup’s worth of frothed milk. They’re generally smaller than electric models, taking up less space on the counter or in the cupboard. These smaller models usually make enough frothed milk for a single drink. Electric whisks do that fairly quickly. If you opt for a hand pump style, you’re in for three to ten minutes of manual labor before the milk is ready. However, pump frothers can go on the road, creating delicious drinks without requiring electricity.
Milk steamer and frother—For those who don’t drink alone
The number and volume of drinks made each day should influence your milk-frother choice. Devoted home baristas may need more than a hand-pump or single-serving electric milk frother. A milk steamer and frother combo, which typically has a higher capacity than the average milk frother, makes three cups to over a quart of steamed milk. These high-end machines may offer adjustable temperature control, letting you create the perfect warm or cold concoctions. Models with a removable jug make it easy to pour into several mugs. They work well if you’re making drinks for several people or several drinks for yourself, because you’ll only have to froth one batch of milk. However, a combo machine also gobbles up counter and cupboard space. Expect them to be about the size of a food processor or blender.
Milk frothers that keep things simple and unplugged
Corded and cordless (battery-powered) frothers bring milk to a creamy, air consistency fairly quickly. But what if you’re camping, off-grid, or want to skip another electric device in the kitchen? When there’s a desire for simplicity, a pump milk frother should be on your shortlist. These designs feature a handle, plunger, and tight seal. As you depress the plunger, it presses a plate and whisks through the milk to aerate it. The milk takes anywhere from three to ten minutes to get the right consistency with a manual model. However, these frothers work with warm or cold milk and various other drinks. They’re an excellent addition to a camp kitchen or for the home kitchen where frothy drinks are an occasional indulgence.
What is the point of frothing milk?
We’ve been discussing milk frothers, but many coffee makers (well, espresso machines) include a built-in frother to add the final touches to each drink. Froth develops the drink’s mouth-feel, a factor in the overall satisfaction of the coffee. The foam created by the process also creates tiny bubbles in the milk, some of which are too small to see. These bubbles alter the surface of the drink, potentially putting more contact between the taste buds and the mix of flavors.
What to expect from a frother that’s under $15
With the exception of larger electric models, most milk frothers are a relatively inexpensive investment. However, when budgets are tight, every dollar counts. Models under $15 will either be a handheld, battery-powered whisk frother or a pump milk frother. These models are often reliable and froth milk within a few minutes, though the hand-pump models may take up to ten minutes. All these machines will deliver a good froth, but expect their material quality and durability to be less than more expensive models. The casing and plunger materials may break or bend if they’re not used carefully. Expect single-serving frothers at this price, too.
Milk frothers: Reviews & Recommendations
Best electric milk frother: Stainless-Steel Milk Steamer
Why it made the cut: If you want the efficiency of a coffee shop latte without the price tag, this electric option makes quick work of steamed and frothed drinks. Specs:
Type: ElectricMaterial: Stainless steelCapacity: 8 ounces
Pros
Heats and frothsRuns quicklyAlso makes foam
Cons
More expensive than other options
The Stainless Steel Milk Steamer makes quick work of eight ounces of milk. In less than two minutes, it creates the perfectly frothed addition for coffee, tea, and other drinks. The heating function turns on or off for cold or hot drinks. This pick is crafted with stainless steel and a non-stick interior, making it easy to clean and durable for many lattes to come. The auto-off safety switch feature means you can simply press the button and walk away before returning to fully-frothed milk. Quiet operation rounds out the list of features for this simple, but effective machine.
Best handheld milk frother: Zulay Original Milk Frother
Why it made the cut: For those who want a streamlined and simple, yet incredibly efficient pick, this Zulay frother fits the bill. Specs:
Type: Motorized whisk Material: SteelMotor power: 12,500 RPM
Pros
Portable optionComes in many colorways Works with matcha, coffee, or protein powder
Cons
Batteries requires
The Zulay Original Milk Frother certainly is petite, but don’t let that deceive you about its power—with 12,500 RPM, it will transform milk into a frothy dream in no time. It runs on two AA batteries, making it a good option for travel or camping. This frother also comes with a stand for more convenient storage. It’s designed to froth the milk alone, or it can mix and froth coffee, protein powder into shakes, or delicious matcha lattes. Large quantities aren’t this model’s forte, but it can froth single drinks in a hurry. And if you love color, this frother offers more than 20 options to choose from.
Best milk frother for coffee drinkers: Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother
Why it made the cut: Breville is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to coffee, and this fast-heating, high-quality pick is no exception for the latte lover and coffee aficionado. Specs:
Type: Induction heatingMaterial: Stainless steelCapacity: 3 cups
Pros
Warms and froths milkAdjustable temperatureVariety of froth styles, latte or cappucino
Cons
Most expensive option
The Breville BMF600XL Milk Cafe Milk Frother uses induction heating for fast, even temperature changes. Induction heating provides the adjustable temperature control, which opens the door to cold or hot drink-making and mixing. This model makes three cups at a time and automatically turns itself off once it reaches the set temperature. Each machine comes with two frothing discs. The cappuccino disc makes a creamier, thicker froth, while the latte disc creates a froth that leans toward smooth and silky. When one disc is in use, the other attaches to a magnetic storage plate on the back of the base.
Best milk frother with a pump: Ninja Coffee Bar Easy Milk Frother
Why it made the cut: Straightforward design that’s easy to clean. Specs:
Type: Hand-pumpMaterial: PlasticCapacity: 12 ounces
Pros
Dishwasher safeNo plug or batteries requiredCan foam cold milk
Cons
Takes more time than an electric option
The Ninja Coffee Bar Easy Frother features a design that’s meant for convenience, with an affordable price tag and no-frills design. The glass container is microwave-safe, so you can warm milk directly in the frother. A sturdy build lets you put muscle power behind the plunger without damaging it. And while hand-pumping your milk will take more effort than an electric option, it gives you more control of what level of froth you achieve. Finally, the whole thing is dishwasher safe, taking cleanup out of your hands.
Best milk frother on a budget: Bosenkitchen Electric Milk Frother
Why it made the cut: Crafting a signature latte doesn’t need to be difficult. This affordable pick from Bosenkitchen is fast, reliable, and easy to use and clean. Specs:
Type: Motorized whiskMaterial: Steel, plastic Batteries: 2 AA
Pros
Lightweight and compactMost affordable optionFroths quickly
Cons
Batteries required
The Bosenkitchen Electric Milk Frother features a BPA-free shaft and high-speed rotation of the stainless steel whisk. It runs off of two AA batteries and gets the frothing done in under a minute. It’s designed to mix and foam all kinds of drinks, not just milk. One-handed operation of the on/off button leaves you free to hold your drink or make additions to it while you froth.
Final thoughts on shopping for the best milk frother
The best milk frothers don’t waste time in creating a bubbly addition for tea, coffee, and other drinks. Whether you choose to add a countertop machine or a small tool to the kitchen drawer, there’s a frother out there that will complete your morning drink. Personal taste and preference make a difference in terms of the model that will work best for you. Everything from the kinds of drinks you enjoy and how often you make them helps to determine whether a simple or sophisticated frother is best for you.
